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Permitted Uses
Conditional Use Permits
Calculations
Signs
Setbacks
Accessory Structures
Fences
Parking
Boards & Commissions
Miscellaneous
What can a building or
property be used for?
Permitted uses differ depending on a property's zoning. Reference the Zoning Ordinance Land Use Table for a list of zoning districts, which are are listed
across the top of the table and uses are listed in the left column.
Uses
are either prohibited, permitted by right, or conditional.
If the use is prohibited, the space will be
blank. If the use is permitted by right, an "X" will
appear in the space. If the use is conditional, a "C" will
appear in the box. The Board of Zoning Appeals must approve
conditional uses.
E-mail planning staff at planning@ci.collierville.tn.us if
you do not know the zoning of the property.)
Can the Board of Zoning Appeals grant a variance
to allow a use that is not permitted in a particular district?
No. The Zoning Ordinance prohibits the Board of Zoning Appeals from granting
use variances.
How long does a Conditional
Use Permit last?
Conditional uses (along with all approved plans, conditions,
restrictions, and requirements) "run with the land," unless the Board of Zoning
Appeals stipulates an expiration date as part of the approval. ("Run with
the land" means that the approval would not be denied once the property
owner changes. The approval will pass on to subsequent property owners.)
Can a Conditional Use Permit expire?
Yes. Failure to begin construction of the conditional use within one year of
the approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals or failure to fully establish
the conditional use within 2 years of the approval by the Board of Zoning
Appeals, results in voiding the conditional use permit. (Begin construction
usually means having received a grading permit and begun
grading.)
What is a Non-conforming Use?
A use of a building, structure, or land that does not conform to the uses approved
in the current Zoning Ordinance, but that is a lawful use because it was
undertaken before the current Ordinance was adopted. The same non-conforming
use may continue with change of ownership, only if the same non-conforming
use is re-established within one year. Only incidental alterations are
permitted to a non-conforming use. A structure used for a non-conforming
use cannot be rebuilt if damage exceeds 50% of the replacement cost. A
non-conforming use cannot be changed to another non-conforming use.
What is a Non-complying Structure?
A building or structure that does not comply with bulk regulations (setbacks,
height, lot coverage) in the current Ordinance, but that is lawful because
it existed before the Ordinance was adopted. A non-complying building or
structure can be enlarged, as long as the enlargement does not create a
new non-compliance or increase the degree of noncompliance. Once involuntary
damage is incurred to 50% of the building's floor area, that non-complying
building or structure must be reconstructed to meet the currently adopted
bulk regulations. (The Board of Zoning Appeals may permit the damage to
be calculated by cost instead of floor area.)
Calculations:
How to Measure the Height of a Building
Measure the distance from the ground to the midpoint between the eave and ridge.
Exclude uninhabitable church spires, belfries, cupolas, domes, and chimneys.
How to Measure Fence Height
Measure from the finished surface of the top of the fence to the finished grade.
How to Calculate Floor Area Ratio
Divide the building's total square footage by the lot's total square footage.
For example, for a building containing 3,000 square feet on a lot that
is 12,000 square feet in size, divide 3,000 by 12,000 for a FAR of 0.25.
How to Calculate Gross Floor Area
Add the horizontal areas of all the floors (measuring from the exterior face
of the exterior walls or the center of party walls), excluding off-street
parking spaces, loading berths, and driveways. For non-residential properties,
also exclude arcades, porticoes, and other similar open areas not used
for sales, display, storage, service, or production.
How to Calculate Net Floor Area
The net floor area equals the gross floor area minus vents, shafts, courts,
elevators, stairways, and other similar facilities.
How to Calculate Lot Coverage
Add the portion of the lot that is covered by the principal building and accessory
structures (does not include parking lot).
How to Calculate Open Space Ratio
Calculate the total square footage of green open space, that portion of a lot
that is open from the ground to the sky and not covered by buildings or
impervious surfaces, such as parking lots and driveways, and divide that
total square footage of green open space by the total square footage of
the lot.
Signs
Where to Obtain a Sign Permit
At the Development Division offices at Town Hall, 500 Poplar View Parkway
How to Calculate the Area of a Sign
Measure the smallest rectangle or square that will encompass the extreme limits
of the writing, emblem, or other display, together with any material or
color forming an integral part of the background used to differentiate
the sign from the backdrop. Do not include supporting framework, bracing,
or decorative wall.
How to Measure the Height of a Sign
Measure from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest
attached component of the sign.
How many signs can a business have?
In office, commercial, and industrial zoned districts, each ground floor business
is permitted 2 business signs (any combination of wall signs, ground signs,
or permanent window signs) facing each street the business fronts. The
combined area of these signs cannot exceed 1½ square feet of signage
for every 1 foot of building frontage, to a maximum of 150 square feet
of signage, unless additional square footage is approved by the Board of
Zoning Appeals.
