1. Project Approval Rate Analysis

Approval Rate Analysis (last 5 years):

2. Rezoning Entitlement Process

The Epum team reviewed the rezoning process in Hendersonville, TN. The process includes two rounds of public hearings. First with the Planning Commission and then with the Board of Mayor & Aldermen. Multi-family housing developments often attract notable community input, with some opposition expressed during the hearings, reflecting active local engagement in development decisions.

Overview of the Rezoning Application Process:

• Rezoning applications must be filed no later than 60 days prior to the target zoning hearing date.

• The application includes:

  • Application Information

  • Owner Info (if different)

  • Map

    • A map showing the affected area (current zoning, FLUTP designation, proposed zoning, etc.).

  • Legal Description

    • A copy of the deed(s) must provide sufficient detail to establish full legal description of the property.

  • Zoning request

    • A letter explaining the rezoning request.

• Once the application is submitted, it is scheduled for a public hearing before the Planning Commission within 60 days to allow interested parties to listen and comment.

  • Two types of public notice are required: mailed notice to all property owners within 250 feet, sent 30 days prior and a sign posted on the property for 30 days before the hearing.

  • Additional materials may be requested, which can pause the typical timeline.

  • Within 45 days of the hearing, a formal recommendation (approval or denial) and findings are sent to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

• The Board of Mayor & Aldermen will hold its own public hearing within 30 days of receiving the Planning Commission’s recommendation.

  • Notice of the hearing is again mailed to property owners within 250 feet, and and a sign posted on property 30 days in advance. Additionally, a published notice must appear in a newspaper of general circulation within the City, also 30 days in advance.

  • Approval of the rezoning requires two readings and a majority vote, with findings of fact consistent with those of the Planning Commission.

• The Staff Review Process includes:

  • (Recommended but not mandatory) Pre-application meeting to review zoning viability and zoning options

  • Preparation of Staff Report and Official Recommendation

Key Risk(s)

The key risk for the rezoning process in Hendersonville, TN is during the public hearing stage. Out of a recent sample of 58 residential projects, 2 of them had public opposition and both of them were denied by the Planning Commissioners in the end. Both of the denials were multi-family projects.

The Epum team summarized public concerns from past Planning Commission meetings by analyzing the meeting minutes from the respective meetings, with the following feedback:

• Multi-family Housing

  • Community opposition to multifamily developments often stems from concerns about density, traffic, flooding, and incompatibility with existing single-family neighborhoods. Common themes include fears of reduced property values, overburdened infrastructure, increased rentals, and lack of community engagement or trust in developers.

  • However, multifamily projects aimed at affordable housing tend to gain support when they address clear local needs. Residents are more receptive when projects are mission-driven, well-managed, transparently presented, and provide lasting community benefits.

3. Relevant Elected Officials

Hendersonville Planning Commission Members

*Disclaimer: all voting history data is incomplete as a result of incomplete Planning Commission meeting minutes and municipal records. The voting data that is aggregated by Epum’s technology is reflective of broader voting patterns and should be used as an indicator.