Rutherford County might be taking its first step toward a county-wide land-use plan. The county’s planning commission takes up a proposal Monday night.
The cities of Smyrna and Murfreesboro already have land-use plans in effect. Now county officials say they’re trying to prepare for the next 20 years of growth outside of cities.
Doug Demosi directs the Planning Commission. He says the proposal maps out the best locations for corporate offices, small businesses and subdivisions, but he doesn’t expect it to prompt more expansion.
“I wouldn’t exactly consider this an economic tool. The purpose of this document is really to guide the development as it’s coming in, so we can have an idea of where it is we want to grow and the steps necessary to make that happen.”
Demosi says the land-use plan will evaluate the availability of water and sewer lines, as well as other utilities, to help regulate growth. For now, the plan calls for a limit of one house per acre in rural areas because of a lack of roads and infrastructure.
Some rural residents have asked for greater density – allowing three subdivision homes per acre – in order to preserve open space around neighborhoods. Demosi says the planning commission is considering that option.
A public hearing on the land-use proposal begins Monday at 6 pm. The planning commission will then either recommend changes or vote to adopt it.
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