Nashville, TN —  One week ago, the Tennessee Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Tinsley Properties, LLC et al. v. Grundy County, a high-stakes legal battle that could reshape how counties across Tennessee regulate controversial land uses under the County Powers Act.

At the heart of the case is a Grundy County resolution, upheld by lower courts, that bans quarries and rock crushers from operating within 5,000 feet of residences, churches, schools, parks, and other sensitive sites. Quarry operator Tinsley Properties challenged the resolution, arguing that the county bypassed state zoning laws and overstepped its authority, claiming state law preempts such local regulations.

Grundy County, meanwhile, maintains it is acting within its rights to protect public health and safety under Tennessee Code Annotated 5-1-118, the County Powers Act. The trial court and Court of Appeals sided with the county, citing the lack of a comprehensive zoning plan, which would trigger different procedural requirements.

The Supreme Court's eventual ruling could have wide-reaching implications, particularly for DeKalb County, which in October 2024 adopted nearly identical restrictions, expanding them to also cover cryptocurrency mining, landfills, adult entertainment, and methadone clinics. That resolution mirrors Grundy’s, including the 5,000-foot buffer and a licensing system administered by the county clerk and mayor’s office.

DeKalb County Attorney Hilton Conger has emphasized the importance of the case to local lawmakers, noting that a ruling against Grundy County could undermine DeKalb’s own regulatory framework.

No decision was issued following the oral arguments, but legal experts anticipate a ruling that may set a statewide precedent on the extent of local government authority under the County Powers Act.

SUMMARY:

• The Tennessee Supreme Court heard arguments in Tinsley Properties v. Grundy County over a 5,000-foot buffer zone for quarries and similar operations.
• The plaintiffs argue state zoning laws and preemption override the county's powers.
• Grundy County defends its regulation under the County Powers Act (TCA 5-1-118).
• DeKalb County has adopted a nearly identical ordinance affecting quarries, cryptocurrency mining, landfills, and more.
• The court's decision could significantly impact how counties across Tennessee use the County Powers Act to regulate land use without formal zoning.