Disposition Summary

Approve the MDR (Medium Density Residential) land use classification because it is consistent with changing conditions in the area. The HP (Hillside Protection) area would be retained.

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Staff Recommendation

Approve the MDR (Medium Density Residential) land use classification because it is consistent with changing conditions in the area. The HP (Hillside Protection) area would be retained.

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SECTOR PLAN AMENDMENT REQUIREMENTS FROM GENERAL PLAN (May meet any one of these):

CHANGES OF CONDITIONS WARRANTING AMENDMENT OF THE LAND USE PLAN:
1. There have not been significant changes to the residential character of the area immediately surrounding the subject property, which is primarily comprised of forested single family lots. However, there are approximately 52 acres located 2/3 of a direct mile to the southeast that have the MDR (Medium Density Residential) land use classification. In that area, a new multifamily development called Riverside at Holston just broke ground adjacent to the Riverview Park apartments developed in 2007 at 3204 River Maple Way.
2. This increase in residential intensity supports consideration of the MDR classification on the subject property, which is closer to the urban core of the City of Knoxville with better access to transit and community facilities.
3. The requested MDR/O (Medium Density Residential/ Office) land use classification would be inappropriate at this location because there are no significant commercial or office land uses here. The intent of the MDR/O classification is to serve as a buffer between less intensive neighborhoods and commercial uses or busy thoroughfares. In the case of the subject property, MDR/O would be the most intensive land use in the area.

INTRODUCTION OF SIGNIFICANT NEW ROADS OR UTILITIES THAT WERE NOT ANTICIPATED IN THE PLAN AND MAKE DEVELOPMENT MORE FEASIBLE:
1. The subject property is served by a minor arterial street and a major collector street, the latter of which was resurfaced in 2023. The East Knox Greenway Trail will also be extended further east to the Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum, which are located a quarter-mile directly from the subject property. These classified streets and multimodal improvements support more residential intensity here.

AN OBVIOUS OR SIGNIFICANT ERROR OR OMISSION IN THE PLAN:
1. The current LDR (Low Density Residential) land use classification in the East City Sector Plan is consistent with the land use of most surrounding properties, and is not the result of an error. However, the MDR classification could have been considered here due to the property's proximity to numerous residential assets.

TRENDS IN DEVELOPMENT, POPULATION OR TRAFFIC THAT WARRANT RECONSIDERATION OF THE ORIGINAL PLAN PROPOSAL:
1. The construction of the Riverside at Holston apartments marks a new trend of multifamily residential development occurring in the broader East Knoxville region when considered with the 2007 completion of the Riverview Park apartments. This trend is in keeping with the recommended MDR classification on the subject property, which is in closer proximity to the center of the City.

State law regarding amendments of the general plan (which includes Sector Plan amendments) was changed with passage of Public Chapter 1150 by the Tennessee Legislature in 2008. The law now provides for two methods to amend the plan at TCA 13-3-304:
- The Planning Commission may initiate an amendment by adopting a resolution and certifying the amendment to the Legislative Body. Once approved by majority vote of the Legislative Body, the amendment is operative.
- The Legislative Body may also initiate an amendment and transmit the amendment to the Planning Commission. Once the Planning Commission has considered the proposed amendment and approved, not approved, or taken no action, the Legislative Body may approve the amendment by majority vote and the amendment is operative.