Disposition Summary

Approve the RB (General Residential) zone because it is a minor extension that provides a compatible transition of land use intensity, subject to 1 condition.

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Staff Recommendation

Approve the RB (General Residential) zone because it is a minor extension that provides a compatible transition of land use intensity, subject to 1 condition.

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1. Maintaining or replacing a 20-ft tree buffer along the northwest lot line, starting from the rear of 1714 Cherrybrook Drive (Parcel 068IB028) to the rear of 1556 Cherrybrook Drive (Parcel 068IB040).

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PURSUANT TO THE KNOX COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE, ARTICLE 6.30.01, 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 CITY/COUNTY GENERALLY:
1. The subject property is located along Clinton Highway between the established single-family Cherrybrook neighborhood to the northwest and service-oriented commercial businesses along the major arterial corridor. The requested RB (General Residential) zone would serve as a transition of land use intensity between low density residential and commercial development.
2. Less than a quarter-mile to the west, at the intersection of Schaad Road and Clinton Highway, is the Northwest Crossing and Crown Point Plaza shopping centers. Expansion and infill of this major commercial node is ongoing. These service-oriented commercial amenities support more intensive residential development on the subject property.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE INTENT AND PURPOSE OF THE APPLICABLE ZONING ORDINANCE
1. The RB zone is intended for a medium population density. The principal uses of land may range from houses to multi-dwelling developments. Certain uses which are more compatible functionally with intensive residential uses than with commercial uses are permitted.
2. The subject property has direct access to Clinton Highway, but is buffered from highway hazards by small-scale commercial businesses, which make it well-suited for multifamily residential consideration.

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 is well-located for residential land uses ranging from single-family to multi-family developments. The traffic impact of more residents can be accommodated by its major arterial street access. Amenities like nearby grocery stores, big box stores, and smaller scale restaurants and businesses support more residential activity.
2. The property slopes down towards the Cherrybrook neighborhood, and stormwater will be a concern addressed with Knox County Engineering and Public Works at the concept design and permitting stages. The noted condition to preserve or replace part of the existing tree buffer will help mitigate stormwater issues, and it will shield the neighborhood from taller residential buildings and parking lots.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH AND NOT IN CONFLICT WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF KNOX COUNTY, INCLUDING ANY OF ITS ELEMENTS, MAJOR ROAD PLAN, LAND USE PLAN, COMMUNITY FACILITIES PLAN, AND OTHERS:
1. The RB zone is directly related to the property's SMR (Suburban Mixed Residential) place type in the Knox County Comprehensive Plan. The SMR place type is intended to provide for a greater mix of housing types, including attached housing or small-scale multifamily housing.
2. This rezoning is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan's Implementation Policy 5 to create neighborhoods with a variety of housing types and amenities in close proximity.
3. Rezoning this parcel to RB is consistent with the property's location within the Urban Growth Boundary of the Growth Policy Plan. There is ample infrastructure and services here to support more intensive development.