The Overton County Regional Planning Commission has approved changing the road surfacing requirements in the county’s subdivision regulations.
The change will require developers to construct new roads out of asphalt or concrete. The county would no longer allow a tar and chip surface. Staff Planner Tommy Lee said asphalt or concrete surfacing holds up better and lasts longer.
“When the county adopts a road, if it has an asphalt or concrete surface, typically it will be, it will take more time for that road to wear down, and thus the road department, it will be a longer duration for them to have to go back and maintain it,” Lee said.
Lee said asphalt and concrete surfaces have become the industry standard for roads and that several counties in the Upper Cumberland have made similar changes. Lee said some developers use tar and chip surfaces, as it is a cheaper option compared to asphalt or concrete.
“It’s a less expensive product, and so they are trying to get out, in my opinion, they are trying to you know, get out so they can sell the lots as cheap as possible but still make a good profit,” Lee said. “So I mean, but for the answer to that question, you would have to ask them, I couldn’t say for sure.”
Tar and chip surfaced roads tend to hold up for around seven to ten years, while asphalt or concrete can hold up for around 20 years. Lee said the change could impact future development.
“I mean, you never know, because like I said, a lot of developers are already using asphalt for their new road construction instead of tar and chip,” Lee said. “But you just don’t never know.”
The planning commission held a public hearing on Monday before approving the changes. Lee said no one from the public voiced opposition against the change. Lee said the changes are effective immediately.
