We, the undersigned residents and supporters of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, respectfully ask our City Council to review and update local zoning practices to ensure they align with the Tennessee Food Freedom Act.

This issue is not just about one stand it is about protecting the rights of individuals across our community to legally produce and sell homemade food directly to consumers from their homes.

The Problem
While Tennessee law allows the direct sale of homemade food products, current enforcement of local zoning regulations is creating barriers that effectively prevent residents from exercising that right.

In practice, zoning is being used in a way that restricts or discourages lawful home-based food sales creating confusion, inconsistency, and hardship for small producers.

Why This Matters
This affects more than just one business.

It impacts:

• The single parent trying to earn extra income from home
• Individuals with disabilities who cannot travel to markets or events
• Families without reliable transportation
• Seniors on fixed incomes
• Anyone trying to build something honest from their own kitchen

For many, home-based sales are not a hobby they are a lifeline.

What We Are Asking
We respectfully ask the City of Oak Ridge to:

• Clarify and update zoning policies to ensure they do not restrict or prohibit lawful home-based food sales permitted under the Tennessee Food Freedom Act
• Establish clear guidelines that allow direct-to-consumer sales from residential properties without unnecessary permitting barriers
• Ensure that enforcement practices are consistent, transparent, and aligned with state law

Our Goal
We are not asking for special treatment.

We are asking for fairness, clarity, and the ability for residents to operate within the rights already granted to them under Tennessee law.

Oak Ridge has always been a community built on innovation, resilience, and opportunity.

We believe there is a path forward that supports both local governance and individual freedom, and we respectfully ask our city leaders to help create that path.