The Wilson County Growth Readiness Report outlines a collaborative initiative aiming to manage the expected population growth in Wilson County, Tennessee, which is projected to add 97,370 residents by 2035. The report emphasizes the importance of civic engagement in planning for growth, focusing on ten principles of quality growth to preserve community identity, environment, and resources. Workshops convened local leaders and stakeholders to discuss the impacts of growth, assess community plans, and develop actionable strategies for sustainable development.

1. Tennessee Valley Authority
1101 Market Street | Chattanooga, TN 37402-2881

2. WILSON COUNTY
GROWTH READINESS REPORT

3. The Wilson County Quality Growth project was a collaborative effort of local
leaders from Wilson County, the cities of Lebanon and Mount Juliet and the
Cumberland River Compact. The process was designed and facilitated by staff
from the Southeast Watershed Forum and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
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Quality Growth...Quality Communities

4. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction................................................................................................................................. 3
Background.................................................................................................................................. 5
Workshop Summaries.................................................................................................................. 7
The Wilson County Action Plan................................................................................................ 18
Figures
1. Population Growth in States of the Southeast (1980-2000)................................................. 8
2. Land Consumption in States of the Southeast (1980-2000)................................................ 8
3. Water Withdrawals in States of the Southeast (1980-2000).................................................. 9
4. Energy Consumption in States of the Southeast (1980-2000)............................................. 9
5. Wilson County Population Map (2000)................................................................................ 10
6. Wilson County Projected Population Map (2035)............................................................. 10
7. Wilson County Impervious Cover Map (2000)................................................................... 11
8. Wilson County Projected Impervious Cover Map (2035).................................................. 11
9. Wilson County Estimated Total Annual Vehicle Miles Traveled Map (2000)..................... 12
10. Wilson County Future Projected Total Vehicle Miles Traveled Map (2035)....................... 12
11. Costs for Utilities and Local Roads – Projected Savings..................................................... 13
Appendices
A. Participants............................................................................................................................. 21
B. Quality Growth Worksheet – Comparison of Community Scores..................................... 22
C. Multiple Jurisdiction Assessment of Opportunities for Improvement.............................. 25
D. Wilson County Quality Growth Action Plan........................................................................ 28
Wilson County Growth Readiness Report
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5. INTRODUCTION
They’ve really got the best of both
worlds in Wilson County, Tennessee—
and they’d like to keep it that way.
A rural character founded in traditional values and
a strong agricultural heritage, plus easy access to
all the big-city amenities found in nearby Nashville.
It’s a prime location and an enviable situation: the
proximity you need, coupled with the laid-back
lifestyle and the peaceful setting you want.
The area is rich in history. Remnants of mounds
and other archaeological findings have established
the presence of early Native Americans. The Trail
of Tears ran through Wilson County, and a Civil
War cemetery in Lebanon is the final resting place
of scores of Confederate soldiers. Respect for the
past is evident throughout the county, from the
well-preserved quaintness of Watertown to the
abundance of antique shops located around the
Public Square in Lebanon.
Farming is and always has been a big part of life
there—especially in the eastern part of the county.
Beef and dairy cattle, horses, hay, corn, soybeans,
tobacco, wheat, apples, and peaches are just
some of the local agricultural activities. Wilson
County farmers are also beginning to look to the
possibilities offered by agri-tourism.
Wilson County is blessed with water resources that
add substantially to its appeal. The Cumberland
and Stones Rivers, Old Hickory and Percy Priest
Lakes, and many other waterways provide
recreational opportunities, habitat for aquatic life,
and drinking water.
A variety of transportation options have made
Wilson County attractive to prospective residents
and commercial/industrial interests. From the
Interstate 40 corridor to the Music City Star Regional
Rail System, there are many ways to move efficiently
to and from Wilson County.
Cultural and educational institutions, including
Cumberland University and the award-winning
Wilson County Fair, add to the mix. Recreation
ranges from motorsports at the Nashville
Superspeedway to camping at Cedars of Lebanon
State Park to sportfishing on the county’s lakes.
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Quality Growth...Quality Communities

6. For all these reasons and many more, the word has spread. Wilson County bills itself as “The Eastern Gateway
to Nashville.” But the fact is, the gate swings both ways. Many people have chosen to leave the faster-paced
urban environment of Nashville for a quieter and more rural lifestyle in Wilson County. Between the years 1990
and 2000, Wilson County experienced a 30% growth rate. Projections indicate that, by 2035, the county is likely
to add another 97,370 residents—a growth rate of 110%.
It’s clear from these statistics that Wilson County is really just poised on the cusp of what promises to
be significant growth in the coming decades. So it was perfect timing to bring together a variety of folks
representing the county, local municipalities, developers, elected
officials, and state and regional community development and resource
protection organizations to talk about how to best plan for that growth.
Between the years 1990 and 2000,
The prevailing wisdom indicates that it’s not a question of if Wilson
County is going to experience more development, but rather when—
Wilson County experienced a 30%
and even more importantly—where and how.
growth rate. Projections indicate
A wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives were represented
that, by 2035, the county is likely to
at the Wilson County Quality Growth Workshop Series, but it was
clear that those in attendance were in agreement on one thing: that
add another 97,370 residents—a
they wanted to preserve what was important and valuable about
growth rate of 110%.
their community, while recognizing that change will be inevitable as
the county adds population. They made the bold commitment to
be actively involved in managing the coming growth. Experts agree
that this kind of civic engagement—that is, first evaluating and then taking actions to bring about changes
to development rules—will be a deciding factor in building, preserving, and maintaining communities that
offer residents the kind of quality of life that they value.
Wilson County Growth Readiness Report
4

7. BACKGROUND
The decision to pursue the opportunity to host a Quality Growth Workshop Series
in Wilson County was an outgrowth of a general predisposition on the part of
local agency folks and community leaders to work together across jurisdictional
boundaries. Several regional and local initiatives offering opportunities to manage
growth were already underway, including the Tri-County Transportation and Land
Use Study, a number of proposals for the redevelopment of downtown Lebanon,
and many examples of low-impact development.
Though they each had their own special areas of interest, they were unified by a recognition of the impacts of
growth that affect them all. With the introduction of regulatory mandates contained in NPDES Phase II permit
requirements, the three affected stormwater agencies (Wilson County, Lebanon, and Mt. Juliet) face a number
of daunting issues. The Army Corps of Engineers has placed a temporary moratorium on new water supply
withdrawals (as well as increases to existing withdrawals) by municipalities or industries from Old Hickory
Lake while a study is being conducted to determine the impacts of those withdrawals on other purposes for
which the reservoir system is operated. There has been a lack of collaboration among the county’s water
districts and local jurisdictions to plan water supply to meet growth. Wilson County had approximately 93
miles of impaired streams on the State’s 303(d) list for 2008.
While none of these issues were currently severe enough to drastically limit the county’s potential for the
future, folks in Wilson County were conscious of the need to get a handle on these things NOW before
,
undesirable development patterns began to take hold in such a way that they could only react to it—instead
of being able to proactively guide and manage it on the front end.
The 10 Principles of Quality Growth:
1. Encourage compact, mixed-use development
2. Expand housing choice
3. Create walkable and bikeable neighborhoods
4. Create distinctive, attractive communities
5. Preserve open space, resource lands, and
environmentally sensitive areas
6. Direct development toward existing communities
or planned growth centers
7. Increase transportation choices
8. Make cost-effective, predictable development
decisions
9. Minimize stormwater runoff
10. Protect water resources
While each principle is important individually, communities
will realize the greatest impact by incorporating as many as
possible into their plans.
5
That realization led them to search for a credible approach to
planning for the growth that will surely come. At approximately
the same time, program managers from the Tennessee Valley
Authority and the Southeast Watershed Forum were seeking
a community in which to roll out a brand-new technical
assistance curriculum: Quality Growth.
The equation is pretty simple, actually:
“Quality Growth = Quality Communities = Quality of Life”
That’s the basis of the program, which was developed
cooperatively by the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Southeast
Watershed Forum, and the Environmental Protection
Agency. It was subject to technical and peer review by many
additional partners. The idea behind Quality Growth is to help
communities make informed choices about managing growth—
planning for the future in such a way that quality of life, natural
resources, and local values are protected.
Workshop participants are guided through a process designed
to help them take an informed and active role in determining
the type of growth they desire and where it will take place.
They evaluate community plans and local development rules
in light of 10 “principles” of Quality Growth and establish an
Action Plan (formed through consensus during the course of
Quality Growth...Quality Communities

