Rutherford County approves rezoning for Mechanics on a Mission to expand vehicle-repair donation program

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners voted to approve rezoning request REZ26-001 on Feb. 12, 2026, allowing Our Church Ministries'affiliate Mechanics on a Mission to operate vehicle repair and sales activities at 6742 and 6752 Old Nashville Highway.

Doug DeMasi, Rutherford County planning director, told the commission the application seeks to change the property's zoning from Commercial Service and Residential Medium to Commercial General to permit car sales in addition to repair operations. He said the applicant provided a concept plan and staff advised that any car storage must be on a paved surface and that an engineered site plan will be required prior to development.

Brian Sweat, executive director of Mechanics on a Mission, described the ministry's work as repairing and donating vehicles to veterans, single parents and others in need. "We bought the property last year and proceeded to clean up all the property," Sweat said, adding that in 2025 the group gave away about 100 cars and completed more than 250 repairs.

Commissioner Hall moved to approve the rezoning after the public hearing; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The planning director said the site is not being processed as a plan development now, so the concept plan is illustrative and an engineered site plan will be required before construction.

What happens next: the applicant must submit an engineered site plan demonstrating proper access, landscaping, screening and performance standards. County staff noted buffering, screening and paved parking requirements described in the staff report.

The public hearing record included only the applicant and no speakers opposed to the request.