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Cookeville, TN

Cookeville public meetings in 2025

48 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Mon Dec 22, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to review annexation and several subdivision plats

The Planning Commission will consider the annexation of the Dodson Branch area and a rezoning request on North Willow Avenue. The body will also review final plats for residential developments on Mine Lick Creek Road and Neal Street/East Veterans Drive.

zoningannexationresidential-developmentcommercial-zoningland-use
✓ Decided: Planning Commission unanimously approved rezoning of North Willow Ave property

The commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the November 24 meeting, both unanimously. It gave conditional 90‑day approvals to the final plats for River Ranch Phase I and Highbury Phase III, each vote unanimous. The rezoning of a North Willow Avenue parcel from RM‑8 to CL was approved unanimously. The commission also scheduled a public hearing to review the Dodson Branch Annexation area, but no final annexation decision was made.

Thu Dec 18, 2025

City Council

Council considers $25 million in bonds for new rehabilitation hospital

The City Council will discuss the construction and operation of a rehabilitation hospital via a joint venture with Encompass Health Corporation. The meeting includes a public hearing on the Urban Growth Boundary and a budget amendment for Animal Control. Other items include a rezoning request and various infrastructure projects.

healthcarezoningbudgetroadseconomic-development
Thu Dec 11, 2025

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board will vote on two zoning variances for new housing projects

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider and vote on two variance requests. One request seeks two public‑street access points for the Upper Cumberland Christian Home multi‑family development of 50 or more units on State Street (Tax Map 054, Parcel 086.02). The second request seeks to reduce the minimum lot size from 10,000 sq ft to 9,241 sq ft for a duplex at 348 South Walnut Avenue (Tax Map 053‑J, Group F, Parcel 008.00). The agenda and the minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting will also be approved.

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✓ Decided: Approved variance reducing lot size for duplex at 348 South Walnut Avenue

The Board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting, both unanimously. It postponed the variance request for additional street access at the Upper Cumberland Christian Homes development until the January 8, 2026 meeting. It approved a variance to lower the minimum lot size to 9,241 sq ft for a duplex at 348 South Walnut Avenue, also unanimously.

Thu Dec 4, 2025

City Council

Council to hold public hearings on Urban Growth Boundary and rezoning

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding the Urban Growth Boundary and the rezoning of 208 E. Stevens Street. Members will also consider a property purchase at 180 Miller Road and a budget amendment for the Animal Control Fund.

zoningland-usebudgetpublic-hearingsreal-estate
Mon Nov 24, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Planning Commission unanimously approves Morris Hills final plat and Baron Court closure

The commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the October 27, 2025 meeting. It approved the resubmitted preliminary plat for the 67‑lot Liberty Subdivision. It gave conditional 90‑day approval to the final plat for the 12‑lot Morris Hills Division and approved the revised closure and abandonment of a portion of Baron Court. The proposed amendment to the zoning code for subdividing commercial units was referred back for further study.

Thu Nov 20, 2025

City Council

City Council sets dates for public hearings on Urban Growth Boundary amendments

The council will consider an amendment to the hotel/motel tax, set dates for public hearings on proposed Urban Growth Boundary changes, and approve the purchase of three Chevrolet Silverado trucks. It will also review resolutions urging state legislative action on sober living homes, annexation by majority property owner consent, and restoration of historic revenue sharing, as well as bids for sewer and water projects and a new postage meter lease.

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✓ Decided: City Council approved a new hotel/motel tax ordinance amendment

The council adopted Ordinance #025-11-21, updating the city’s hotel/motel tax code. It also approved a consent agenda that set dates for urban growth boundary hearings, awarded a catering contract, declared water meters surplus, and authorized purchase of three Chevrolet Silverado trucks. Several resolutions were adopted, including requests to the state legislature on sober‑living home regulation, annexation by property‑owner consent, and restoration of historic sales‑tax revenue sharing. Additional actions included approving a new postage‑meter lease, awarding bids for sewer and water line projects, and approving an engineering contract amendment for the South Jefferson Avenue road widening.

Thu Nov 13, 2025

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board will decide a special exception for a private recycling center at 20 CC Camp Rd

The Board will consider and vote on the agenda and the minutes from the October 9, 2025 meeting. It will review a special‑exception request to allow a private recycling center in the Light Manufacturing (LM) zoning district on 20 CC Camp Road (Tax Map 054‑D, Parcel 033.01) submitted by Jack States for Sparrow Ventures Group. The Board will also consider a variance request to reduce the minimum lot width from 75 feet to 71.46 feet for three proposed lots at 1701 Womack Avenue (Tax Map 040‑F, Parcel 020.00) submitted by Jeremiah Wheet.

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✓ Decided: Board approves recycling center exception and lot‑width variance

The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved its agenda and the minutes from the October 9 meeting. It also approved a special exception to allow a private recycling center at 20 CC Camp Road within the Light Manufacturing district. Additionally, the board unanimously approved a variance reducing the minimum lot width at the setback line for three proposed lots at 1701 Womack Avenue.

