Introduction to Zoning

Over the next several weeks, I will be putting information on this site regarding zoning in Jefferson County, TN. Zoning here started in 1998. Prior to that, there was no zoning. Zoning is a mystery to many. If you read the Zoning Resolutions, you will know why. For example, how is a bowling alley an Agricultural/Forestry activity? And how is a Payday/Title Loan Business an Industrial activity? When you buy a house, you want to know what can be built next door. If you look at the rules, you will find out that the name of the zone that applies to your neighbor’s property may have no relation to what can be built there.