The County Commission on Wednesday denied a request that a house near the old James County Courthouse at Ooltewah be rezoned for office use.
The vote was 8-1 with Jim Fields casting the only vote in support of the request by Karl and Nina Vogel.
Neighbors objected, saying it would lead to more office zoning in the neighborhood of single-family homes.
Mr. Vogel said he and his wife are manufacturing representatives and work via phone and computer. He said no customers come to their office.
He said they had made a major investment in fixing up the house at 9501 Church St.
Opponents said the couple live at Hampton Creek and cannot have an office there due to homeowner restrictions.
Marsha Williams told the commission, "We want our homes to remain homes and be for families. We do not need an office in the middle of our neighborhood."
The planning staff had recommended approval with one condition being no signage.