Last week, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that a Grundy County resolution restricting quarry locations was an invalid zoning ordinance because it was passed without following the procedural requirements of Tennessee’s County Zoning Act (CZA).

The CZA mandates public hearings and planning commission review for zoning ordinances. Grundy County’s Resolution required quarries to be more than 5,000 feet from certain establishments but was adopted without CZA procedures. Tinsley Properties challenged the resolution, while the county argued it was not subject to the CZA. Lower courts sided with Grundy County, but the Supreme Court reversed, finding the resolution functioned as a zoning law and was therefore invalid due to noncompliance with the CZA.

Tinsley plans to operate, while Grundy County officials vow to continue their attempt to stop the quarry.