Golf simulators may soon tee off in Farragut’s office district
Proposed interactive sports analysis businesses soon may be permitted in Farragut’s Office Zoning District.
Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously on first reading to allow such businesses in the Office (O-1) District during its meeting Thursday, Jan. 22. The ordinance must pass a second reading before it takes effect.
Chris Miller, the applicant, is looking to open a golf analysis simulation business at 12756 Kingston Pike, just right of Renaissance | Farragut.
“I think it’s a good fit, and good luck,” Mayor Ron Williams told Miller.
Community Development director Mark Shipley said the request had already been discussed at the November Farragut Municipal Planning Commission workshop and formally voted on during the December FMPC meeting.
“The item involves a request to amend the Office (O-1) Zoning District to provide for interactive sports analysis service to be a permitted use,” Shipley said. “The proposed business would involve a member-only, appointment-based indoor golf practice and play simulation experience. Members would schedule a session, bring in their golf clubs and practice on a simulated golf course.”
Although the current proposal centers on golf, Shipley noted that the use could apply to other sports in the future.
He explained that while professional services such as medical, legal, dental, engineering and financial consulting currently are permitted in the O-1 zone, sports analysis services do not fit neatly under that definition. Instead of seeking a variance through the Board of Zoning Appeals, the applicant was advised to pursue a zoning text amendment.
“In reviewing such compatibility, an important consideration is whether the envisioned use would be similar to other office-type uses intended to serve as transitional uses between commercial and residential developments,” Shipley said.
“After reviewing the use and potential language that would be specific to such use at
the workshop session in November, the Planning Commission supported the idea of moving forward with ordinance language.”
Shipley noted the use would be restricted in scope: the space devoted to sports analysis must be limited in size, it would not include the sale of retail goods, food or alcohol and any noise must be contained using soundproofing measures detailed in building or tenant space plans.
In other action, the Board voted to re-appoint Keith Alley as municipal judge. Alley was first appointed as municipal judge in 2016 and has been reappointed each following year.
