Submittal Requirements
This manual has been developed to connect the land use plan and the newly-adopted zoning ordinance (effective 7/1/08) to the day-to-day efforts of applicants and property owners carrying out the future plans for Franklin. The content of the manual will be applicable to any project submitted on, or after, July 15, 2008. We hope this administrative manual will provide guidance in the use of the city’s community development documents, consolidate information on development review and permitting processes, and help applicants understand development review processes and requirements. The manual is structured to provide easy access to the specific information needed about a particular planning document, review body, or procedure. A new section called “best practices” has been created, and will the design community, property owners, public officials, and staff resolving frequent issues, such as quality open spaces, houses that front on open spaces, dumpster screening, etc.
- Preapplication Conferences and Preliminary Concept Meetings
- Land Use Plan Amendments
- Zoning Map Amendments
- Planned Unit Development Concept Plans and Regulating Plans (PUDs)
- Preliminary and Final Plats
- Site Plans
- Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for Historic Preservation Related Projects
- Variances and Appeals of Administrative Decisions
- Stormwater Management Permits
- Tree Removal Permits
- Grading and Erosion Control Permits
- Sign Permits
- Staff Contact Information
- Application Forms
- Deadlines and Schedules
- Fee Schedules
- Best Practices
This latest versions of the manual can be found online. On June 10, 2008, BOMA adopted Ordinance 2008-14, which will affect the processes in the new zoning ordinance as originally written. The version of the administrative manual below reflects these process changes, and will be applicable to any project submitted on, or after, July 15, 2008.
The public has two ways to comment on the Administrative Manual. Written comments can be sent to:
- Via email at micah.wood@franklin-gov.com, or
- Send to Attention: Design/Planning Supervisor, City of Franklin Planning Department, 109 Third Avenue South, Franklin, TN 37064.
The City Planning Director will have the authority to amend the Administrative Manual to effectuate the intent of the Zoning Ordinance. Such administrative regulations, forms, and appendices will be published at least thirty (30) days prior to their effective date and placed on file at the City Recorder’s Office and at the Planning Department for public inspection and written comment.
1) How do I build a new building?
The first step in determining how you can build a new building is figuring out the current zoning of your property. Call Zoning Administrator at (615) 550-6644 for a zoning determination letter. If you are zoned correctly for the type of land-use to be conducted within the new building, and, if you are constructing a multifamily, commercial, office, or industrial building, you will be required to submit a site plan to the Planning Commission. For a brief overview of the site plan process, see below, or call the Project Planners at (615) 550-6732 or (615) 550-6734.
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2) What is a site plan and what is its review process?
A site plan is the required submission to the planning commission for all structures built for multifamily, commercial, office, and industrial land-uses. The site plan, which is drawn to scale, includes lot lines, streets, building sites, formal and informal open space, landscaping, utilities, and natural features of the development site. The first step for a site plan is for the applicant to request a pre-application conference, wherein city staff from the Planning, Engineering, Codes and Fire Departments provide, initial reaction to the development. After the pre-application conference, the site plan may be submitted to the Planning Commission for a spot on the agenda for the appropriate, up-coming commission meeting. Each site plan is voted upon at the commission meetings. Call (615) 550-6732 or (615) 550-6734 to discuss site plans with Project Planners.
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3) Can I subdivide my property (residential or nonresidential)?
The first question that should be asked with a potential subdivision is “what is the property zoned.” The answer may be found by contacting the Zoning Administrator at (615) 550-6644. If all other size and acreage requirement are met under your current zoning, call (615) 550-6732 or (615) 550-6734 to discuss the subdivision of your property and the process that will be followed. If the current zoning would not allow the subdivision of your property, and you still wish to proceed, you may explore a possible rezoning of your property. Contact our Long Range Planner at (615) 550-6735 for more information.
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4) Board of Zoning Appeals- Can I get a Variance?
To be granted a variance, three standards must be established. These standards are: There must be an extraordinary or exceptional situation or condition pertaining strictly to the property considered (generally due to narrowness, shallowness, unusual shape or some exceptional topographic condition); Strict application of the Ordinance would result in practical difficulties to, or undue hardship upon, the owner of the property; and The relief may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and without substantially impairing the intent and purpose of the Zoning Ordinance If these standards are established, the Board of Zoning Appeals may grant the variance request. If you would like more information about requesting a variance, please call (615) 550-6734.
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