Design Review Commission Meeting - August 25, 2026

The Design Review Commission (DRC) of Germantown, Tennessee, met on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting covered consent agenda items, a revised sign policy for Poplar Market Place (which was tabled), approval of revised temporary sign regulations, various reports, and public comments.

Consent Calendar

• Case 15-500 (Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare Germantown Hospital): Approved a revised ground sign.
• Case 23-031 (Alex Ginsburg Photographics & Agape North): Approved revised ground-mounted projecting signs.
• Case 26-018 (Stern Cardiovascular): Approved building and site modifications. All three items were approved unanimously by roll call vote (7-0).

Regular Agenda: Poplar Market Place (Case 22-029)

• Discussion: Staff presented a revised sign policy for the shopping center. Key issues included a proposed provision for frosted/etched glass vinyl signage (Section 4B), which staff and commissioners noted would circumvent the city's one-square-foot window signage allowance. The applicant did not attend the meeting. Commissioners debated whether to approve the policy with Section 4B removed or to table the item to allow the applicant to present their case. After discussion, a motion to table the item to the next meeting passed unanimously (7-0) to allow the applicant to provide input on the frosted glass issue.

Regular Agenda: Revised Temporary Sign Regulations (Case 26-019)

• Discussion: Staff presented proposed revisions to Chapter 14, Article III of the city code to make regulations content-neutral and standardize height limits. Key changes include a 30-inch height limit in residential districts and a 6-foot height limit in commercial districts, improving clarity and consistency. The commission unanimously approved the text amendments (7-0) and recommended their adoption by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rand Bowden (2422 Yester Oaks Drive): Expressed concerns about the proposed $10 million, 23,000-square-foot expansion of Bowden School on Yester Oaks Drive. He requested the commission ensure the plan fully complies with zoning codes, requires the school to correct existing violations (e.g., removed landscape buffers, improper dumpster location, non-compliant parking lot lights), specifies maximum enrollment, and addresses safety and traffic issues.
• Laurie Gott (2439 Windy Oaks Drive): Also spoke about the Bowden School expansion, specifically raising safety concerns about potential routing of traffic onto Windy Oaks Drive, which lacks sidewalks. She requested traffic management measures such as a safety officer or crossing guard.

Other Business and Reports

• Old Business – Thrive Germantown 2050 Comprehensive Plan: Staff announced two upcoming community outreach events:
  • Citywide Visioning Workshop: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 6:30–8:00 p.m. at The Great Hall.
  • Old Germantown Sub-Area Event: Open house at Pickering Center (date not specified in transcript).
• Commission Liaison Reports:
  • Historic Commission (Kimbrough): No new items.
  • Parks and Recreation Commission (Schmidt): Reported on Wolf River Cultural Greenway sculpture exhibition, Discover Germantown updates.
  • Sketch Plan Committee (Nishwitz): Presented three projects: 1) Methodist Germantown expansion for special-needs children; 2) Wendy’s renovation at Poplar and West; 3) Bowden School expansion (with extensive public comment).
  • Tree Board (Schweighofer): Reported 44 mitigation trees planted with only 2 dead; living legacy program; work on vegetation ordinance.
  • Board of Mayor & Aldermen (Alderman Hicks): Announced three items from the previous night’s meeting: 1) Dispatcher received life-saving award; 2) Dr. Heather Fisher appointed to Board of Education; 3) $13.5 million bond approved ($10M for Houston High School, $3.5M for natatorium).
• No other citizen comments for new business.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: All three items approved unanimously.
• Poplar Market Place Sign Policy: Tabled to the next DRC meeting to allow applicant participation.
• Temporary Sign Regulations: Approved unanimously; forwarded to BMA for adoption.
• Bowden School Expansion: Concerns raised in public comments and sketch plan; to be reviewed by Planning Commission on September 1 and likely by DRC later.
• Next DRC Meeting: Expected in September 2026.