8. the workshop series) that will, among other things, bring about changes to codes and ordinances and guide
the development of community plans, policies, and programs.
A review committee composed of representatives from TVA,
the Southeast Watershed Forum, EPA, and the Tennessee
Local Planning Assistance Office used a competitive process
to select the community that would pilot the new program.
Five other communities were strong contenders, but Wilson
County met all the requirements. It was a place where rapid
growth was occurring—with even more anticipated in the
future. It was a place with some emerging issues that needed
to be addressed in a timely fashion. It was a place where a
managed growth approach could potentially make a major
difference, as the county braces itself for an influx of new
residents and an anticipated surge in both residential and
commercial development. Most of all, it was a place where
thoughtful, forward-thinking community leaders were ready to
work together to put a plan in place that would allow Wilson
Countians to make informed choices about what growth and
development will look and feel like.
In January of 2010, the planning process for the Wilson County
Quality Growth Workshop Series began. A core group of
local leaders from Wilson County, the cities of Mt. Juliet and
Lebanon, and the Cumberland River Compact (along with
facilitators from TVA and the Southeast Watershed Forum)
set out to make it happen. They found venues, set dates and
times, came up with a list of potential participants, sent out
invitations, and encouraged their colleagues to join in the
process. The stage was set for change.
So often, the different jurisdictions
within a community fail to openly
collaborate and communicate
with each other—for a number of
reasons. Sometimes, it’s a question
of politics; in other instances,
it’s more about bureaucracy,
workloads, or just the traditional
ways in which business is typically
done. Thankfully, that is NOT the
case in Wilson County.
— Vena Jones
Program Director,
Cumberland River Compact
Wilson County Growth Readiness Report
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9. WORKSHOP SUMMARIES
Around 50 people from all over Wilson County and also those representing state
and regional interests participated in the workshop series, held over a five-month
period in 2010. See Appendix A for list of participants.
Workshop 1
Impacts of Growth in Wilson County
March 17, 2010
In addition to the data shown in Figures 5-8 (projected changes
Understanding Quality Growth
to population and impervious surfaces in Wilson County), there
are more factors to consider when evaluating the impacts of local
growth. Development patterns affect the air, water, and land in
Wilson County; the health of its citizens; the local economy; and
the community’s fabric and identity.
For example, let’s consider the impacts of total annual vehicle
miles traveled. The estimates for the year 2000 (Figure 9) are
based on an approximate housing density of one household per
The workshop series began with an introduction to the impacts
of current growth patterns on a wide array of community
resources, including the environment, society, the economy and
community identity. Figures 1-4 show that while the Southeast
had a high population growth rate, the impact of that growth
on consumption of land, water, and energy was even greater.
They discussed issues of local concern and were then guided
through an interactive mapping exercise to identify where they
believe growth will occur in their county over the next 25 years.
Participants got a brief introduction to the 10 principles of
Quality Growth.
two acres. Estimates are that most households drove about 32,000
miles that year, for a total of about one billion miles traveled for all
of Wilson County. That required 47 million gallons of gas, with 41
million pounds of carbon emitted—which in turn requires almost
75,000 trees in order to store.
If housing densities in Wilson County remain the same, by 2035
estimates are that Wilson Countians will travel twice as many miles
in a year—for a total of two billion miles. That means 73 million
gallons of gas, with one million tons of carbon emitted, and close to
165,000 trees to store the carbon. (Figure 10)
Needless to say, the more development is dispersed, the greater
number of miles it becomes necessary to travel. And the greater
impacts to public health. In 2010, Tennessee has the fourth highest
adult obesity rate in the U.S. at 30.2%, according to the Robert
Wood Johnson Foundation and the Trust for America’s Health.
Communities like Wilson County can make a difference in the wellbeing of their citizens by encouraging residential development that
features walkable and bikeable neighborhoods.
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Quality Growth...Quality Communities

10. Figure 1: Population Growth
1980 - 2000
100% _
Percent Change
75% _
50% _
25% _
0% _
AL
FL
GA
KY
MS
NC
SC
Population
TN
VA
US Census: 1980 - 2000
Figure 2: Land Consumption
Increased Faster Than Population: 1980 - 2000
100% _
Percent Change
75% _
50% _
25% _
0% _
AL
Population
FL
GA
Developed Land
KY
MS
NC
SC
TN
VA
US Census: 1980 - 2000; NRCS NRI data for 1982 through 2003
Wilson County Growth Readiness Report
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11. Figure 3: Water Withdrawals
Increased Faster Than Population: 1980 - 2000
2500% _
Percent Change
2000% _
1500% _
1000% _
500% _
0% _
AL
Population
FL
GA
Water Withdrawal
KY
MS
NC
SC
TN
VA
US Census Population Data 1980 - 2000; USGS 1980 - 2000; http://water.usgs.gov/watuse/50years.html
Figure 4: Energy Consumption
Increased Faster Than Population: 1980 - 2000
Percent Change
150% _
100% _
50% _
0% _
AL
Population
9
FL
GA
Energy Consumption
KY
MS
NC
SC
TN
VA
US Census Population Data 1980 - 2000; Energy Information Administration, 1980 - 2000; www.eia.doe.gov
Quality Growth...Quality Communities

12. Figure 5: Population 2000
Figure 6: Projected Population 2035
Wilson County Growth Readiness Report
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13. Figure 7: Impervious Cover, 2000
Figure 8: Future Impervious Cover, 2035 (Projected)
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Quality Growth...Quality Communities

