By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–At a short meeting Thursday evening, the Paris Municipal Regional Planning Commission continued its moratorium on the development of more portable building sales within the city limits until more research on the issue is completed.
At a prior meeting, City Manager Kim Foster noted there currently are some eight such businesses, with more planning to open, and that there is no mention of such sales in the city’s planning regulations. She asked planners whether the city should limit such sales to certain zones.
City Community Development Director Jessica Crouch said existing businesses are currently in three different zones: PB (planned business), B-1 (highway commercial district) and M-1 (manufacturing district).
Staff has received multiple inquiries and observed increased interest in the sale and display of portable buildings and the buildings are often used for storage, temporary offices or auxiliary commercial functions. The city’s current Table of Uses does not clearly identify portable building sales as a permitted or conditional use in any zoning district.
At the earlier meeting, Foster made clear that none of the existing businesses would be affected by any action the city may take on the issue.
In other business:
–The commission approved a site plan from Eric Effinger to develop an additional 3,000 square foot storage building at 473 Mockingbird Lane. Staff recommended approval of the plan as presented, noting it meets all applicable oning and development requirements. The property is zoned B-1 (Highway Commercial) and the proposed use is consistent with the permitted uses in this zoning district.
–The commission approved a rezoning request for property at 109 N. Lake St. from B-1 to Residential. The Paris City Commission approved the request on first reading last week and forwarded it to the planning commission for its action. It will come before the October City Commission meeting.
–The commission approved a rezoning request for 26 Mimosa Dr. It currently is zoned P-B (Planned commercial) and they are requesting it be rezoned Resident (R-3H for multi-family). The city commission had approved and recommended its rezoning, along with the adjacent vacant lot on North Poplar St. The request will come before the October City Commission meeting for second reading.