In office, commercial, and industrial zoned districts,
each second or third floor business that has an exterior entrance
is permitted 1 wall sign that is not to exceed 4 square feet
in size and that is to be located adjacent to the entrance.
Required Height of a Ground Sign Structure
(base)
24 inches
Prohibited Signs
pole signs; roof signs; animated, reflective, or flashing signs; strings of
lights or beacon lights; obscene signs; signs that read "stop" or
that can be confused for traffic signs; signs with 2 faces further that
12 inches apart; billboards; signs attached to vehicles or trailers parked
in public place or visible from street; manual or electric changeable copy
signs (except for civic, institutional, or schools); and backlit canopies.
For more information, see the Sign Ordinance provisions included in the Collierville Zoning Ordinance.
Exempt Signs
flags or emblems of the United States, Tennessee, or their political subdivisions;
government regulatory, control, or traffic signs; memorial or historical
plaques; door bell or mailbox signs 36 square inches in size or less; 1 ½ square
feet in size, non-illuminated instructional signs; election signs; hand carried signs; works of
art with no commercial message; signs in the Historic District as approved
by the Historic District Commission; holiday lighting between Thanksgiving
day and New Year's day and 15 days prior and after those days; signs affixed
to vehicles in transport; and BMA approved temporary street banners. For
more information, see the Sign Ordinance provisions include imn the Collierville Zoning Ordinance.
Setbacks
How to Measure the Setback Line
Measure the distance between the street line and the closest portion of the
principal building, including covered porches and roof overhangs. The street
line is the property line that bounds the right-of-way (which is set aside
for the street). If there is a sidewalk, the street line is the side of the
sidewalk furthermost from the street. (Especially for older subdivision, verify
the setbacks on the recorded plat in the Town Engineering Division.)
What is the Minimum Required Setback?
Minimum required setbacks differ depending on the property's zoning. (Email
planning staff at planning@ci.collierville.tn.us if you do not know the
zoning of the property.)
If the property is located in a Planned Unit
Development, the setbacks may be different than that of the
underlying zoning, so verify the setbacks with planning staff.
How to Determine Setbacks for Corner Lots
Corner lots have two front yards, a side, and a rear. Minimum front yard setbacks
requirements must be maintained on both yards with street frontage. The
rear yard is located opposite the direction in which the house faces.
Accessory Structures
What is an Accessory Structure?
A structure that is located on the same lot as the principal building, detached
from the principal building, and that has a use that is incidental to the
principal building. Examples include a detached garage, workshop, pool
house, and swimming pool.
Where can an accessory structure be located?
Accessory structures may be located in the rear yard.
Accessory structures cannot be located in a front yard.
Accessory structures cannot be located in the required side yard unless the
parcel is a corner lot.
Required yards are determined by the minimum
required setback. For example, if the minimum side yard setback
is 15 feet and the principal building is setback 40 feet, an
accessory structure could be located in the side yard, as long
as it did not encroach into that required 15 feet.
Temporary Structures
What uses are permitted in temporary structures?
Construction - permitted by right on commercial development sites zoned commercial,
industrial, or medical/professional/office; requires permit from Construction
Codes
Storage - not permitted in residential zone districts;
conditional use in non-residential zone districts upon approval
of the Board of Zoning Appeals
Other non-prohibited uses - conditional use upon
approval of the Board of Zoning Appeals
What uses are specifically prohibited in temporary structures?
sales, leasing, and hiring
Fences
When to Obtain a Fence Permit
Before beginning installation of a new fence, relocating an existing fence,
or reconstructing 50% or more of an existing fence.
Where to Obtain a Fence Permit
Fence permits may be obtained from the Code Compliance Division at Town Hall. Enter Town Hall from the eastern estrance. Town Hall is located at 500 Poplar View Parkway. Code Compliance staff is available from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM during regular business.
What is the Maximum Fence Height?
Maximum Height for Front Yards: 48 inches
Maximum Height for Side and Rear Yards: 6 feet
Measure fence height from the finished surface
of the top of the fence to the finished grade.
Permitted Fence Materials
wood, brick, vinyl, ornamental iron, ornamental aluminum, or other materials
approved by the Design Review Commission or Historic District Commission
Prohibited Fence Materials
chain link, vinyl coated chain link, wire mesh, single wire, electrified, cinder
block, concrete block, barbed wire
The Design Review Commission may approve chain
link for legally approved animal boarding, health care, or
sports facilities or the side and rear yards of industrial
zoned properties. The Design Review Commission may approve
single wire or electrified fencing for active livestock and
farming operations.
Where can fences be located?
Front Yards on Interior Lots: Fences exceeding 48" in height shall not
extend beyond the front face of the principal building
Front
Yards on Corner Lots in which House Faces Street: Fences exceeding
48" in height shall not extend
beyond the front face of the principal building or the front
yard setback line, whichever distance from the property line
is greater.