14. Figure 9: Total Annual Vehicle Miles Traveled (Estimated)
Figure 10: Future Projected Total Vehicle Miles Traveled by Block Group
Wilson County Growth Readiness Report
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15. Workshop 2
April 28, 2010
Assessing Our Communities
In preparation for this workshop, members of the planning team self-assessed their local codes, ordinances,
plans, and associated future scenarios to see how these either support or inhibit quality growth.
Participants reviewed the composite map generated from the growth projection exercise and saw how
projected population growth would also impact impervious surfaces and vehicle miles traveled. They learned
in some detail about the 10 principles of Quality Growth, including benefits of these best practices and
the importance of including as many as possible in community plans and projects. Figure 11 illustrates the
projected savings of quality growth on land, water, and water and road infrastructure in the Southeast. They
discussed strategies for implementation and learned about key steps for making Quality Growth happen.
Figure 11: Costs for Utilities and Local Roads
By managing growth 2000 - 2025, the Southern US could save:
2 million acres of land, 72 million gallons of water per day and over $43 billion water and road infrastructure costs
Southern US
Conventional
Development
Managed
Growth
Savings in Managed
Growth
Total water and sewer demand
(million gpd)
7,942
7,870
72 million gal/day
Total water / sewer infrastructure
costs ($ billions)
$84.5
$79
$5.5 billion
Total local road costs ($ billions)
$376
$338
$38.9 billion
2000 - 2025; Conventional Development Versus Managed Growth: The Costs of Sprawl, Robert W. Burchell, PhD and Sahan Mukherji, BS
Making Quality Growth Happen — Key Steps for Success
Certain strategic measures are a critical part of translating good intentions into effective actions. Key steps include:
• Building awareness – Develop presentations about specific principles, practices, and about Quality Growth in general, targeting specific audiences.
Start a dialogue; take field trips to model projects; create buy-in.
• Developing a community vision – Engage diverse stakeholders in a process to consider what should be preserved and protected and where growth
should occur; develop specific goals and recommendations; ensure that this process is integrated into the community planning process.
• Integrating principles into plans – Incorporate the quality growth principles into all plans, including the comprehensive plan, city and neighborhood
master plans, site plans, infrastructure plans, etc.
• Evaluating codes and ordinances – Measure local development rules against the model principles. Use the Quality Growth Worksheet to determine
how well they support or hinder quality growth; identify opportunities for change.
• Building other key community supports – Additional avenues for Quality Growth can be realized through special districts, tax incentives, funding, land
acquisition programs, community organizations/programs, etc.
• Implementing projects – Using the quality growth principles, tackle some doable projects. These can range from stream buffer regulations and
watershed protection projects to residential and commercial development, to downtown revitalization.
While the most comprehensive quality growth program would incorporate all of the steps, communities should start with opportunities that make the
most sense and have the greatest chance of success. The idea is to become attuned to not missing opportunities for incorporating quality growth
principles and practices. After initial progress has been achieved, then additional steps can be taken. What they say is true: success breeds more success!
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Quality Growth...Quality Communities

16. The group was introduced to the Quality Growth Worksheet, a
new tool for communities to use in comparing their plans and
ordinances against the principles. They reviewed the previouslyobtained assessment results for each of their jurisdictions,
identifying strengths and considering priority areas on which to
work together in order to improve development rules. Appendix
B provides a summary of the results of the worksheet for each
jurisdiction as well as their average scores. Figure 12 shows how
development practices promote or hinder implementing the
principles of quality growth.
Workshop participants used the average overall scores to
identify the areas that presented the greatest potential and
opportunity for improvement. The priorities included:
directing development away from areas where it is not desired
or appropriate; requiring sidewalks and bicycle lanes in new
development; interconnecting sidewalks and biking trails;
requiring buffers that encompass streams and environmentally
sensitive areas; planting trees; and implementing low impact
development practices. Appendix C shows the details of the
brainstorming exercise. A quick review of their work reveals a
strong link between the codes review and what would eventually
become the Wilson County Quality Growth Action Plan.
The Quality Growth Worksheet
An Instrument for Change
The Quality Growth process involves the use of an innovative tool,
a worksheet specially structured to help communities evaluate
their current development rules and identify changes that can help
them encourage the type of growth they desire while discouraging
the kind of dispersed and haphazard development that threatens
to negatively impact natural resources and other factors that
contribute to the community’s quality of life.
Past efforts to either encourage smart growth or protect water
resources each used methods designed to emphasize strategies
and best practices associated with that particular goal. As
practitioners recognized that effective long-term progress could
only be made by aligning the two objectives, they decided to
develop a tool that would identify best practices that support both
smart growth and water resource protection.
National, regional, and state organizations with expertise in the
fields of water resources, planning, and development collaborated
to produce the Quality Growth Worksheet. Partners in this effort
included the Cumberland River Compact, the Environmental
Protection Agency, the Southeast Watershed Forum, the Tennessee
Department of Economic and Community Development, the
Tennessee Valley Authority, and the University of Tennessee
Municipal Technical Advisory Service. They drew upon several
nationally recognized worksheets for source material and the final
result was extensively reviewed by prominent experts in the field.
The Worksheet assigns a weight to best practices in the categories
of land use, street and sidewalk networks, parking, green
infrastructure, and water resources. The weighted values reflect
how well each practice can help communities accomplish the 12
Quality Growth principles. Assigned weights correspond to varying
degrees of implementation—whether a practice is currently in use
(even partially, or in certain locations), or is encouraged, required,
or even prohibited under local development rules.
The resulting scores are an effective “reality check” for
communities. They can see at a glance where they stand at
present, and also the direction and extent to which they need
to move in the future—in order to accomplish their goals for
managed growth.
Wilson County Growth Readiness Report
14

17. Figure 12: Multiple Jurisdiction Worksheet Review by Principles
Quality Growth Principles
Encourage Compact
Development & Mixed
Land Use
Expand Housing
Choices
Create Walkable
and Bikeable
Neighborhoods
Create Distinctive
Attractive Communities
Preserve Open Space,
Resource Lands &
Env. Sensitive Areas
City of Lebanon
56%
75%
71%
54%
55%
City of Mt. Juliet
31%
29%
43%
46%
37%
Wilson County
31%
21%
31%
42%
41%
Average Score
out of 100%
39%
42%
48%
47%
44%
April 2010
Quality Growth Principles
Direct Development
toward Existing
Communities or Planned
Growth Centers
Increase Transportation
Choices
Make Cost-Effective,
Predictable
Development Choices
Minimize
Storm Water Runoff
Protect
Water Resources
City of Lebanon
58%
69%
63%
49%
51%
City of Mt. Juliet
36%
45%
38%
49%
43%
Wilson County
34%
24%
33%
27%
30%
Average Score
out of 100%
43%
46%
45%
42%
41%
April 2010
The results show the average of each jurisdiction’s scores, as determined by how development practices meet the principles of Quality Growth. The scores are expressed in
percentages of the total possible scores for each category. Within each of the different categories of Quality Growth principles, the scores ranged from 39% to 48%, with greatest
strength being shown in creating walkable/bikeable neighborhoods, creating distinctive and attractive communities and increasing transportation choices.
The overall score (for Wilson County/Mt. Juliet/Lebanon) was 44%. Individual jurisdiction scores ranged from 58% for Lebanon, 45% for Mt. Juliet and 29% for Wilson County.
While each jurisdiction is doing a number of things well, these scores indicate that there is room for improvement. The lower score for the county is to be expected, given the fact
that many of the questions address development from the perspective of a municipal setting.
Workshop 3
June 3, 2010
Identifying Key Quality Growth Initiatives
Local and regional initiatives were the focus of three presentations: the Tri-County Transportation and
Land Use Study, the City of Lebanon downtown redevelopment proposals, and a variety of commercial
low-impact development projects. Participants were asked to think back over all the information
Drawing Inspiration from Local Examples
Participants in the Wilson County Quality Growth Workshop Series were fortunate in being able to learn about some terrific examples of local and
regional quality growth initiatives from individuals who have been directly involved in the projects.
• Tri-County Transportation and Land Use Study – Matt Meservy, with the Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, shared information about
the study, which is bringing together government, business interests, and members of the public to discuss growth issues and recommend preferred
growth patterns for consideration by the Metropolitan Planning Organization in its regional transportation plan and by local governments in their
comprehensive plans.
• City of Lebanon Downtown Redevelopment – Will Hager, with the City of Lebanon Planning Department, shared with the group existing illustrations of
quality growth principles in the City of Lebanon and opportunities for quality growth projects, including transit oriented development.
• Low impact development projects – Michael Cochran, with Gresham Smith and Partners, highlighted a variety of sustainable site design practices,
especially those related to storm water management. His presentation showcased several commercial projects in the Nashville area, including
Walmart Nashville South and a shopping center anchored by Vanderbilt Health.
15
Quality Growth...Quality Communities

