Metropolitan Council Committee: Planning & Zoning - 2025-12-15
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Metropolitan Council Planning & Zoning Committee recommended approval of a license agreement with Powers Management LLC (Nashville Predators) to operate the Centennial Sportsplex ice rinks, with amendments protecting legacy user rates and access. The committee also advanced BL2025-1006, which restricts building heights to 2.5 stories/35 feet in single-family and two-family residential zones (with an exemption for the downtown interstate loop), and approved a development agreement for a Tennessee Performing Arts Center facility on the East Bank Stadium campus.
Key Decisions (5)
Centennial Sportsplex License Agreement with Nashville Predators
BL2025-1118 authorizes Powers Management LLC (Nashville Predators) to operate ice skating rinks at Centennial Sportsplex at 222 25th Avenue North. Amendment preserves legacy user rates frozen until July 2027, with maximum 3% annual increases thereafter, and guarantees continued ice access for legacy users and public community use.
TPAC East Bank Development Agreement
BL2025-1150 authorizes execution of development agreement and ground lease with Tennessee Performing Arts Center Management Corporation for a performing arts facility on the East Bank Stadium campus. Amendments ensure pedestrian bridge access during construction and Waseoto Park remains open.
Residential Height Restrictions in R and RS Zoning Districts
BL2025-1006 amends zoning code to limit building height to 2.5 stories/35 feet in single-family (RS) and one/two-family (R) residential zoning districts below R-40/RS-40. Also simplifies conditions for two-family dwellings in AG, AR2a, and various R districts. Amendment 3 exempts properties within the interstate loop (I-65/I-40 downtown core) from height restrictions.
Delayed Implementation of Height Restrictions (Amendment 2)
Council member Coopin's amendment to delay BL2025-1006 implementation until May 31, 2026 was rejected. Concerns raised about builders with plans in progress being surprised by immediate height restrictions.
38-Foot Height Limit with Downtown Exemption (Amendment 6)
Council member Allen's amendment to raise height limit from 35 to 38 feet while maintaining downtown loop exemption was rejected. Proponents argued it would allow greater architectural variety; opponents questioned affordability claims.
Zoning Changes (6)
3839 Murfreesboro Pike, approximately 277 feet north of Old Hickory Boulevard
Styles (sponsor)
4326 Maxwell Road, approximately 150 feet south of Trailwater Drive
Harrell (sponsor)
1704 Arthur Avenue, approximately 100 feet Northwest of Jane Street
Taylor (sponsor)
510 High Street, approximately 275 feet East of Mead Avenue
Welsh (sponsor)
1641 11th Avenue North, corner of 11th Avenue North and Willis Street
Taylor (sponsor)
Various properties West of Old Lebanon Dirt Road and along Old Hickory Boulevard and Central Pike
Huffman, Evans, Eastlake (sponsors)
Development Activity (7)
TPAC East Bank Performing Arts Facility
New performing arts venue requiring alleyway access for production trucks; part of larger East Bank development
Centennial Sportsplex Ice Rink Operations
Private operation of public ice skating facility; includes several million dollars in facility upgrades, deferred maintenance repairs, HVAC improvements affecting entire building including swimming pool area
Mixed Use Development at 3839 Murfreesboro Pike
SP amendment within Murfreesboro Pike urban design overlay district
36 Multifamily Residential Units at Maxwell Road
Rezoning from RS-10 to SP for 36 multifamily residential units
Greenway Improvements at 4400 Harding Pike
Amendment to greenway conservation easement agreement
Greenway Improvements at 4500 Harding Pike
New greenway conservation easement
Martin's Grove Development
New public water and sanitary sewer force mains and fire hydrant assemblies
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Height restriction bill BL2025-1006 reflects strong community opposition to three-story 'tall skinny' homes in established neighborhoods, signaling preference for lower-density contextual development outside downtown core.
Commercial Demand
Nashville Predators investing several million dollars in Centennial Sportsplex upgrades indicates strong demand for ice sports facilities and growing hockey community in Nashville.
Sentiment
Public testimony revealed tension between property rights advocates opposing height restrictions and neighborhood preservation advocates supporting them, with concerns about housing affordability on both sides.
Infrastructure
Multiple greenway conservation easements and water/sewer infrastructure approvals along Harding Pike corridor suggest continued development pressure in that area.
Housing Demand
Council members noted that architects report 35-foot height limits may restrict architectural variety and increase construction costs when builders encounter rock during foundation work.