To be heard December 11, 2025Agenda Item No. 33

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Staff Recommendation

Approve the variance to reduce the k value from 25 to 17 at the intersection of Road 'A' and E. Emory Road.
A. Due to the existing steeper topography along Road A coming from the intersection with E Emory Rd and the shape of the property, a reduction of the vertical curve length is needed to keep site grading balanced.
B. These conditions are due to the topography, as Road A has been strategically located to optimize the sight distance.
C. This is a road with low traffic volumes, and the variation is not great enough to cause detriment to public safety, health, or welfare, nor would it be injurious to other properties in the neighborhood. Knox County EPW recommends approval of this variance based on the justifications provided by the applicant.

Approve the Concept Plan subject to 6 conditions.

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1. Connection to sanitary sewer and meeting any other relevant requirements of the utility provider.
2. Providing a minimum building setback of 20 ft from the sight distance easement on lots 13-15.
3. Meeting the requirements of Knox County Engineering and Public Works.
4. Meeting the requirements of the Tennessee Department of Transportation, including a traffic study to determine whether a left turn lane is needed.
5. Provision of street names that are consistent with the Uniform Street Naming and Addressing System within Knox County (Ord 91-1-102).
6. Prior to certification of the final plat for the subdivision, establishing a property owners association that will be responsible for the maintenance of the common areas, amenities, and drainage system.

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A concept and use on review for Shepherds Landing was approved in 2021 (10-SD-21-C/10-F-21-UR) and has since expired.

The applicant is requesting a reduction to the minimum vertical curve (sag) K-value from 25 to 17 at the intersection of Road 'A' and E. Emory Road. The previous request was for a k value of 11, which Knox County EPW approved because it will not create a traffic hazard. Vertical curves provide gradual changes between different grades. For subdivisions in Knox County, K values shall be a minimum of 25 for local streets. Because the k value is improving from the previous request from 11 to 17 and it will not create a traffic hazard, Knox County EPW approves this variance request.

A traffic study was not required at the time of submittal because the proposed development does not meet the threshold of expected daily minimum number of motor-vehicle trips, 750 trips. E Emory Road is a state route. TDOT is requiring a traffic study to be completed during permitting to determine whether a left turn lane at the entrance is needed.