18. presented in the first two workshops. Based on their self-assessment results and current initiatives/
examples, the group was tasked with brainstorming responses to a single question: “What actions
should we take to promote Quality Growth in our community?” Figure 13 provides the results of their
brainstorming. After much discussion, participants identified three strategies as being most important to
their community: green infrastructure, community design, and community education/outreach.
Figure 13: Wilson County Quality Growth Workshop Series
Actions to Promote Quality Growth (6/3/2010)
Education / Outreach (11)*
Bike / Pedestrian
Interconnectivity (2)
Mass Transit (1)
Community Design (6)
Quality Growth education for city and
county elected officials
Walking / biking health issue
Bullet train (1)
Mixed use
Local officials attendance at
workshops
Implement bike lanes where no
sidewalks (1)
Transit study
Walkable communities (1)
Local development health
assessment (1)
Creation of bike lanes
Well designed density
Educate local officials
Sidewalk improvement (1)
Sprawl?
Education / outreach
Transit oriented development
Get non-business voters aware,
interested and mobilized
Better design standards
Stress recycle / reuse / reduce
Low impact development
Permobil tour (2)
Institute local field trip to LID projects
Green Business Development (6)
Funding Sources
Green Infrastructure (11)
Green Infrastructure Continued
Create Green Chamber of Commerce
Obtain grants
County-wide green infrastructure
plan (like / supplementary to
comprehensive plan) (2)
Regional / watershed consistency
in development policy
Green business incubator
Local funding measures
County-wide inter-jurisdictional MOU
on stormwater issues
Expand/ engineer storm water
programs
Telecommute incentives
Interconnected wildlife corridor (1)
Urban trees
Pick potential sustainable development
candidate / developer (1)
More undeveloped parks
Permobil tour
Recreational buffers along creeks
“Reduce” building within flood area (1)
Maintain / establish county-wide
buffer zone regulations
Headwater protection zones
* Numbers represent votes of participants. The numbers in the headings include the numbers next to the specific actions.
The group self-selected into three workgroups to develop priority initiatives—all of which would become
part of a comprehensive Action Plan for Quality Growth in Wilson County. Meeting at different times
over the course of the summer, these three workgroups established SMART (Specific, Measurable,
Action-oriented, Realistic, and Time-limited) objectives, quarterly milestones, projected outcomes, and
responsibilities. Their plans also highlighted which principles would be addressed.
Wilson County Growth Readiness Report
16

19. Workshop 4
August 25, 2010
Developing a Quality Growth Action Plan
This session is when all the pieces came together. The group evaluated what the various work groups had
developed and formulated a three-pronged Action Plan, the specifics of which are discussed in detail in
the Action Plan description.
These three strategies will be used in the effort to promote
quality growth in Wilson County and the Cities of Lebanon
and Mt. Juliet:
It was really interesting to
observe the interactions that
took place as part of the Quality
Growth workshops. A number of
participants fell into the category
of those that write ordinances,
while others represented the
entities that have to comply with
those ordinances. It gave us an
opportunity to reach out to each
other in meaningful ways.
— Chris Leauber
Executive Director,
Water & Wastewater Authority
of Wilson County
Our community stands to benefit
in important ways from having
participated in the Quality
Growth workshop series. Wilson
County and its municipalities are
growing rapidly. Fortunately, we
are comfortable working across
jurisdictional boundaries to
accomplish goals—and the Action
Plan we came up with contains a
broad range of strategies and best
practices that most constituent
groups can support.
•
Developing and implementing at least three green
infrastructure ordinances for adoption by all of the
jurisdictions in the county to enable them to meet their
requirements for stormwater management under NPDES
Phase II;
•
Recommending the revision of urban growth boundaries
to protect open space and direct development to
appropriate locations, identifying sites for Transit
Oriented Development, conservation subdivisions, and
other quality growth development options, and
removing barriers and providing incentives for quality
growth development projects; and
• Increasing awareness and “buy in” for quality growth
approaches and projects through a targeted community
education and outreach program.
The group clarified the SMART objectives and outcomes.
Next they developed a master timeline that indicated
the milestones for each focus area, noting any overlapping work that would need to be coordinated. They
determined next steps, assigned responsibilities, and
made plans to reconvene with a coordinating committee.
Plans call for holding a fifth workshop to track progress on
implementation.
— Will Hager
Planning Director,
City of Lebanon
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Quality Growth...Quality Communities

20. THE WILSON COUNTY ACTION PLAN
Priority Actions Designed to Positively Impact the Community’s Future
This is the “work product” generated as the culmination of the Quality Growth
Workshop Series. It’s really the heart of the process, and represents a great deal of
thought, effort and commitment on the part of participants.
Perhaps the most impressive achievement was the fact that workshop participants seemed to truly
embrace the 10 Principles of Quality Growth. They looked across the board and came up with actions that
will address the entire range of recommended approaches. Figure 14 shows which action plans address
which principles. The Action Plan they developed is solidly based upon the data obtained by completing
the Quality Growth Worksheet; when implemented, the strategies they’ve generated will substantially
improve the scores for their community.
Additional detail on the Action Plan can be found in Appendix D.
Figure 14: Impacts of Action Plan on Quality Growth Principles
Quality Growth Principles
Action Plan Objectives
Encourage Compact
Development & Mixed
Land Use
Create Walkable
and Bikeable
Neighborhoods
Create Distinctive
Attractive Communities
Preserve Open Space,
Resource Lands &
Env. Sensitive Areas
X
Expand Housing
Choices
X
Green infrastructure
ordinance change
Urban growth boundaries
and sites for quality
growth development
X
X
X
X
X
Education / Outreach
quarterly events, field trips
and meetings
X
X
X
X
X
Total Principles
Addressed
X
X
X
X
X
Make Cost-Effective,
Predictable
Development Choices
Minimize
Stormwater Runoff
Protect
Water Resources
X
X
X
Quality Growth Principles
Action Plan Objectives
Direct Development
toward Existing
Communities or Planned
Growth Centers
Increase Transportation
Choices
Green infrastructure
ordinance change
Urban growth boundaries
and sites for quality
growth development
X
X
X
X
X
Education / Outreach
quarterly events, field trips
and meetings
X
X
X
X
X
Total Principles
Addressed
X
X
X
X
X
Wilson County Growth Readiness Report
18

