Planning commission backs major plan amendment to add 6,000 sq ft storage building on Hwy 31W

At its April 21 meeting the Sumner County Planning Commission voted 4–1 to recommend approval of a major plan amendment for Rigs Highway 31W (4624 Highway 31W, Cottontown) that would add a 6,000‑square‑foot storage building to an existing mini‑storage PUD.

Planner Sydney described the site history: the master plan was originally approved with six buildings in January 2024, later amended administratively to three buildings (19,500 sq ft), and the current amendment would add one long 20‑foot‑wide building (about 6,000 sq ft) for a revised total of about 26,550 sq ft. Sydney said public‑notice requirements were met and that water service is available; sewer is not required for mini‑storage.

Richard Graves, representing the applicant, told the commission existing occupancy for the three buildings is approximately 70 percent and that the graded pad for the additional building already exists. Commissioners asked about landscaping gaps on the south boundary, the landscape plan certification (the drawing noted it was not prepared under a licensed landscape architect), stormwater and pond capacity and whether the addition would trigger traffic or safety studies. Staff and the applicant said the pond was sized for the extra building and that the net effect would not trigger a traffic‑impact analysis; a fire hydrant is located roughly 80–85 feet north of the northwest corner along the highway.

Commissioner Miller expressed concern about incremental increases over time and asked where additional buildings could be placed; other commissioners noted the applicant had accommodated staff comments. After discussion Commissioner Miller moved to provide a positive recommendation; the motion carried 4–1 on a roll call vote.

What happens next: with the planning commission recommendation the request will go to the county commission for the required readings and final decision. Any future building construction or parking expansion must be preceded by a conforming site plan and zoning compliance/certificate of occupancy as required by county code.