🏢 Building at this address: 4 m tall
Thu Nov 6, 2025

City Council

Council to hear rezoning of 208 E. Stevens St to Local Commercial

The Cookeville City Council meeting on November 6, 2025 includes several public hearings and contract approvals. A public hearing is set for December 4, 2025 to consider Ordinance #O25-11-20 rezoning 208 E. Stevens Street from Single‑Family and Duplex Residential (RD) to Local Commercial (CL). The council will also hear first‑reading proposals to amend the zoning code for commercial unit subdivision (Ordinance #O25-10-18), close a portion of Baron Court (Ordinance #O25-10-19), and consider contracts for ERP software, a Microsoft 365 subscription, steel poles, and a Medicare Advantage plan renewal.

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✓ Decided: Council approved rezoning hearing, ERP contracts, tax ordinance and more

The Cookeville City Council approved an amended agenda and a consent agenda that set a public hearing for a rezoning, renewed a Microsoft 365 subscription and awarded a steel‑pole bid. The council sent a zoning‑code amendment back to the Planning Commission, adopted a resolution to move toward a referendum on the Dodson Branch Road annexation, and approved a hotel/motel tax amendment. It also authorized the City Manager to execute an ERP software contract and a Phase III ERP consulting contract, and renewed the city’s Medicare Advantage Plan.

⚠️ EPA compliance flag nearby: FICOSA NORTH AMERICA CORPORATION (Violation Identified)
🏢 Building at this address: 5 m tall
Mon Oct 27, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to consider rezoning and urban growth boundary update

The Planning Commission will review several preliminary plat extensions and a rezoning request for East Stevens Street. The body will also study updates to the City of Cookeville’s Urban Growth Boundary.

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✓ Decided: Rezoning of 208 East Stevens St approved, changing it to local commercial

The Planning Commission approved the agenda and September minutes unanimously. It approved six‑month extensions for several preliminary plats, conditionally approved a right‑of‑way variance for the Ann Murphy Breeding Division, approved the rezoning of 208 East Stevens Street from residential to local commercial, denied a request to close and abandon a portion of the right‑of‑way at 348 South Walnut Avenue, and approved a study to update the city’s Urban Growth Boundary.

🏢 Building at this address: 6 m tall
Thu Oct 16, 2025

City Council

Council to amend zoning code on waste containers and driveway surfacing

The Cookeville City Council will consider two ordinances that amend the Zoning Code: one changes rules for garbage and waste containers, and the other updates driveway surfacing requirements for single‑family residential districts. The council will also act on several contracts and bids, including a bulk de‑icing salt purchase, a bid for HVAC units for the Cane Creek Gymnasium, and an easement for Upper Cumberland Electric on the water plant property. Additional items include resolutions for matching grant programs and a limited Phase II environmental site assessment for the 39 Depot Property.

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✓ Decided: City Council approves multiple ordinances, contracts and grant programs

The Cookeville City Council approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the October 2 meeting. It adopted two zoning ordinance amendments, approved a consent agenda covering purchases and a grant balance change, and authorized several contracts and grant participation resolutions. All actions passed with three ayes and two members absent.

Tue Oct 14, 2025

Historic Zoning Commission

Commission to vote on minutes and a deck addition certificate at 531 N Dixie Ave

The Cookeville Historic Zoning Commission will consider approving the minutes from its July 8, 2025 meeting. It will also consider a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new deck/patio addition requested by Brent Staton at 531 North Dixie Avenue in the North Dixie Avenue Historic District. Additionally, the commission will recognize Ralph’s Donut Shop for its placement on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Thu Oct 9, 2025

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board to rule on 29-foot front-yard setback variance at 540 Ruby Lane

The Board of Zoning Appeals will first approve the meeting agenda. It will then approve the minutes from the September 11, 2025 meeting. Finally, the board will consider a variance request to reduce the front-yard setback from 30 feet to 1 foot—a 29-foot reduction—for a commercial structure at 540 Ruby Lane (Tax Map 053-M, Group B, Parcel 023.01), which was postponed at the September meeting.

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✓ Decided: Board approves 4‑foot front‑yard setback variance for 540 Ruby Lane

The Board of Zoning Appeals met on October 9, 2025, and unanimously approved the agenda and the September 11, 2025 minutes. After reviewing a revised proposal, the board unanimously approved a variance reducing the front‑yard setback from 30 feet to 26 feet for a commercial structure at 540 Ruby Lane. The decision follows staff recommendation and addresses concerns raised by a neighboring property owner.

Thu Oct 2, 2025

City Council

City Council to hold public hearing on zoning amendment for garbage containers

The Cookeville City Council will consider routine agenda items, honor retiring staff, and approve prior meeting minutes. It will set dates for public hearings on two zoning amendments and hold hearings on two new zoning ordinances, a highway safety grant contract, a tree‑planting grant, a sewer project, a transformer purchase, railroad funding support, and a property acquisition. All items are listed for discussion or decision at the October 2 meeting.