21. Community Education/Outreach
Objective: Develop a speakers/topics/events bureau for the purpose of educating elected officials, appointed
officials and other stakeholder groups as interest and necessity dictate. Speakers will be arranged in a quarterly
schedule for implementation by December 31, 2010. Each of the topics will center around one or more of the 10
principles for Quality Growth. They will be targeted to specific stakeholder groups.
The group felt that the most important strategy to promote Quality Growth was to convince key
decision-makers that implementing quality growth plans, ordinances, and projects will be cost-effective,
marketable, and will enhance and protect the quality of the community for future generations. They
agreed that targeting the topics and messages to specific groups would be the most effective approach.
Initial programs will include: a tour for elected and appointed officials of the new Permobil plant to
showcase green building design concepts (Fall 2010); a program on green living technologies for
homeowners, realtors, and the building community at the
Homebuilders Expo (Winter 2011); and a joint meeting of
planning commissions to learn about the results of the work
of the community design and green infrastructure work
We are undergoing a
groups (Spring 2011).
transformation in how we
approach the issue of growth
Community Design
and development. What people
want their communities to look
Objective: Create a Growth Planning Advisory Committee
like and the benefits they want
to develop recommendations for revising the urban growth
their neighborhoods to provide
boundaries within Wilson County based on watersheds, land
for them has changed. Bigger is
use capability, and jurisdictional boundaries; identify viable
not always better. Rapid growth
locations for Transit Oriented Development (TOD), conservation
cannot happen at the expense of
subdivisions, historic preservation, and LEED for Neighborhood
good planning; there is a definite
Design; identify barriers that may limit or discourage such
cost when it comes to unplanned,
development, and identify possible incentives for encouraging
haphazard development.
quality growth development by December 31, 2012.
— Mary Jo Bragan
Smart Growth Program Manager,
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Region IV
What’s on the line here is way
more then aesthetics; it’s really
about the long-term viability
of our local economy and the
overall health and well-being of
our community.
— Tom Brashear
Planning Director,
Wilson County
The group felt that an important key to the implementation
of Quality Growth was the designation of appropriate
urban growth boundaries and identification of sites for
developments utilizing the quality growth principles.
They recommended forming a Growth Planning Advisory
Committee. The 11-member committee would include:
the planning directors from Wilson County, Lebanon,
and Mt Juliet; one planning commissioner from each
of the four jurisdictions (including Watertown) in the
county; one representative each from the Joint Economic
and Community Development Board, stormwater
coordinators, and the water and sewer utility; and one
resident. Representatives from regional agencies such as the
Cumberland River Compact, Cumberland Region Tomorrow,
and the Metropolitan Planning Commission would be
invited to be ad hoc members as needed. GIS staff members
from each of the jurisdictions would work together to
identify the urban growth boundaries and recommended
sites for development.
Changes to urban growth boundaries would have to be
made by an appointed Growth Planning Committee, a
19
Quality Growth...Quality Communities

22. legal authority whose membership would be defined by law. The advisory committee would suggest the
establishment of this committee, provide input, and work toward implementation. Recommendations
would be made on prime locations for transit oriented development (TOD), conservation subdivisions,
historical preservation, and LEED for Neighborhood Design. These recommendations will be presented
initially to a joint meeting of the planning commissions in April 2011. A report on the sites and work on
implementing changes to development rules and incentives will begin in the summer of 2011.
Green Infrastructure
Objective: Evaluate municipal and county development language with the EPA Water Quality Scorecard and identify
at least three green infrastructure ordinance changes that positively affect water resources for implementation
by all three jurisdictions. One of the three green infrastructure ordinances will involve establishing stream buffer
zones. Work with each community to implement all three green infrastructure practices.
As NPDES Phase II communities, Wilson County and
the Cities of Lebanon and Mt. Juliet are required by the
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
(TDEC) to use EPA’s Water Quality Scorecard to evaluate
their development codes and ordinances and make changes
to increase the use of green infrastructure to manage
stormwater. The group recognized the importance of
consistency in regulations within the cities and county—
especially for stream buffers—which not only protect water,
but also provide corridors for wildlife and recreation.
The Cumberland River Compact staff will work with local
planners to educate the planning commissions on TDEC’s
requirements, evaluate their codes and ordinances and
prepare recommendations for language change. A synthesis
of the recommendations will be presented at a joint
meeting of the planning commissions in April 2011. The
group was also interested in brainstorming about other
green infrastructure best practices to be included in future
education/outreach sessions.
The real strength of the Quality
Growth Action Plan we crafted
is that it represents a unified
approach. The message we’re
sending to the development
community is concise and
consistent. Instead of just
representing the proposed actions
of Mt. Juliet, or Wilson County, or
Lebanon individually, we are truly
speaking with one voice.
— Gary Gaskin
Stormwater Coordinator,
City of Mt. Juliet
Next Steps
The conveners of each of the three workgroups have committed to working with their members on
implementation of the action plan. They have agreed to establish a monthly leadership meeting to
discuss progress and facilitate interaction among the groups. An electronic mailing list of individuals on
the planning team and workgroups will be established, and notes from the workgroup meetings will
be posted by the conveners. The entire group plans to reconvene later in the fall to assess progress and
modify plans as needed.
Wilson County Growth Readiness Report
20

23. APPENDIX A
Participants
Wilson County Quality Growth Workshop Series Participants
Paul Abercrombie
Harvey Abouleta
Efficient Energy of Tennessee
Robert Agee
Wilson County Planning
Cynthia Allen
Middle Tennessee State University
Phil Armor
Greater Nashville Regional Council
Amy Arnold
Tennessee Valley Authority
Dwight Barnette
Tennessee Division of Forestry
H. Barry
City of Lebanon
Pam Black
City of Lebanon
Chuck Boyette
City of Lebanon
Tom Brashear
Wilson County
Robert Cesternino
Lebanon Board of Zoning Appeals
Lee Clark
City of Lebanon
Tom Clemmons
Clemmons & Associates
Philip Craighead
City of Lebanon
David Donaldsby
Power Board Compass
Diane Fletcher
Joint Economic and Community Development Board
Steve Foote
City of Mt Juliet
Tiffany Foster
Tennessee Valley Authority
Jane Fowler
Southeast Watershed Forum
Beula Garrett
City of Lebanon Planning Commission
Gary Gaskin
City of Mt Juliet
Will Hager
City of Lebanon
Ken House
21
Wilson County
Wilson County
Quality Growth...Quality Communities

