Disposition Summary

Approve the request for 3 duplexes as identified on the development plan, subject to 4 conditions.

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Staff Recommendation

Approve the request for 3 duplexes as identified on the development plan, subject to 4 conditions.

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1. Meeting all applicable requirements of the Knox County Department of Engineering and Public Works, including, but not limited to, providing a driveway depth to accommodate a second parking space as required for each dwelling unit.
2. Meeting all applicable requirements of the Knox County Zoning Ordinance.
3. Preserving the landscaping buffer along Harrell Lane outside of the SPAE and along the rear property lines. If the trees cannot be preserved, provide a Type C landscaping buffer.
4. Adding a plat note to establish that lot 1R will not have access to Harrell Lane.

With the conditions noted, this plan meets the requirements for approval of 3 duplexes in the RA (Low Density Residential) zone and the other general criteria for approval of a use on review.

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DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR USES PERMITTED ON REVIEW (ARTICLE 4.10 - SECTION 2)

The planning commission, in the exercise of its administrative judgment, shall be guided by adopted plans and policies, including the general plan and the following general standards:

1) THE PROPOSED USE IS CONSISTENT WITH THE ADOPTED PLANS AND POLICIES, INCLUDING THE GENERAL PLAN AND SECTOR PLAN.
A. The North County Sector Plan designates this property as LDR (Low Density Residential) land use. The proposed duplexes are consistent with this land use classification, as they are considered a low density type of development.
B. This proposal is consistent with the General Plan's Policy 9.3, the intent of which is to ensure that the context of new development, including scale and compatibility, does not impact existing neighborhoods and communities. The duplexes are one story and will be similar in design and height to the surrounding neighborhood.

2) THE USE IS IN HARMONY WITH THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND INTENT OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE.
A. The RA (Low Density Residential) zone is intended to provide for residential areas with low population densities. The RA zone permits duplexes as a use permitted on review.
B. The total lot area is 1.03 acres. Each of the three lots meet the 12,000 sq ft minimum lot size for a duplex in the RA zone.

3) THE USE IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE CHARACTER OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE IT IS PROPOSED, AND WITH THE SIZE AND LOCATION OF BUILDINGS IN THE VICINITY.
A. The surrounding neighborhood is comprised of detached homes with a mix of masonry and vinyl finishes. The proposed duplexes are of similar height, scale, materials and character.
B. Preserving the existing trees when possible on the north and south of the property will limit future erosion control and preserve the existing vegetation as a buffer for the adjacent single family houses. If the trees cannot be preserved, a Type C buffer is recommended (see condition # 3).

4) THE USE WILL NOT SIGNIFICANTLY INJURE THE VALUE OF ADJACENT PROPERTY.
A. The proposed duplexes are considered low-density residential uses and are compatible with other low-density residential uses.

5) THE USE WILL NOT DRAW ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC THROUGH RESIDENTIAL AREAS.
A. Traffic volume in this neighborhood will not be substantially increased as a result of the proposed development. The duplexes will share a single access point along Harrell Lane, limiting the number of driveway connections.

6) THE NATURE OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE SURROUNDING AREA IS NOT SUCH AS TO POSE A POTENTIAL HAZARD TO THE PROPOSED USE OR TO CREATE AN UNDESIRABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PROPOSED USE.
A. The nature of development in the surrounding area is not such as to pose a potential hazard to the proposed use or to create an undesirable environment for the proposed use.