The Baileyton Planning Commission denied a request Thursday for rezoning that would have permitted an auto repair shop, though several members said the town needs such a shop.

J.W. Lamb, who operates a mini-storage business on Baileyton's Main Street, adjoining the town's new park, told the planners that he would like to build a new tire store and repair shop to do "light maintenance" on passenger cars and light trucks on one corner of the same property.

He said the 60-by-30 foot building would be similar in style and materials to the mini-storage building already there, but two feet taller, to accommodate a door large enough for trucks.

"We won't be doing heavy trucks," he said.

Charles Anderson, Baileyton's state-contract planner, asked if the garage would be "the primary business." Lamb said it would.

In that case, Anderson said, "I would have to recommend against it," since the property is zoned B-1 for general business, and B-3 is required for an auto service business.

Planning Commission member Tommy Sensabaugh asked if the zoning can be changed. Anderson said that the zoning can be changed, but would require a public hearing and action by the board of mayor and aldermen.

Sensabaugh said a car repair shop "is something we need" in Baileyton. Later Alderman Don Kilday echoed that sentiment.

This is not the first time that Lamb has run into zoning problems. He purchased the property because it was zoned for business, only to learn after he started building that Baileyton's zoning did not at that time provide specifically for mini-storage businesses.

Kilday asked if the town could just rezone the corner of Lamb's property that he wants to use for vehicle repair.

Anderson said the same process would be required, either way, and in either case, he would have to recommend against it.

"I can understand Mr. Lamb's desire to get the shop going," Anderson said, but he said the planning commission needs to "follow procedures," even if its members want to change the zoning, because if they do not, they are setting a precedent that might make it harder to stand by their own rules later.

Member Doug Carter said he would have no objection to the business. Sensabaugh said he would not either, "but I live on the other side of town."

New member Eugene Britton said he was contacted by one person who was concerned that "junk tires" might pile up and be an eyesore.

Lamb said any used tires could be hidden in a mini-storage unit, and promised that no "tire pile" will accumulate.

Britton asked if he plans a fence. Lamb said he would like to have a fence, but cannot afford one now.

Planning Commission Chairman Rob Bailey said he had no reason to doubt that Lamb will keep the place tidy.

Mayor Tommy Casteel said that Lamb's situation points up the need to reconsider some of Baileyton's current zoning. He said the town tried to "please everybody" when it first adopted zoning 20 years ago, and the results probably are not what the town needs now, in some cases.

Casteel said one parcel of vacant land zoned for industry recently changed hands. He said he thinks that the new owner plans residential use, and will request rezoning.

The mayor said it's his opinion that Baileyton has a great deal more land zoned M-1 than it needs, and most people probably remain unaware of the industrial zoning in areas that will more likely be developed for residences.

Kilday asked if the planning commission should consider "doing away with" some of the M-1 zoning. Casteel said that is up to the members.

New member Britton said he would like to learn more about the town's zoning before being asked to take action. "We need to work on this," he said. New member Maryann Hall agreed.

Anderson said that a "rezoning study" of the town is "an excellent idea."

Town Recorder Barbara Tilson said she had been asked by the owner of Troy's Cabins whether that business can put a sign on the community signboard at the intersection of Van Hill Road and the Horton Highway.

Tilson said the business is becoming a bed and breakfast, and the owner was not able to attend Thursday's meeting.

The sign would have a directional arrow and phone number, she said.

A motion to allow the sign was approved unanimously on a motion by Hall.