24. APPENDIX A
Participants (continued)
Vena Jones
Cumberland River Compact
Lynne Jordan
Wilson County
Marlin Keel
City of Mt Juliet
Dave Keiser
Cumberland Region Tomorrow
Randy Laine
The Laine Company
Chris Leauber
Water Wastewater, Wilson County
Larry Lovelace
Wilson County
Mac McCluskey
Wilson County
Perry Neal BOZA
Gary Nokes
Wilson County Planning
Allen Persinger
USDA-NRCS
Lynn Pruett
City of Lebanon
Regina Santana
City of Lebanon
Chris Seaborn
Wilson County Water Wastewater
Mary Speight
Efficient Energy of Tennessee
Gary Tackus
Clemmons & Associates
David Taylor
City of Lebanon Planning
Magi Tilton
City of Lebanon
Liz Upchurch
Tennessee Valley Authority
James Vaden
City of Lebanon
Diane Weathers
Wilson County Board of Zoning Appeals
Tommy Williams
Wilson County Planning
James Woods
Wilson County Planning Board
Andy Wright
Lebanon City Attorney
Wilson County Growth Readiness Report
22

25. APPENDIX B
Quality Growth Worksheet – Comparison of Community Scores
City of Lebanon
City of Mt. Juliet
Wilson County
Average
Percentages
Maximum Weight
Average Scores
Quality Growth Worksheet
a.
Is development directed away from or prohibited in areas where it is not
desired or appropriate?
60%
100%
30%
63%
29
18
b.
Is development encouraged in existing neighborhoods & other previously
developed locations (infill, brownfield & greyfields)?
50%
0%
30%
27%
29
8
c.
Is greenfield development directed to centers planned for growth where
infrastructure is sufficient?
100%
50%
70%
73%
19
14
d. Is higher density development permitted without additional reviews or submittals? 100%
30%
0%
43%
43
e. Is mixed-use development allowed without additional reviews or submittals? 100%
40%
10%
50%
19
35
18
70%
70%
30%
57%
13
7
g. Are a range of lot sizes allowed?
100%
50%
30%
60%
20
h. Are setback and frontage requirements reduced in residential developments?
80%
30%
20%
43%
12
13
6
i.
Is Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) allowed without additional
reviews or submittals?
50%
0%
20%
23%
38
9
j.
Are live/work units allowed without additional reviews or submittals?
80%
0%
20%
33%
32
11
k.
In residential neighborhoods, can an accessory structure be converted to a
dwelling unit without additional reviews or submittals?
50%
0%
0%
17%
26
4
a. Are interconnected street networks required in new subdivisions?
70%
80%
90%
80%
29
23
b. Do street standards allow use of parkways, boulevards and avenues?
60%
40%
30%
c. Are neighborhood street types (yield streets, narrow streets and alleys) allowed?
40%
40%
0%
d. Are cul-de-sacs prohibited in new subdivisions?
70%
0%
50%
e. Do requirements result in street intersections that support walking?
80%
20%
30%
f.
60%
0%
0%
0%
100%
0%
33%
12
4
h. Are sidewalks required on at least one side of the street in residential neighborhoods? 100% 100%
30%
77%
12
9
April 2010
City of Lebanon, City of Mt. Juliet and Wilson County
1. LAND USE
DEVELOPMENT LOCATION
DEVELOPMENT INTENSITY AND LAND USE MIX
f.
Are a variety of housing styles, sizes and placements allowed within a
development?
2. STREET AND SIDEWALK NETWORK
STREETS
Are bicycle lanes required in new developments?
g. Are standards established for bike lanes?
43%
27%
40%
43%
20%
29
29
17
17
12
13
8
7
7
2
SIDEWALKS
i.
90%
70%
0%
53%
9
5
j.
Are requirements for sidewalk width appropriate for their development
context and expected pedestrian activity?
80%
80%
20%
60%
12
7
k.
Are sidewalks separated from adjacent streets by a planter strip that is 3
feet wide or greater?
80%
20%
0%
33%
7
2
l.
23
Are sidewalks required on both sides of the street in commercial,
employment, industrial and mixed-use zones?
Are trees, planters, sculptures, street furniture, on-street parking and
other streetscape features permitted where walking is desired?
70%
30%
0%
33%
10
3
Quality Growth...Quality Communities

26. APPENDIX B
Quality Growth Worksheet – Comparison of Community Scores
City of Lebanon
City of Mt. Juliet
Wilson County
Average
Percentages
Maximum Weight
Average Scores
Quality Growth Worksheet (continued)
80%
80%
80%
80%
32
26
b. Are alternative approaches to meeting parking requirements allowed?
20%
90%
50%
53%
32
17
c. Is a centralized parking program in place?
80%
0%
0%
d. Is parking in the rear of buildings allowed?
70%
100%
50%
73%
9
7
April 2010
City of Lebanon, City of Mt. Juliet and Wilson County
3. PARKING
a.
Are parking standards or requirements differentiated by land use types to
minimize land area devoted to parking?
27%
9
2
4. GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
REGIONAL OR COUNTY-WIDE
a.
Are there plans and policies for an interconnected network of green
infrastructure and open space?
60%
80%
80%
73%
17
12
b.
Are mechanisms in place for implementing interconnected green
infrastructure and open space plans and policies?
50%
30%
10%
30%
40
12
c.
Are buffers that encompass streams, wetlands, floodplains and steep
slopes required?
50%
90%
80%
73%
26
19
d.
Is connecting and making accessible open space throughout the
community required?
50%
80%
80%
70%
14
10
40%
60%
10%
40%
23
9
50%
0%
0%
7%
23
2
g. Are parks required in new subdivisions?
20%
0%
80%
43%
23
10
h. Is open space required in new developments?
50%
0%
80%
i.
Must preserved open space be managed in a natural condition?
50%
40%
40%
53%
13
7
j.
Are interconnected sidewalks, walking trails or bike paths required within
a development?
80%
40%
80%
67%
13
9
NEIGHBORHOOD
e. Are native vegetation, trees and soils in new developments required?
f.
Is planting trees required along streets, and as part of storm water
treatment infrastructure?
43%
29
13
5. WATER RESOURCES
LAND USE
a.
Do storm water management requirements encourage higher density and
infill projects?
0%
0%
0%
0%
33
0
b.
Do existing capacity and funded plans for wastewater treatment and
water supply support expected growth and development?
70%
0%
10%
27%
26
7
STREET AND SIDEWALK NETWORK
c.
Are street rights-of-way less than 45 feet wide in residential
developments?
0%
80%
0%
27%
7
2
d.
Are alternatives to curb and gutter (open section roads, swales and other
storm water practices) allowed where appropriate?
0%
50%
0%
17%
12
2
e. Can streets be constructed with pervious materials?
0%
0%
0%
0%
12
0
f.
50%
70%
0%
Can sidewalks be constructed with pervious materials?
Wilson County Growth Readiness Report
40%
12
5
24

