Original request was sent back to planning commission for review
The Cookeville City Council voted Thursday to prohibit drive-thru restaurants in the Neighborhood Commercial Zone (NCZ), an area intended for mixed residential and limited business use. This updates a 2018 policy that allowed drive-thrus in high-traffic parts of NCZ.
At its July 3, 2025 meeting, the council considered a request by Peggy Semmes and others who petitioned to remove drive-thru restaurants from the district. The request was then sent to the Planning Commission for further review. After consideration, the commission and the council agreed with Semmes and the other concerned citizens who made their voices heard, and drive-thru restaurants will no longer be allowed in those districts.
“I would like to thank everyone who reached out to me,” said Councilman Chad Gilbert at the meeting. “I had a lot of respectful perspectives presented to me and thank you for that. It was helpful as we went through this process.”
Changes do not include banks, pharmacies or dry cleaners.
“I hear a lot of comments from the public on this,” said Councilman Eric Walker. “I think this represents what the people in those neighborhoods want to see.
Coffee shops would be considered restaurants under current rules, but many smaller shops do not have drive-thrus. The amendment, which requires approval on two separate readings, was approved unanimously.
The next council meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18.
Photo by Heber Davis on Unsplash.
Copyright 2025 The Upper Cumberland Business Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Other stories you may want to check out:
