Frequently Asked Questions

The Zoning Ordinance regulates land use and structure placement to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the City's residents and businesses. The zoning ordinance prevents overcrowding and unhealthy conditions by regulating lot sizes and setback requirements, and establishing density, building height, and buffering standards, and sets requirements for signage and parking. The new Zoning Ordinance will continue to accomplish these goals. 

The following are some frequently asked questions about the new Zoning Ordinance:

Q: If my property zoning changes with the new zoning ordinance, will my property taxes change?

A: No, your taxes will not affected. In Tennessee you are taxed on the use of your property, not the zoning of your property. If your residence is changed to a different zoning and you continue to use the same property as a residence, then you will continue to be taxed at the residential rate.

Q: Why is La Vergne adopting a new Zoning Ordinance?

A: All cities must evaluate and update their zoning ordinances. The current zoning has parts that date back to the early 1990’s. In order for the City to effectively manage growth and new development, the zoning ordinance needs to be modernized.

Q: How do I find out what the new zoning will be for my property?

A: You should contact the La Vergne Planning & Zoning Office weekdays at (615) 287-8659 or (615) 287-8702 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Q: Is there an appeal process for the new zoning ordinance?

A: In short, no. While some complaints and concerns are expected, the City is updating the entire zoning ordinance according to State law. Appeals are not part of that process.

Q: Who do I call with a zoning question?

A: Call the La Vergne Planning & Zoning Office at (615) 287-8659 or (615) 287-8702 weekdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 pm. Before calling, please have your property address handy as well as specific questions regarding your property.

Q: There are "Covenants, Codes, and Restrictions" (CCR's), also called Restrictive Covenants, which apply to my home in my neighborhood. Does the City enforce CCR's?

A: Restrictive covenants and/or private restrictions (CCR's) are, under Tennessee law, a separate and distinct form of land use regulation from the City's Zoning and other development ordinances. CCR's are enforced through private civil action and cannot be enforced under the City's police powers. A private attorney or home owner association can be consulted regarding the enforcement of CCR's

Q: What is a nonconforming use? What effect will new zoning have on a nonconforming use?

A: A nonconforming use is generally defined as a land use, building, or structure that was legal when established but does not conform to the standards of the current applicable use regulations.

The new La Vergne Zoning Ordinance will contain new language and regulations that affect some existing and older structures and uses, but as long as the existing structures and uses are legal or nonconforming, then property owners will not have to change anything.

Specific requirements govern the discontinuance of nonconforming uses. Specific code requirements address the damages and the ability to make substantial changes to structures that are deemed nonconforming use.

This is also sometimes referred to as the “grandfather clause”.

Q: Where can I get a copy of the zoning ordinance and map?

A: The Ordinance can be viewed online at www.lavergnetn.gov. A copy may also be viewed at the Planning & Zoning Office located at 5175 Murfreesboro Road in La Vergne. The new zoning ordinance and map will also be available at community meetings that will be held at the Library.

Q: Will there be any public meetings regarding the new zoning ordinance and map?

A: Yes, there will be a total of 12 community meetings. They will be held at the La Vergne Public Library daily from May 22 through May 26, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Two additional meetings will be held on May 23 and May 25 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Copies of the new ordinance and map will be available at the community meetings.

Q: When will the new zoning ordinance and map to take effect?

A: The new zoning ordinance and map must be voted on and adopted by the La Vergne Board of Mayor and Aldermen. The ordinance will need to be approved at two readings by the Board, which meets on the first Tuesday of each month at City Hall. There will also be public hearings prior to the meetings. The ordinance is expected to first appear before the Board during the July 6 meeting.