27. Maximum Weight
Average Scores
City of Lebanon, City of Mt. Juliet and Wilson County
Average
Percentages
April 2010
Wilson County
Quality Growth Worksheet (continued)
City of Mt. Juliet
Quality Growth Worksheet – Comparison of Community Scores
City of Lebanon
APPENDIX B
50%
60%
0%
37%
14
5
30%
0%
0%
10%
9
1
5. WATER RESOURCES (CONTINUED)
PARKING AND DRIVEWAYS
g.
Do regulations have provisions and design standards for the use of LID
practices, landscaping, tree planting, and pervious surfaces in parking lots?
Do regulations have provisions and standards for alternative solutions
h. (such as “two track” design, shared driveways or reduced driveway
widths) or pervious materials for residential driveways?
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
i.
Are jurisdictional wetlands protected from storm water pollution and
flooding?
90%
100%
50%
80%
23
18
j.
Do public health standards and procedures allow alternative subsurface
sewer disposal methods that support higher density residential
development and cluster development?
0%
0%
90%
30%
30
9
60%
100%
30%
63%
12
8
100% 100%
30%
77%
17
13
125
k. Is off-site management of runoff permitted?
l.
Are performance-based design criteria and maintenance standards
for storm water best management during and after construction
incorporated into ordinances?
SCORES
1.
Land Use
76%
34%
24%
297
2.
Street and Sidewalk Network
67%
48%
21%
195
3.
Parking
63%
68%
45%
82
4.
Green Infrastructure
50%
42%
54%
221
5.
Water Resources
38%
47%
18%
207
OVERALL SCORES
58%
45%
29%
1002 440
91
52
102
70
RANGE OF SCORES
greatest improvement needed
good start
almost there
0 - 10%
all requirements not permitted by rule in all of community
20%
some requirements not permitted in some of community
30 - 40%
all requirements not informally encouraged in all of community
50 - 60%
some requirements informally encouraged in some parts of community
70%
excellent
25
80 - 90%
no improvement needed
100%
all requirements informally encouraged in all of community
some requirements codified for some of community
all requirements codified for all of community
Quality Growth...Quality Communities

28. APPENDIX C
Multiple Jurisdiction Assessment of Opportunities for Improvement
April 2010
City of Lebanon, City of Mt. Juliet and Wilson County
Score
Avg.
Score
Max
Work Together
Possible to Change?
Priority / Notes
1. LAND USE
DEVELOPMENT LOCATION
a.
Is development directed away from or prohibited in areas
where it is not desired or appropriate?
18
29
yes
high
b.
Is development encouraged in existing neighborhoods & other
previously developed locations (infill, brownfield & greyfields)?
8
29
no
low - future
c.
Is greenfield development directed to centers planned for
growth where infrastructure is sufficient?
14
19
N/A
low
DEVELOPMENT INTENSITY AND LAND USE MIX
d.
Is higher density development permitted without additional
reviews or submittals?
19
43
subjective
medium - with
permission; more
discussion
e.
Is mixed-use development allowed without additional
reviews or submittals?
18
35
subjective
medium - more
discussion
f.
Are a variety of housing styles, sizes and placements
allowed within a development?
7
13
yes
medium/low
12
20
N/A
low
g. Are a range of lot sizes allowed?
h.
Are setback and frontage requirements reduced in residential
developments?
6
13
yes
medium/high
i.
Is Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) allowed
without additional reviews or submittals?
9
38
yes
medium
j.
Are live/work units allowed without additional reviews or submittals?
11
32
yes
medium
k.
In residential neighborhoods, can an accessory structure be converted to a dwelling unit without additional reviews or submittals?
4
26
no
low
23
29
yes - all
agencies
high
2. STREET AND SIDEWALK NETWORK
STREETS
a. Are interconnected street networks required in new subdivisions?
b.
Do street standards allow use of parkways, boulevards and
avenues?
13
29
no - should be
explored as
future options
medium
c.
Are neighborhood street types (yield streets, narrow streets
and alleys) allowed?
8
29
no - or by
variance only
medium
7
17
no - limited
length
low
7
17
Wilson - no
Mt. Juliet - yes
Lebanon - yes
high
2
12
Wilson - no
Mt. Juliet - no
Lebanon - yes
high - Wilson &
Mt. Juliet
greenways will
require
4
12
Wilson - no
Mt. Juliet - no
Lebanon - yes
medium/low
d. Are cul-de-sacs prohibited in new subdivisions?
e.
f.
Do requirements result in street intersections that support
walking?
Are bicycle lanes required in new developments?
g. Are standards established for bike lanes?
Wilson County Growth Readiness Report
26

29. APPENDIX C
Multiple Jurisdiction Assessment of Opportunities for Improvement
April 2010 (continued)
City of Lebanon, City of Mt. Juliet and Wilson County
Score
Avg.
Score
Max
Work Together
Possible to Change?
Priority / Notes
SIDEWALKS
h.
Are sidewalks required on at least one side of the street in
residential neighborhoods?
9
12
Wilson - no
Mt. Juliet - yes
Lebanon - yes
high
i.
Are sidewalks required on both sides of the street in commercial, employment, industrial and mixed-use zones?
5
9
no
low
j.
Are requirements for sidewalk width appropriate for their
development context and expected pedestrian activity?
7
12
Wilson - no
Mt. Juliet - no
Lebanon - yes
medium
k.
Are sidewalks separated from adjacent streets by a planter
strip that is 3 feet wide or greater?
2
7
no
low-medium
l.
Are trees, planters, sculptures, street furniture, on-street
parking and other streetscape features permitted where
walking is desired?
3
10
no
low
3. PARKING
a.
Are parking standards or requirements differentiated by land use
types to minimize land area devoted to parking?
26
32
yes
medium
b.
Are alternative approaches to meeting parking requirements
allowed?
17
32
yes
high - shared
parking
c. Is a centralized parking program in place?
2
9
yes
high - shared
parking
d. Is parking in the rear of buildings allowed?
7
9
no
low
4. GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
REGIONAL OR COUNTY-WIDE
a.
Are there plans and policies for an interconnected network
of green infrastructure and open space?
12
17
b.
Are mechanisms in place for implementing interconnected
green infrastructure and open space plans and policies?
12
40
c.
Are buffers that encompass streams, wetlands, floodplains
and steep slopes required?
19
26
d.
Is connecting and making accessible open space throughout
the community required?
10
14
#1 - EPA, TDEC
regulations will
force this
NEIGHBORHOOD
e.
9
23
f.
Is planting trees required along streets, and as part of storm
water treatment infrastructure?
2
23
g.
Are parks required in new subdivisions?
10
23
h.
Is open space required in new developments?
13
29
i.
Must preserved open space be managed in a natural
condition?
7
13
j.
27
Are native vegetation, trees and soils in new developments
required?
Are interconnected sidewalks, walking trails or bike paths
required within a development?
9
13
Quality Growth...Quality Communities
#2a
#2b
#3 feeds #2a/b

30. APPENDIX C
Multiple Jurisdiction Assessment of Opportunities for Improvement
April 2010 (continued)
City of Lebanon, City of Mt. Juliet and Wilson County
Score
Avg.
Score
Max
Work Together
Possible to Change?
Priority / Notes
5. WATER RESOURCES
LAND USE
Do stormwater management requirements encourage higher
density and infill projects?
0
33
yes
medium
7
26
yes
medium - discuss
Are street rights-of-way less than 45 feet wide in residential
developments?
2
7
no
?
Are alternatives to curb and gutter (open section roads,
d. swales and other stormwater practices) allowed where
appropriate?
2
12
by variance
medium
e. Can streets be constructed with pervious materials?
0
12
no - should be
considered
medium
f.
5
12
no - should be
considered
high
high
low
a.
Do existing capacity and funded plans for wastewater
b. treatment and water supply support expected growth and
development?
STREET AND SIDEWALK NETWORK
c.
Can sidewalks be constructed with pervious materials?
PARKING AND DRIVEWAYS
Do regulations have provisions and design standards for the use
g. of LID practices, landscaping, tree planting and pervious surfaces
in parking lots?
5
14
some
landscape
provisions,
allow LID
Do regulations have provisions and standards for alternative
solutions (such as “two track” design, shared driveways
h.
or reduced driveway widths) or pervious materials for
residential driveways?
1
9
no/yes
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
i.
Are jurisdictional wetlands protected from stormwater pollution
and flooding?
18
23
j.
Do public health standards and procedures allow alternative
subsurface sewer disposal methods that support higher
density residential development and cluster development?
9
30
8
12
13
17
k. Is off-site management of runoff permitted?
l.
Are performance-based design criteria and maintenance
standards for stormwater best management during and
after construction incorporated into ordinances?
Wilson County Growth Readiness Report
#2
#1
28