Front
Yards on Corner Lots in which House does not Face Street: Fences
not exceeding 6 feet in height may
be located no more than 10 feet into the front yard setback.
Fences not exceeding 48" in height may be located 20 feet
from the back edge of the curb.
Side and Rear Yards: Fences may be located on
the lot line in side and rear yards (unless prohibited on the
final subdivision plat or site plan).
In or along easements: Fences installed in easements
are subject to removal at the owner's expense if maintenance
or construction is required.
Around
pools: A minimum 48" tall fence is
required around swimming pools.
Parking
How many off-street parking spaces are required
for Commercial activities?
The maximum number of permitted parking spaces is based upon
a ratio of 1 parking space per 200 square feet of gross building
area, but in no case shall the
number of spaces be less than four. The minimum required number of parking
spaces can be found in the "Table of Off-Street Parking Requirements." included in the Collierville Zoning Ordinance.
What is the minimum required size of an off-street
parking space?
Standard: 9' wide X 20' long
Handicap: 14' wide X 20' long
Boards and Commissions
When is Planning Commission approval required?
The Planning Commission (and Board of Mayor and Aldermen) must approve the
Site Plan for all new buildings and additions, all non-residential manufactured
buildings or pre-fabricated buildings; and site alterations including the
construction or expansion of driveways, parking areas, and loading areas.
This does not apply to single-family detached dwellings and their accessory
structures.
When is Design Review Commission approval
required?
Non-Residential: The Design Review Commission (DRC) must approver the Site
Plan for all new buildings and additions, all manufactured or pre-fabricated
buildings; and site alterations including the construction of driveways, parking
areas, and loading areas. The DRC must also approve exterior alterations of
buildings or accessory structures, and site alterations including parking,
landscaping, lighting, fencing, and signage (excludes single-family detached
residential dwellings).
Residential:
The DRC must approve fencing, landscaping, lighting, buffering/screening
of subdivisions and multi-family
residential developments. DRC approval is also required for
front yard fences that exceed 48" in height on single-family
detached residential properties.
When is Historic District Commission approval
required?
The Historic District Commission must approve new construction, additions,
building or site alterations, demolition, relocation, signage, fencing, on
all properties located within the local historic district.
To
see a meeting calendar, go to www.collierville.com/planning
and click on "Download outline for submission deadlines
and meeting dates."
Where are board and commission meetings held?
Board and Commisison meetings are typically held at Town Hall Board Chambers at 500 Poplar View Parkway. Contact the Planning Division at 457-2360 to confirm meeting dates and locations.
What is the Board Approval Process?
Before the Division of Construction Code Enforcement can review plans and issue
building permits for new construction and site alterations for non-single family residential dwellings, the following boards and commissions within the Planning
Division must review and approve the proposed construction.
1. Planning Commission
2. Design Review Commission
3. Board of Mayor and Alderman
If the property (residential or non-residential) is located in the Historic District,
the Historic District Commission must also review the application,
usually first.
If a Variance or Conditional Use Permit is necessary,
Board of Zoning Appeals approval is also required, typically
prior to the Planning Commission.
Miscellaneous
Can I operate a business from my home?
Businesses operated from homes require a Town of Collierville business license
and must comply with the Home Occupation Guidelines as follows:
Must be conducted in the main house, not an accessory
building.
Only family members living on the property can work at home occupation.
Only 25% of the floor area of the house can be used for the home occupation.
No outside evidence of the home occupation, such as signs or traffic.
No sales of merchandise.
No noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electrical interferences.
Are Horses Allowed in Collierville?
One or more horses are allowed on residential property, only if the horses
are kept more than three hundred feet from any residence and with the consent
of the owners or occupants of residents within three hundred feet and permission
from the Board of Aldermen. A barn or covered shelter is required and must
be located no closer than 30 feet from the property line.
Three
or more horses, private or for-profit and for work or pleasure,
constitute "stables." Stables
are a Conditional Use (requiring Board of Zoning Appeals approval)
in districts zoned R-L: Large Lot/Estate Residential or FAR:
Forest-Agricultural-Residential.
What is the minimum size for a planned unit development (PUD)?
Commercial, Industrial, or Mixed Use: 20 acres
Residential: no minimum required size, but only those PUDS that are 10 acres
in size are eligible for density increases.
Senior Housing: 10 acres
Does the Town enforce subdivision regulations
or restrictive covenants?
No. Even though restrictive covenants appear on recorded plats, the Town does
not enforce them. Home Owners Associations enforce restrictive covenants and
subdivision regulations. The Town enforces the Town Code and Zoning Ordinance.
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The Town of Collierville
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Town of Collierville does not discriminate on the basis
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and employment practices, or in admission to, access to,
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of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 200d) and the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Pub. L 101-336.
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