Anyone ever been in front of their county zoning board/commissioners or whatever you call them?

What should I expect to go on? I'm not in CO. So with that being out of the way. What type of formalities take place? I'm in a rural county in TN. Due north of Nashville. I'm unincorporated and my property is zoned agricultural (or A1 I believe). I'm applying for special exemptions or variances. Basically I'm trying to get my FFL for gunsmithing purposes. The ATF has told me that I need county approval due to my zoning not being commercial.

I go in front of the board tommorow night so quick input would be nice.

Thanks.