Soddy-Daisy staff propose Soddy Lake scenic-corridor overlay to limit certain businesses and require open space

City Manager Johnson told the Board of Commissioners and the Municipal Planning Commission on July 25 that staff are preparing a draft ordinance to establish a "Soddy Lake Scenic Corridor" from Tsati Terrace north to Pine Tree Park to preserve the lake’s scenic character and guide future development.

The ordinance would limit certain commercial uses near the lake—Johnson cited exclusions for vape shops, smoke shops and some alternative financial institutions—and encourage design features such as courtyards and green space. "This came about because we want to have nice development within the City," Johnson said, and Planner Kyra Jones said naming the district would "help to create a vision."

Why it matters: the corridor would layer design standards atop existing zoning to shape building orientation, pedestrian access and streetscape appearance along Hixson Pike and adjacent parcels. Staff floated a 5 percent open-space guideline, proposed sidewalks 6 feet wide beyond a 4-foot street yard, and discussed requiring courtyards so rear facades face inward rather than toward Dayton Pike. Jones characterized several items as proposed (not mandatory) to give the Planning Commission room for discussion and avoid imposing undue hardship on developers.

Commissioners and staff also flagged practical constraints. Some parcels near the lake are owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority and would require a contract with TVA for certain improvements. City staff said existing businesses that cannot meet new standards would be grandfathered in or given time to comply, but enforcement details will be clarified in the draft. Commissioner Penney asked whether the city would rezone; Jones described the approach as similar to an overlay district so underlying zoning remains in place.

Public-safety considerations came up in relation to the city pier. Public Works Director Grant noted that typical setbacks for fireworks range from about 250 feet for 3-inch shells to 550 feet for 5-inch shells, while the pier is roughly 400 feet long, "so we'd have to create a radius" to ensure safe distances. Johnson displayed a conceptual drawing of proposed development by local property purchasers Sean Sims and Wade Wright and stressed the drawing was conceptual only.

Parking and pedestrian access were recurring themes: commissioners agreed additional parking around ballfields is a need, and staff said long-term plans could include sidewalks from Tsati Terrace north to the state park, though that is a future goal. Mayor Everett suggested creating an "old town" district on Depot and Durham Streets and staff noted the city could pursue a rehab grant to assist with building-front repairs.

Next steps: staff will revise the scenic-corridor draft to reflect today's discussion and circulate the revised ordinance in advance of formal Planning Commission and Commission hearings.