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✓ Decided: Council approved the Rebecca Place Low Pressure Sewer System Project

The Cookeville City Council adopted a resolution honoring retiring Leisure Services Director Rick Woods and approved the meeting agenda. It passed two zoning code amendments on first reading, one for garbage containers and another for driveway surfacing. The council also authorized a highway safety grant contract, a tree‑planting grant application, and the purchase of a property at 337 N. Cedar Ave. Finally, it awarded the bid for the 2025 Rebecca Place Low Pressure Sewer System Project.

Mon Sep 22, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to consider variance for flag lot on North Dixie Avenue

The Cookeville Planning Commission will vote on a variance request and final plat for two lots on North Dixie Avenue. It will also consider a request to close a portion of Baron Court and an amendment to the Zoning Code concerning subdivision of commercial units. Two study items will be reviewed: rezoning of 208 East Stevens Street and a request to close and declare surplus a portion of the right‑of‑way at 348 South Walnut Avenue.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission approves zoning amendment for commercial unit subdivisions

The commission unanimously approved a six‑month extension of the preliminary plat for four lots at 214 West Jere Whitson Avenue. It also approved a variance and final plat for a flag lot on North Dixie Avenue, and authorized the closure of an additional 172.36 feet of Baron Court. The commission adopted amendments to Zoning Code Sections 221.3 and 222.3 to allow individual commercial unit subdivisions, accepted two items for study, and set October 20 as the date for the Comprehensive Plan update.

⚠️ EPA compliance flag nearby: FICOSA NORTH AMERICA CORPORATION (Violation Identified)
🏢 Building at this address: 5 m tall
Thu Sep 18, 2025

City Council

Council will vote on rezoning two properties and removing drive‑thru permits

The Cookeville City Council will consider several ordinances on September 18, including a change to the zoning code that eliminates drive‑thru restaurants in the Neighborhood Commercial district. It will also vote on rezoning 1630 Blackwell Road from Light Manufacturing to Commercial‑Industrial Mixed Use and 2034 West Broad Street from Commercial‑Industrial Mixed Use to Local Commercial. Additional items include authorizing street access points for the Fairgrounds and a bus garage, awarding a bid for 20,000 ft of 350‑triplex wire, and approving a professional services agreement with ASA Engineering for the 39 Depot Area master plan.

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✓ Decided: City Council approves $430,000 master plan contract for 39 Depot Area

The council approved several ordinances, including updates to credit‑card payment rules, removal of drive‑through restaurants from the Neighborhood Commercial district, rezoning of two properties, and new street access points. It also approved a professional services agreement with ASA Engineering & Consulting for up to $430,000. One rezoning ordinance was postponed until January 15, 2026.

Thu Sep 11, 2025

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board to consider drive‑through lane variance for 1151 South Willow Ave

The Board of Zoning Appeals will review a variance request to allow a restaurant drive‑through at 1151 South Willow Avenue that seeks a bypass lane narrower than the required 12 feet. It will also consider a front‑yard setback variance for a commercial building at 540 Ruby Lane and a special‑exception request for a childcare center at 135 West 2nd Street. Agenda and minutes approvals are routine items.

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✓ Decided: Board approved variance for Willow Ave drive‑through with 12‑ft lane requirement

The Board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from August 14, 2025. It approved a variance for 1151 South Willow Avenue, requiring a 12‑foot bypass lane and signage. The variance request for 540 Ruby Lane’s front‑yard setback was postponed to the October 9 meeting.

Thu Sep 4, 2025

City Council

City Council to vote on zoning changes, contracts, and public hearings

The Cookeville City Council will meet to decide on several zoning ordinances, approve contracts for electrical equipment and services, and hold public hearings on rezoning and street access. The agenda includes first readings of ordinances and potential approvals of bids for transformers, wire, and meters.

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✓ Decided: City Council approved a 5‑year Versaterm drone‑management contract

The council approved the consent agenda, which included multiple energy department bids and uniform purchases. It also approved several ordinances and contracts, including a 5‑year Versaterm drone‑management agreement for the Police Department, a contract with Tays Realty for internet‑only firearm auctions, and a change order to close out the 10th Street Widening Project. All actions were adopted with recorded votes, most unanimously.

Mon Aug 25, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to consider three Zoning Code amendments

The Planning Commission will discuss amendments to the Zoning Code regarding dumpster details, residential driveway surfacing, and the subdivision of commercial suites. The body will also review several plat extensions and a right-of-way variance.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission unanimously approves multiple plats, a variance, and zoning code updates

The commission approved the meeting agenda and July 28 minutes without dissent. It granted six‑month extensions for three preliminary plats, approved a right‑of‑way variance for the Elmore Trust commercial subdivision, and gave conditional approval to the Western Hills residential final plat. The commission also adopted amendments to the zoning code’s dumpster requirements and related illustration.

