New Planning Commission Chairman Ethan Collier does not have to vote often, but he was called on to break a 7-7 tie on Monday afternoon.
The issue was a request from developer Emerson Russell that would have allowed the development of three "estate size" lots involving the approval of 10-foot flag lots.
Chairman Collier voted to deny the request.
Linda Woodall said she lives next door at the end of a mile-long driveway by the Ooltewah subdivision. She said the lots are "very close to my house."
She said the developer had clear cut the property, sending the wildlife to her property and elsewhere.
Grant Yelliott, another neighbor who lives on Roy Lane, said there had been runoff violations during the work.
He said construction trucks were using Roy Lane and rendering it unsafe.
Mike Price of MAP Engineering had urged the commission to approve the request.