Trezevant Delays Tiny House Regulations

TREZEVANT (September 9, 2025) — What qualifies as a "tiny house" was a significant topic during the public hearing of the Trezevant Mayor and Council at their September 9 meeting.

Meeting at the Trezevant Community Center, the Council considered several proposed changes to the city’s zoning ordinances, one of which included defining a tiny house. Donny Bunton from the Northwest Tennessee Development District's planning office presented the proposed changes. The Planning Commission recommended that a tiny house have a minimum size of 900 square feet, be placed on a permanent foundation, be connected to utilities, and have any axles or towing hardware removed.

Councilman Don Barger disagreed with the proposed minimum of 900 square feet, arguing that this size does not fit the definition of a tiny house. He noted that the national average for tiny house size is approximately 425 square feet. Barger also highlighted that McKenzie’s regulations set a minimum of 800 square feet. He emphasized that any size of house should be acceptable as long as it is on a permanent foundation and connected to utilities. He pointed out that there are tiny houses sold regionally that are smaller than 900 square feet.

During the public hearing, several residents expressed concerns that very small tiny houses could negatively impact the property values of neighboring homes.

In addition to defining tiny houses, the proposed changes included clarifying that accessory buildings cannot be used for residential living.

After the public hearing, the Council deferred a vote on the zoning ordinance changes until new revisions are made regarding the proposed tiny house regulations.

The Council approved a bid from Mid-South Tank Consultants of Cookeville for $4,700 to drain and pressure wash the interior of the standing water tank. This bid was the lowest among four submitted, which ranged from $4,700 to $24,250. Water Superintendent Erik Grimes stated Mid-South is well aware of the scope of the work to be performed.

Grimes also mentioned that a road construction company is using over 100,000 gallons of water monthly from fire hydrants, for which they are paying. Construction continues on the U.S. 79 bypass around Trezevant.

Additionally in the Water Department, Jones Electric of McKenzie is extending electrical power to new aeration pumps at the sewer lagoon, funded through federal grant money.

A2H engineers are surveying the city’s wastewater lines to identify where stormwater is infiltrating through leaky pipes. A grant will assist the city in mitigating stormwater infiltration by funding a project that will install a cured-in-place inner liner inside selected sewer pipes in town.

The Council approved rezoning a parcel of land along U.S. 79 for Edward and Kimberly Whitten, who plan to place a manufactured home on the site. The second and final reading for this rezoning is scheduled for October.

Mayor Bobby Blaylock recommended changing the town’s brush pick-up day to allow residents to call City Hall to request pick-up during weekdays throughout the month. City workers could then dispose of the brush during their downtime. Gabby Davis from the city expressed that the current one-day monthly pick-up is more efficient. Mary Jo Hall added that city employees already collect brush throughout the month as needed. Mayor Blaylock appointed Councilwoman Pam Joyner to meet with city employees to review the matter for a recommendation.

A settlement proposal concerning the lawsuit “Town of Trezevant v. Quinn” was forwarded to the Trezevant Board of Zoning Appeals for consideration.

In the Council reports, Councilman Leon Lyell emphasized the need for additional volunteer firefighters. Trezevant's fire department is part of the Carroll County Fire Department network, which provides extra equipment and manpower when necessary.

Councilman Don Barger reported that the Police Department received 24 calls in August and currently has three part-time officers.

Councilwoman Pam Joyner noted that the town’s Street Department has been busy mowing and decorating the park in addition to other responsibilities.
Councilman Dan Dieringer mentioned that drainage work is also underway at the park, and he advised that the town’s garbage dumpsters should be locked after hours and on weekends.

Finally, the town is preparing for a Halloween event on October 25, which will include free concessions, candy giveaways by residents, costume contests, and karaoke.
Councilman Mark Argo stated that work has begun on installing aerator pumps at the sewer lagoon and that engineering efforts are underway to locate stormwater infiltration in the deteriorating sewer lines.