🏢 Building at this address: 3 m tall
Thu Aug 21, 2025

City Council

Council considers rezoning on Bill Smith Road and Buffalo Valley Road bridge project

The Cookeville City Council will vote on a rezoning request for property on Bill Smith Road and a proposal with TDOT for the Buffalo Valley Road Bridge Project. The body will also consider several police and public works contracts and a grant application for the Fire Department.

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✓ Decided: City Council rezoned Bill Smith Road parcel to RS-10

The council approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the August 7 meeting. It adopted Ordinance #025-07-11 rezoning a Bill Smith Road parcel from RS-20 to RS-10. The council also approved the consent agenda, adopted a bridge‑project resolution, authorized a hazardous‑materials grant, and approved several change orders and an emergency pump purchase.

Thu Aug 14, 2025

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board considers variance requests for residential setbacks and multi-family access

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider approving three variance requests: reducing rear yard setbacks for two single-family homes, reducing side yard setbacks for a pool deck, and allowing a single access point for a multi-family development.

zoningvarianceresidentialsetbacksdevelopmentashbury-farmsboard-of-zoning-appeals
✓ Decided: Board approves rear‑yard setback variance and postpones drive‑through lane request

The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the July 10, 2025 minutes. It approved a variance to reduce the rear‑yard setback from 30 ft to 10 ft for 3900 Stonewall Drive. The request for a bypass lane variance for a drive‑through at 1151 South Willow Avenue was postponed to the September 11, 2025 meeting.

Thu Aug 7, 2025

City Council

City Council to consider zoning changes and equipment purchases

The City Council will discuss several rezoning requests and a zoning code amendment regarding drive-thru restaurants. The body is also considering multiple equipment purchases for the Energy and Public Works departments and a contract change order for pickleball courts.

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✓ Decided: City Council approved a 5% salary increase for City Manager James Mills

The council unanimously approved the amended agenda, the July 17 meeting minutes, and the consent agenda that set public‑hearing dates for four zoning ordinances. It also approved the first reading of Ordinance #0‑25‑07‑11 to rezone Bill Smith Road, a change order for the pickleball‑court construction project, and a 5% salary increase for City Manager James Mills.

Mon Jul 28, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to consider zoning changes for drive-thru restaurants

The Planning Commission will review several rezoning requests and a proposed amendment to allow drive-thru restaurants in Neighborhood Commercial Districts. The body will also consider plat approvals and extensions for various residential developments.

zoningrezoningland-usecommercial-developmentresidential-development
✓ Decided: Commission approved a flag‑lot variance and final plat for Waverly East.

The Planning Commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from June 23, 2025, both unanimously. It also approved a six‑month extension of the preliminary plat for the Turnberry Subdivision on Hawkins Crawford Road. The commission unanimously approved a variance for a flag lot and the final plat for the two‑lot Waverly East subdivision on South Walnut Avenue. A proposal to remove drive‑through restaurants from the Neighborhood Commercial zoning district was discussed but no vote was recorded.

Thu Jul 17, 2025

City Council

City Council to consider annexation of Dodson Branch Road area

The Cookeville City Council will discuss the proposed annexation of the Dodson Branch Road area and a formal policy for public applications to City Boards and Commissions. The body will also review several equipment purchases and contract payments.

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✓ Decided: City Council adopts board‑application policy and approves annexation hearing plan

The council approved its agenda and the July 3, 2025 meeting minutes, appointed Jay Albrecht to the Regional Medical Center Board, and reappointed Douglas Airhart and Sid Bundy to the Tree Board. It approved the consent agenda covering multiple procurement items. The council adopted a new policy for public applications to city boards (Resolution R25‑07‑11) and approved a plan for a public hearing on the Dodson Branch Road annexation (Resolution R25‑06‑09). It also authorized the city manager to negotiate a change order for the pickleball court project.

Thu Jul 10, 2025

Board of Zoning Appeals

Cookeville Board of Zoning Appeals to review four variance requests

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider several requests for zoning variances, including setback reductions for residential projects and access requirements for a multi-family development. The board will also review an appeal regarding a denied building permit for a pavilion.

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✓ Decided: Board approves three residential variances and a multi‑family access variance

The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the June 12, 2025 minutes. It then approved a variance to reduce the side‑yard setback at 125 East 4th Street from 10 ft to 6 ft. A second variance was approved to reduce the rear‑yard setback at 634 Longstreet Drive from 30 ft to 13 ft. Finally, the Board approved a variance allowing the 50th townhome in the Ashbury Farms Phase I development to be built with only one public‑street access point.

Tue Jul 8, 2025

Historic Zoning Commission

Commission to review deck addition at 531 North Dixie Avenue

The Historic Zoning Commission will consider a Certificate of Appropriateness for a residential addition. The body will also review minutes from the April 8, 2025, meeting.

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✓ Decided: Historic Zoning Commission denies certificate for deck addition

The commission approved the minutes from the July 8, 2025 meeting unanimously. It denied the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for a covered deck/patio addition at 531 North Dixie Avenue. The denial motion was made by Peter Metts, seconded by Susan Vandergriff, and carried unanimously.

