Planning Commission Chairman Speaks Out For "Freedom To Build The Ugly Thing"
In a discussion about a Lookout Valley house with no visible front door, the Planning Commission chairman, Ethan Collier, argued in favor of "the freedom to build the ugly thing."
"If not for the ugly thing, the pretty thing would be less valuable. Maybe it's ugly. But who cares?"
The local planners were discussing a concern by the Fire Department on being able to readily spot the front door on the newly built house on Browns Ferry Road.
- The house has no doors or windows on the side facing Browns Ferry or the two sides facing neighbors.
- There is a porch in front of a long field at the rear, and presumably, a door.
Bryan Schults, of the planning staff, outlined a proposed regulation that would have required "a clear access point for emergency responders." Chairman Collier said firefighters "are going to find the door, right? They manage to get to the door on an ADU even when it can't be seen from the road.
Author's summary: Chairman speaks out for freedom to build.