31. APPENDIX D
Wilson County Quality Growth Action Plan
Wilson County Quality Growth – Action Plan – Community Education / Outreach
Quarterly Milestones
Objective: To develop a speakers/topics/events bureau for the purpose of educating elected officials, appointed officials and
other stakeholder groups as interest and necessity dictates. Speakers will be arranged in a quarterly schedule for implementation by 12/31/10. Each of the topics will center around one or more of the 10 model principles of Quality Growth. They
will be targeted to specific stakeholder groups.
Work Group: Tom Brashear (convener), Magi Tilton, James Vaden, Vena Jones and Dwight Barnett
Implementation Steps / Milestones
7-9/10
Recruit a team liason from the other 2 Quality Growth committees
(Community Design and Green Infrastructure) to the Community Outreach/
Education Committee (CO/E Committee) to ensure that the list of topics,
speakers, and events address their needs.
7/126/13
X
Outline topics; find speakers/events that match the topics.
X
Develop a quarterly schedule of these topics and events.
X
Obtain tentative commitment from speakers for 2nd Quality Growth
education event.
X
Hold Permobil field trip. Submit a press release or news article.
X
Finalize speakers, locations, arrangements, and times for 2nd Quality
Growth education event. Topic: green living technologies – at the
Homebuilders Expo.
X
Hold the 2nd Quality Growth continuing education event. (green living
technologies – at the Homebuilders Expo). Audience will be homeowners,
realtors, and the building community.
X
Secure additional speaker dates and arrangements for 3rd Quality Growth
continuing education event.
X
Finalize speakers, locations, arrangements and times for the 3rd event
(Planning Commission Workshop).
X
Hold the 3rd Quality Growth continuing education class. This will be
the Planning Commission workshop focused on recommendations for
changes to urban growth boundaries, update on multi-jurisdiction EPA
water quality score card results and other topics of interest.
X
Secure additional speaker dates, commitments and arrangements for
4th Quality Growth continuing education event. Topic and audience to be
decided.
X
Evaluate speakers and topics against current needs/interests in the
community and adjust speakers/topics/events bureau accordingly.
X
Repeat cycle of year one with pertinent topics and speakers and field
trips, etc. that match the need of the community while still remembering
to maintain focus on the 10 model principles of quality growth.
29
7/116/12
X
Discuss making use of the Community Partnering Contract provided by
Cumberland River Compact to further efforts on this objective.
1-3/11 4-6/11
X
Prepare for implementation of a field trip to Permobil as an inaugural
Quality Growth series education event. Audience will be elected and
appointed government officials.
1012/10
Quality Growth...Quality Communities
X
X
X

32. APPENDIX D
Wilson County Quality Growth Action Plan
Wilson County Quality Growth – Action Plan – Community Design
Quarterly Milestones
Objective: To create a Growth Planning Advisory Committee to develop recommendations for revising the urban growth
boundaries within Wilson County based on watersheds, land use capability, and jurisdictional boundaries; identify
viable locations for Transit Oriented Development (TOD), conservation subdivisions, historic preservation, and LEED for
Neighborhood Design; identify barriers that may limit or discourage such development; and identify possible incentives for
encouraging quality growth development by December 31, 2012.
Work Group: Will Hager (convener), Tom Brashear, Lynn Pruett, Steve Foote, Kenneth House
Implementation Steps / Milestones
7-9/10
Convene organizational meeting to plan the Growth Planning Advisory
committee (GAPC); identify potential members; define responsibilities;
develop agenda for first meeting.
1012/10
1-3/11 4-6/11
7/116/12
7/126/13
X
Conduct GIS analysis to develop recommendations to changes in urban
growth boundaries and identify opportunities for TOD, conservation
subdivisions, historic preservation, and LEED for Neighborhood
Development.
X
Hold first GAPC meeting. (11/10)
X
Analyze land use and government level of service from planning
departments. (start 12/10)
X
X
X
Hold second GAPC meeting. (2/11)
X
Define recommendations to changes in growth boundaries. (3/11)
X
Identify barriers to TOD, conservation subdivisions, and LEED for
Neighborhood Development, including existing zoning, community
acceptance and financing.
X
Identify possible incentives for quality growth, including feebates or fee
waivers and density bonuses for developments within a .5 mile walk of
transit.
X
Develop plans for Planning Commission meeting (all planning
commissions in the county), including development of agenda focused on
3-4 specific quality growth topics, including recommendations to changes
in urban growth boundaries and a multi-jurisdictional synthesis of the
results of the EPA water quality scorecard.
X
Identify funding for food for the dinner.
X
Host dinner and workshop for Planning Commissions. Present
recommendations for changes to urban growth boundaries.
X
Have each planning commission act on the recommendations.
X
Create booklet to post on line to identify specific sites for TOD,
conservation subdivisions, historic preservation, and LEED for
Neighborhoods.
X
Reevaluate direction of community design.
X
Remove barriers to quality growth.
X
Implement incentives for quality growth.
X
Wilson County Growth Readiness Report
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33. APPENDIX D
Wilson County Quality Growth Action Plan
Wilson County Quality Growth – Action Plan – Community Education / Outreach
Quarterly Milestones
Objective: Evaluate municipal and county development language with the EPA Water Quality Scorecard and identify at least
3 green infrastructure ordinance changes that positively affect water resources for all 3 communities to implement. One of
the three green infrastructure ordinances will be stream buffer zones. Then work with each community to implement all 3
green infrastructure practices.
Work Group: Vena Jones (convener), Dwight Barnett, Chris Leauber, James Vaden, Allen Persinger
Implementation Steps / Milestones
Review Quality Growth worksheets done by all communities. (9/10)
7-9/10
1012/10
1-3/11 4-6/11
7/126/13
X
X
X
Establish planning team that will assist in EPA Water Quality Scorecard
workshops. (10/10)
X
Hold EPA Scorecard workshops. (11/10-4/11)
X
X
Develop educational sessions and hold opportunities. (11/10-4/11)
X
X
Synthesize EPA Scorecard data for all 3 communities and identify overlap
of key green infrastructure practices. Present information at meeting of
planning commissioners from all jurisdictions.
Work with each community to implement ordinance changes that promote
a cohesive GI base in Wilson County.
31
7/116/12
Quality Growth...Quality Communities
X

34. NOTES
Wilson County Growth Readiness Report
32

35. NOTES
33
Quality Growth...Quality Communities

36. Wilson County Growth Readiness Report
34