Thu Jul 3, 2025

City Council

Council to consider zoning amendment for drive-thru restaurants

The City Council will hold a public hearing on an amendment to allow drive-thru restaurants as a special exception in Neighborhood Commercial Districts. The body is also reviewing several vehicle and equipment purchases for police, public works, and energy departments.

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✓ Decided: Council sent drive‑thru restaurant ordinance back to Planning Commission

The council approved the amended agenda, reappointed Eric Cherry to the Environmental Appeals Board and Megan Atkinson to the Historic Zoning Commission, and approved the consent agenda covering numerous purchases and contracts. It amended Ordinance #0 25‑06‑10, sending it back to the Planning Commission for further review, and approved a fund transfer to the TN Central Rail Trail Authority along with several contract authorizations.

Mon Jun 23, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to review annexation of 269 acres on Dodson Branch Road

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the annexation and Plan of Services for the Dodson Branch Annexation Area. The body will also consider several preliminary and final plats for residential subdivisions and two rezoning requests.

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✓ Decided: Commission conditionally approves five residential plats and approves Creek Side

The Planning Commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from May 19, 2025 unanimously. It approved the resubmitted preliminary plat for Creek Side (nine lots on Holder Avenue) unanimously. It conditionally approved the preliminary plat for Watts Family Townhomes, the revised preliminary plat for Maple Heritage Homes Subdivision, the revised preliminary plat for Ashbury Farms Phase I, and the final plat for Timberwalk Subdivision Phase V, each with a unanimous vote.

Thu Jun 19, 2025

City Council

Cookeville City Council to consider annual budget and tax levy

The City Council will hold public hearings and consider final readings for the city's annual budget and the property tax levy for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The body will also consider the budget for Cookeville Regional Medical Center and several city appointments.

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✓ Decided: Council approved multiple appointments and key budget and tax levy ordinances

The Cookeville City Council unanimously approved appointments for City Attorney, City Judge, Special Judge, a seat on the Industrial Development Board, and a reappointment to the Putnam County Library Board. It also adopted the annual budget for Cookeville Regional Medical Center and a city tax levy for fiscal year 2026. Additionally, the council increased the City Judge's monthly salary to $1,000.

Thu Jun 12, 2025

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals to consider four variance requests

The Board of Zoning Appeals will review requests for parking reductions and setback variances for residential and commercial properties. The meeting includes a request to significantly reduce parking requirements at 707 Mahler Avenue.

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✓ Decided: Board unanimously approves five zoning variances, including major parking reduction

The Board of Zoning Appeals approved the meeting agenda and the April 10 minutes without opposition. It then approved three separate variance requests for residential properties, reducing rear yard setbacks at 941 Stonebridge Circle and 62 Womack Avenue. Finally, it granted a commercial parking variance that cuts the required spaces from 36 to 12 for the Cookeville Pizza & Pub at 707 Mahler Avenue, all votes unanimous.

Thu Jun 5, 2025

City Council

Cookeville City Council to consider FY 2025-2026 annual budget

The City Council will hold public hearings on the annual budget for the city and Cookeville Regional Medical Center. The body is also considering a tax levy for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and a property purchase on Depot Street, South Cedar, and South Oak Avenues.

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✓ Decided: Council approved FY 2025 budget amendment adding $3.5M property purchase

The Cookeville City Council unanimously approved the agenda, reappointed two members to the Industrial Development Board, and adopted a fiscal‑year 2025 budget amendment that adds a $3.5 million property purchase. The council also approved a consent agenda declaring surplus vehicles, adopted the Cookeville Regional Medical Center budget, and passed a tax‑levy ordinance for FY 2026. A resolution to consider annexation was postponed to July 17, 2025, and a resolution authorizing a property‑purchase contract was adopted.

Mon May 19, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to consider annexation of 252-acre Dodson Branch area

The Cookeville Planning Commission meets on May 19 to consider several subdivision plats, a zoning code amendment for drive-thru restaurants, and a public hearing on annexation of 42 parcels totaling 252.74 acres on Dodson Branch Road. Study items include a 12-lot townhome plat and a rezoning on Bill Smith Road. The commission will also vote on consent agenda items including plat extensions for Liberty Subdivision and Emerald Forest Estates.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission unanimously approves zoning amendment for drive‑thru restaurants

The commission approved a six‑month extension of the Liberty Subdivision preliminary plat and the resubmittal of the Emerald Forest Estates preliminary plat. It gave conditional 90‑day approvals to the final plats for the Michael Cunningham South Jefferson Avenue development and the West Side Connection RAO development. The commission also approved an amendment to the zoning code to allow drive‑through restaurants on appeal in the Neighborhood Commercial district.

Thu May 15, 2025

City Council

Council considers $13 million loan for new CRMC rehabilitation hospital

The Cookeville City Council will discuss budget amendments for fiscal year 2025 and the purchase of 5.07 acres of property on Depot Street, South Cedar, and South Oak Avenues. The body is also considering authorizations for a new inpatient rehabilitation hospital at CRMC.

