Planning commission recommends PUD for Horton Highway event venue with limits on events

The Rutherford County Regional Planning Commission on April 13 recommended approval of a planned unit development (PUD) for a proposed event venue and supporting commercial uses at 9180 Horton Highway.

Staff briefed commissioners on prior deferrals and said the updated pattern book addresses parking, lighting, noise, soils and sets explicit limits on events and attendees. Applicant representative Chris Gant said the submissions incorporated staff comments and introduced engineer Kelsey McGate, who confirmed the pattern book limits events to "a maximum of two events per month."

Neighbors and an attorney urged caution. John Michael, an attorney representing nearby residents, urged disapproval, arguing that the county’s zoning code contemplates detailed conditions via a special-exception process and that a PUD could bypass some specific restrictions. Several neighbors cited traffic safety on a blind curve on Horton Highway and raised concerns about noise, lighting and potential growth of commercial activity beyond what is proposed.

Staff said the applicant agreed to traffic mitigation measures identified in a traffic study: a southbound left-turn lane into the site and a northbound right-turn deceleration lane, and that engineered site plans would be required for final approvals (including fire protection and water storage sizing). Commissioners asked technical questions (including turn-lane storage length) and confirmed there would be no outdoor riding arena; the arena would be enclosed.

The commission approved the PUD recommendation by roll call. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners for final consideration on May 14, 2026. If approved by the county commission, the applicant must still submit engineered site plans and obtain any required permits and inspections before construction or use.