Disposition Summary

Approve RN-2 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood) zoning because it is consistent with the sector plan and surrounding development.

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Staff Recommendation

Approve RN-2 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood) zoning because it is consistent with the sector plan and surrounding development.

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PURSUANT TO THE CITY OF KNOXVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE, SECTION 16.1.3, SUBSECTIONS 1-3, ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS MUST BE MET FOR ALL REZONINGS:

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL BE NECESSARY BECAUSE OF SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGED OR CHANGING CONDITIONS IN THE AREA AND DISTRICTS AFFECTED, OR IN THE CITY/COUNTY GENERALLY:
1. The subject property is located in the Amherst-Helmbolt Community, which has seen a significant amount of residential infill on properties that were formerly zoned for agricultural or industrial uses. The proposed rezoning from AG (Agricultural) to RN-2 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood) is consistent with development trends and rezonings in the area.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE INTENT AND PURPOSE OF THE APPLICABLE ZONING ORDINANCE:
1. The RN-2 zoning district is intended for low density single-family residential development on relatively small lots.
2. RN-2 zoning is consistent with the LDR (Low Density Residential) land use designation of this property and the broader region. There are two RN-2-zoned subdivisions in close proximity to the northeast and southwest of the subject property.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT ANY OTHER PART OF THE CITY, NOR SHALL ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT ADVERSE EFFECTS RESULT FROM SUCH AMENDMENT.
1. The property has access to a minor arterial street and two local streets. It is noteworthy that these streets are narrow, with approximately 20-ft pavement widths. However, having three access points provides opportunity to distribute and direct new residential traffic more efficiently to mitigate potential congestion. Any development will be reviewed by City Engineering to confirm safe access and traffic flow.
2. Stormwater management for any development plan at this location will also be reviewed by City Engineering to ensure adjacent and downstream properties are protected from undue runoff.
3. The parcel is currently forested, but a 1996 aerial map shows that it was predominantly cleared at that time, seemingly for agricultural purposes. A development proposal would be subject to the tree protection standards delineated in Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinances.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH AND NOT IN CONFLICT WITH THE GENERAL PLAN OF KNOXVILLE AND KNOX COUNTY, INCLUDING ANY OF ITS ELEMENTS, MAJOR ROAD PLAN, LAND USE PLAN, COMMUNITY FACILITIES PLAN, AND OTHERS:
1. The proposed rezoning to RN-2 aligns with policy 8.1 of the General Plan, which promotes infill housing on vacant lots that is compatible with the scale and layout of neighboring residences.
2. The RN-2 zoning district is consistent with the Northwest County Sector Plan's LDR classification.
3. The requested zoning district at this location is not in conflict with any other adopted plans.