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✓ Decided: City Council approved purchase of 5.07 acres downtown from HCA Health Services

The council approved Ordinance #025-05-04 amending the FY 2025 budget. It adopted Resolution #R25-05-07 to issue tax‑exempt bonds for Vanderbilt University Medical Center. It approved a contract to purchase approximately 5.07 acres of property from HCA Health Services. It awarded the Phase II bid for the East Spring Street Multimodal Sidewalk Project and authorized CRMC to borrow up to $13,000,000 for a new inpatient rehabilitation hospital.

Thu May 1, 2025

City Council

Cookeville City Council to hold public hearing on 2025 budget amendment

The City Council will hold a public hearing and consider a first reading of an ordinance to amend the fiscal year 2025 budget. The body is also reviewing several infrastructure bids and park improvement contracts.

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✓ Decided: City Council approved first reading of ordinance amending FY2025 budget

The council unanimously approved the agenda amendment that removed a Steelhead change‑order item. It then approved the consent agenda covering several energy and vehicle items. The council adopted Ordinance #025-05-04 amending the fiscal year 2025 budget on first reading. Additional actions included awarding the Interstate Drive water‑line bid, approving a CPAC/Dogwood Park retaining‑wall change order, awarding a Cane Creek park splash‑pad contract, and authorizing land‑repurchase steps for Highlands Business Park.

Mon Apr 28, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to consider rezoning Gibson Avenue property to commercial

The Cookeville Planning Commission will vote on several action items including a rezoning, subdivision plats, and variances. They will also study a potential zoning code amendment for drive-thru restaurants and an annexation plan for Dodson Branch.

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✓ Decided: Commission unanimously gave conditional approvals to several subdivision plats and variances

The Planning Commission approved the meeting agenda and the March 24 minutes by unanimous vote. It also approved six six‑month extensions for preliminary plats of six subdivisions under the consent agenda. By unanimous vote the commission conditionally approved a flag‑lot variance and final plat for Madewell & Springdale, the final plat for Reserves at the Country Club Phase VI, and a flag‑lot variance and final plat for J&S Construction Subdivision.

Thu Apr 17, 2025

City Council

Final votes on rezonings, surplus land for hospital, and street map changes

The Cookeville City Council will hold final votes on three ordinances: amendments to the Official Street Map, and rezoning two properties – one at West Broad Street/Ridgedale Drive from residential to local commercial, and another at 1211 South Jefferson Avenue from regional to general commercial. The council will also consider declaring a portion of 125 Chestnut Avenue as surplus for the Cookeville Regional Medical Center, and take up multiple infrastructure and equipment purchases including engineering services for the East 10th St. Widening Project Phase III, pre-construction services for a new Energy Department headquarters, and various vehicles and surveying equipment.

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✓ Decided: Council unanimously rezoned West Broad St. to local commercial

The Cookeville City Council approved an agenda amendment to fund a safety grant for the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport and declared a portion of 125 Chestnut Avenue surplus. It adopted three ordinances, including a street‑map amendment and two rezoning actions that change land use designations. The council also approved a consent agenda for advanced metering equipment and authorized multiple purchases for public works, including a new brush truck. All actions were approved unanimously.

🏢 Building at this address: 5 m tall
Thu Apr 10, 2025

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board to vote on lot-width variance for two new lots on East 20th Street

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider a variance to reduce the minimum lot width from 75 to 70 feet for two proposed lots at 645 East 20th Street. The board will also vote on approving the agenda and the minutes from the March 13, 2025 meeting. The March minutes previously approved variances for a side-yard setback and a sign location.

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✓ Decided: Board approved a variance to reduce lot width at 645 East 20th St

The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from March 13, 2025. It also unanimously approved a variance request to reduce the required lot width at the setback line from 75 feet to 70.99 feet for two new lots at 645 East 20th Street. No other actions were taken.

Tue Apr 8, 2025

Historic Zoning Commission

Commission to vote on supporting National Register nomination for Ralph's Donut Shop

The Historic Zoning Commission will consider two items: approving the minutes from August 13, 2024, and a resolution to support the nomination of Ralph's Donut Shop at 59 South Cedar Avenue for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The nomination is already under review by the State Review Board. A vote to support would endorse the property's historic recognition.

historic-preservationnational-registerdonut-shopcookevillezoning
✓ Decided: Commission unanimously endorsed Ralph’s Donut Shop for National Register

The commission approved the minutes from the August 13, 2024 meeting unanimously. Members elected Cathy Lamb as chairman and Jenna Hillis as vice‑chairman, also unanimously. The commission fully endorsed the nomination of Ralph’s Donut Shop at 59 South Cedar Avenue for the National Register of Historic Places, as recommended by staff, with a unanimous vote.

