The Cumberland County Commission met last night and discussed many agenda items, including the final passing of a resolution meant to place more enforcement on dangerous yards in the county.

The resolution was initially offered in a prior November meeting and was taken back to the Health and Safety Standards Board for revision as parts of the resolution concerning vehicles and grass overgrowth drew complaints from citizens. One attendee at a previous meeting called the resolution a ‘fine line between our property rights being taken away’ before it was taken back for revision.

Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster said on his website:

“The prior standards were revisited after some concerns were brought to the commissioners.  The new standards were discussed thoroughly in the HSSB meeting, and common ground seemed to be found.  The revised standards and procedures were approved 10-7 after a friendly amendment was made to remove a provision that gave the ability to the Codes Inspector to see a sight and start the complaint process without a citizen complaint.  Commissioners Potter, York, Isham, Hyder, Shanks, Threet, Wilson, Maxwell, Holbrook, and Patterson voted for the resolution.  Commissioners Gibson, Seiber, Davis, Lowe, Sherrill, Baldwin, and Cooper voted against the resolution.”

The final version of the resolution passed 10-7, with statements made by Commissioner Nancy Hyder that should the new standards and procedures prove unsatisfactory or insufficient, changes can be made down the line to accommodate the wishes and needs of citizens.

The resolution can be read in full on the County Commission’s agenda starting at page 36 here: https://cumberlandcountytn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2025-02-18-County-Commission-Monthly-Meeting-Agenda.pdf