Disposition Summary

Approve the RA (Low Density Residential) zone because it is consistent with Knox County Comprehensive Plan and due to the change of conditions in the area.

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Staff Recommendation

Approve the RA (Low Density Residential) zone because it is consistent with Knox County Comprehensive Plan and due to the change of conditions in the area.

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PURSUANT TO THE KNOX COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE, ARTICLE 16.30.01, THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS MUST BE MET FOR ALL REZONINGS (must meet all of these):

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL BE NECESSARY BECAUSE OF SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGED OR CHANGING CONDITIONS IN THE AREA AND DISTRICTS AFFECTED, OR IN THE COUNTY GENERALLY:
1. Since 1995, this area has transitioned from A (Agricultural) zoned properties on large tracts to low density residential in the RA and PR 1-7 du/ac zones. This proposed rezoning is consistent with the trend of development in this area.
2. Schaad Rd extending from Ball Camp Pike to Olive Branch Lane is almost complete and will consist of a four-lane, median-divided section with sidewalks on both sides. The corridor also opens the opportunity for new commercial development less than 0.5 miles away from the subject property at Schaad Road and Bakertown Road.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE INTENT AND PURPOSE OF THE APPLICABLE ZONING ORDINANCE:
1. The RA zone provides for residential areas with low population densities. The RA zone allows single-family houses with sewer on 10,000 sq ft lots and duplexes on 12,000 sq ft lots with Use on Review approval by the Planning Commission.
2. Rezonings should be based on the entire range of uses allowed within a zone to ensure that any development brought forth at a future time would be compatible with the surrounding land uses.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT ANY OTHER PART OF THE COUNTY, NOR SHALL ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT ADVERSE EFFECTS RESULT FROM SUCH AMENDMENT.
1. The property has access off a major collector street.
2. There are some steep slopes on the property, and the rear half of the property is in the HP area. If the intent is to grade these areas for development, the site plans would be required to comply with the Knox County Stormwater Ordinance to mitigate potential impacts on nearby properties.

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 current I (Industrial) zoning has not been developed in this area and is not related or appropriate to the SR (Suburban Residential) place type. The proposed RA district is directly related to the Suburban Residential place type. This request brings the zoning into compliance with the Knox County Comprehensive Plan. The SR (Suburban Residential) place type calls for primarily single family residential development with a range of lot sizes, housing sizes, and housing styles, including some attached dwellings.
2. The proposed rezoning to RA aligns with Implementation Policy 2 of the Knox County Comprehensive Plan, ensure that development is sensitive to existing community character. The lot sizes allowed in RA are similar to those in the nearby subdivisions, making development at this site similar with lot sizes and low-density residential uses already in the area.
3. The requested zoning district at this location is not in conflict with any other adopted plans.