Thu Apr 3, 2025

City Council

Council to hold public hearings on two rezonings and surplus property

The Cookeville City Council will hold three public hearings: on rezoning properties on West Broad Street/Ridgedale Drive and South Jefferson Avenue, and on declaring surplus a portion of 125 Chestnut Avenue for the medical center. The consent agenda includes change orders for fire stations, a sidewalk cost agreement, and equipment purchases. New business also covers AI traffic systems, a splashpad, and a playground for Cane Creek Park.

public-hearingzoningsurplus-propertytrafficparksprocurementcity-councilcookeville
✓ Decided: City appoints Martin Ing to Upper Cumberland Regional Airport Board

The council approved the meeting agenda as amended and appointed Martin Ing as the City of Cookeville representative to the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport Board for a three‑year term. It also approved the March 6 minutes, the consent agenda, and first‑reading ordinances for street‑map changes and three rezoning actions. Additionally, the council authorized the City Manager to enter an engineering agreement to replace electrical equipment at City Hall.

🏢 Building at this address: 5 m tall
Mon Mar 24, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to review multiple subdivision plats and one rezoning request

The Planning Commission will consider several preliminary and final plats for residential and commercial developments. The body will also study a request to rezone a property on Gibson Avenue from residential to general commercial.

zoningsubdivisionsland-useresidential-developmentcommercial-development
✓ Decided: Planning Commission conditionally approved Maple Heritage Homes Subdivision preliminary plat

The commission approved the meeting agenda and February minutes unanimously. It adopted the consent agenda, which included the Callie Square resubmittal and Northpointe Preserve extension. The commission then gave conditional approvals, unanimously, to five development plats and accepted a rezoning study item. All actions were recorded as unanimous decisions.

🏢 Building at this address: 5 m tall
Thu Mar 13, 2025

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board to consider setback variance at 595 E 10th St and sign variance at 1400 Salem Rd

The Board of Zoning Appeals will vote on two variance requests: a side yard setback reduction from 10 to 2 feet for an expansion at 595 East 10th Street, and a sign location reduction from 15 to 0 feet for a freestanding sign at 1400 Salem Road. The meeting also includes approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.

zoningvarianceboard-of-zoning-appealscookevilletennesseeside-yard-setbacksign-setback
✓ Decided: Board approves two zoning variances for setback and sign location

The Cookeville Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved two variance requests. The first allows a side yard setback reduction from 10 feet to 2 feet for an expansion at 595 East 10th Street. The second permits a free-standing sign to be placed at the property line at 1400 Salem Road, waiving the 15-foot setback requirement.

Thu Mar 6, 2025

City Council

Council to consider awarding bid for 2025 Mine Lick Creek Road water line project

The Cookeville City Council will vote on awarding a bid for the Mine Lick Creek Road water line project, a contract amendment for the East Spring Street sidewalk project, and a lawn care services contract. They will also set public hearing dates for rezoning properties on West Broad Street/Ridgedale Drive and South Jefferson Avenue, a street map amendment, and declaring surplus property at 125 Chestnut Avenue. Additionally, they will consider abandoning a water tank easement at 1100 South Willow Avenue.

zoningwater-linesidewalkparkslawn-careeasementpublic-hearingscontracts
✓ Decided: Council awards $940K water line project, approves contract amendment

The Cookeville City Council approved a contract amendment with Ragan Smith for rebidding Phase II of the East Spring Street sidewalk project, awarded the 2025 Mine Lick Creek Road Water Line Project to Cleary Construction Inc. for $940,006, adopted Resolution R25-03-03 to abandon a water tank easement, and awarded a lawn care services bid. All votes were unanimous (5-0) except one abstention on the lawn care bid.

Mon Feb 24, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Planning Commission approves rezoning, plats, and street map changes

The Cookeville Planning Commission approved all consent agenda items, including a six-month extension for the Johnny Hammock Division preliminary plat, and withdrew two preliminary plats at the developers' requests. The commission also approved the final plat for Stewart Cemetery Road, two rezoning requests, a surplus property declaration for Cookeville Regional Medical Center, amendments to the Official Street Map, and the 2025 Annual Report & Program Design. All votes were unanimous.

Thu Feb 20, 2025

City Council

Council to consider water treatment plant contract amendment

The Cookeville City Council will meet to consider several items including a contract amendment for the Water Treatment Plant Expansion Project, a sewer extension agreement with Cookeville I, LLC on Mine Lick Creek Road, and awarding a bid for the 2025 South Creek Area Low Pressure Sewer Project. The council will also hold a public hearing on the annual progress report for multiple annexation areas. Additionally, items include awarding bids for paving and gas line installations, declaring surplus equipment, and a special appropriation for lighting improvements at Leslie Town Centre.

city-councilwater-treatmentsewerannexationpublic-hearinginfrastructurepavinggas-line
✓ Decided: Council approves $15K lighting fix, $20K FY26 budget for Leslie Town Centre

The Cookeville City Council approved a $15,000 special appropriation to the Public Building Authority for lighting improvements at the Leslie Town Centre, and also included a $20,000 appropriation in the FY 2026 budget for the same purpose. The council directed staff to coordinate with the PBA to evaluate future repair needs for the budget process. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

Thu Feb 13, 2025

Board of Zoning Appeals

BZA to consider three variances, including parking reduction on East 10th St.

