To be heard November 12, 2026Agenda Item No. 36

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Staff Recommendation

Approve the RA (Low Density Residential) zone because it is consistent with Knox County Comprehensive Plan and surrounding development, subject to 1 condition.

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1.

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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. In 2025, a property 536 feet to the southeast of the subject property was rezoned from A (Agricultural) to RA (Low-Density Residential).
2. Surrounding properties along W Governor John Sevier Highway continue to experience growing residential development. In 2024, a property 184 feet to the southwest of the subject property was rezoned from RA to PR (Planned Residential) up to 4 du/ac. Since 2022, there have been 3 rezonings within 0.44 miles to PR up to 7, 8, and 18 du/ac.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE INTENT AND PURPOSE OF THE APPLICABLE ZONING ORDINANCE:
1. The RA zone is intended for residential areas with low population densities. The RA zone would allow for this property to be subdivided into two parcels by right while serviced by septic or four parcels by right if connected to the nearby sewer line.
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. There subject property is accessed from W Dick Ford Lane, where there is limited sight distance to the north due to a crest in the road.

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 RA zone is directly related to the subject property's SR (Suburban Residential) designation in the Knox County Comprehensive Plan. This request brings the subject property's zoning into compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, as the current A zone is not one which can be considered under the SR place type. The SR place type is intended for areas comprised of single-family residences on lot sizes ranging in size and housing type.
2. The subject property is located within the Urban Growth Boundary of the Growth Policy Plan, which is aligned with the proposed rezoning as it encourages a reasonably compact pattern of development and a range of housing choices.