The Board of Zoning Appeals will elect a chairman and vice chairman, then consider three variance requests. The requests include a material variance for an accessory structure at 2678 Lee Seminary Road, a side yard setback variance at 528 North Walnut Avenue, and a parking reduction variance on East 10th Street.

zoningvariancesboard-of-zoning-appealscookeville-tennesseepublic-hearingproperty-variance
✓ Decided: BZA approves three variances including corrugated metal garage

The Board of Zoning Appeals approved all three variance requests on the agenda. They approved a variance to allow a corrugated metal accessory structure over 400 square feet at 2678 Lee Seminary Road, a variance to reduce the street-side setback from 30 to 27 feet (plus an 18-inch overhang) at 528 North Walnut Avenue, and a variance to reduce parking requirements from 29 to 26 spaces for a commercial development on East 10th Street. All votes were unanimous.

Thu Feb 6, 2025

City Council

Council to reject bid for East Spring Street sidewalk project, authorize rebid

The Cookeville City Council will consider rejecting the bid for Phase II of the East Spring Street Multi-Modal Sidewalk Project and authorizing a rebid. Other actions include approving a vehicle purchase, awarding transformer bids, and a change order for an ADA ramp at the pickleball courts. The council will also receive a financial report covering July through December 2024 and consider reappointments to the Architectural Design Review Board.

city-councilprocurementsidewalksparksada-accessibilityappointmentsfinancial-report
✓ Decided: Council rejects East Spring Street sidewalk bid, authorizes rebid

The Cookeville City Council voted unanimously to reject the sole responsive bid for Phase II of the East Spring Street Multi-Modal Sidewalk Project and authorized a rebid. They also approved a $10,261.41 change order for an ADA ramp at the pickleball courts, reappointed three members to the Architectural Design Review Board, and approved the consent agenda including a vehicle purchase and transformer bid. The council received the city's financial report for July-December 2024.

Mon Jan 27, 2025

Planning Commission

Commission to vote on Nelson Townhomes plat and two commercial rezonings

The Cookeville Planning Commission will vote on the revised Nelson Townhomes preliminary plat and a right-of-way variance for Southland Heights. Two large preliminary plats, West End Neighborhood Phase IV and Big Oak Tree Commons, were postponed to the February 24 meeting. The commission will also study rezoning requests for properties on West Broad Street and South Jefferson Avenue.

zoningplanninghousingrezoningsubdivisions
✓ Decided: Planning Commission approves variance, townhome plat, and study items

The Cookeville Planning Commission approved a right-of-way variance for a two-lot subdivision at 325 Highland Avenue, approved the revised Nelson Townhomes final RAO and preliminary plat, and accepted four items for study. Two preliminary plats were postponed to the February 24 meeting. All votes were unanimous.

Thu Jan 16, 2025

City Council

Council to consider bids for West Stevens Street improvement, Cane Creek Park expansion

The Cookeville City Council will vote on awarding bids for the West Stevens Street Improvement Project Phase 1 and the Cane Creek Park Expansion project. Other actions include approving a cyber security insurance renewal, purchasing police communications equipment, and authorizing an amendment to gas contracts. The council will also honor retiring Police Chief Randy Evans and receive reports on the FY 2024 audit and water treatment plant debt.

council-meetingcookevilletennesseepoliceinfrastructureparkspublic-worksenergy
✓ Decided: Council approves Cane Creek Park expansion, West Stevens Street project

The Cookeville City Council approved a bid for the Cane Creek Park Expansion project, including alternate #1 (paving the entire trail) and alternate #3 (adding new 5' chain link fencing), and authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with HD Commercial. The council also awarded the bid for the West Stevens Street Improvement Project, Phase 1, from Hughes Street to Willow Avenue, to Rogers Group Inc. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

Thu Jan 9, 2025

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board to consider two variance requests for 7-11 Speedway at 777 S. Jefferson Ave.

The Cookeville Board of Zoning Appeals will meet to consider two variance requests for a 7-11 Speedway property at 777 South Jefferson Avenue. The first request seeks a variance to allow portions of parking areas to exceed the 5% grade limit. The second request seeks a variance to allow a driveway width of 50 feet, exceeding the maximum allowed. The board will also approve the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.

zoningvarianceparking-lot-gradesdriveway-widthcommercialboard-of-zoning-appealscookeville
✓ Decided: Board grants two variances for 7-11 Speedway parking and driveway

The Board of Zoning Appeals approved two variance requests for the property at 777 South Jefferson Avenue, submitted by Melissa Chavez of the Dimension Group on behalf of 7-11 Speedway, LLC. The first variance allows portions of parking areas to exceed the 5% grade limit, and the second allows a driveway width of 50 feet, exceeding the maximum. The agenda and minutes from December 12, 2024, were also approved.