Disposition Summary

Approve the development plan for a detached dwelling, subject to 5 conditions.

---

Staff Recommendation

Approve the development plan for a detached dwelling, subject to 5 conditions.

---

1. Meeting all applicable requirements of the Knox County Zoning Ordinance.
2. Meeting all requirements of the Knox County Department of Engineering and Public Works.
3. Meeting all relevant utility requirements.
4. Before the issuance of a building permit, recording a final plat to add the common area to this subdivision meeting all applicable requirements of the Subdivision Regulations and standard platting process. The final acreage of Unit 1 and 2, excluding any right-of-way dedication, shall be no less than
8.25 acres.
5. If during plat approval or construction of the development, it is discovered that unforeseen off-site improvements within the right-of-way are necessary as caused by the development, the developer will either enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the County for these improvements or reimburse the County for their direct expenses (if competed by County crews) to make corrections deemed necessary.

---

BACKGROUND:
- 2007: The Planning Commission approved 33 residential lots in Units 1 and 2 of the Park at Babelay subdivision (5-SA-07-C/5-G-07-UR). The properties bounded by Duck Pond Way, Pond Run Way, and Park Shadow Way were approved as 4 house lots, a common area to the south, and a detention area on the western side. The only lot of Unit 1 was platted afterward (6-K-07).

- 2008: The Planning Commission approved a new concept plan for 41 lots in Unit 3 of the subdivision (1-SE-08-C/1-H-08-UR). The properties described above were approved for 3 house lots, a common area to the south, and a detention pond on the western side. These plans included a revised layout for the previously approved phase that included two fewer lots than originally proposed. Subsequently, a total of 70 lots were recorded with two final plats (6-SL-08-F, 10-SK-08-F).

- 2018: Two new house lots (Lots 72 and 73) were approved via plat without development plan (then a use on review) approval within the common area described above (3-SD-18-F). Development plan approval would be needed prior to pulling permits for those lots.

- 2025: The Planning Commission approved a development plan for a detached house lot 72 (3-B-25-DP).

- 2026: The applicant is seeking development plan approval for house lot 73.

The 2007 plat of this subdivision dedicated some right-of-way along Babelay Road, which was never formally accepted by the Knox County Engineering and Public Works Department and is consequently still owned by the applicant. This development plan proposes adding a portion of that right-of-way as a common area strip for the subdivision, which aligns with the Subdivision Regulations' provisions discouraging double-frontage lots (Section 3.02.4). The addition of this property back to the development on the plans provides enough land to allow 1 more house lot while meeting the density of the PR zone up to 4 du/ac.


DEVELOPMENT PLAN ANALYSIS PER ARTICLE 6, SECTION 6.50.06 (APPROVAL OR DENIAL)
In the exercise of its administrative judgment, the Planning Commission shall determine if the proposed plan is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the zoning ordinance and adopted plans.

1) ZONING ORDINANCE
PR (Planned Residential) up to 4 du/ac:
A. The PR zone allows detached dwellings as a permitted use. The administrative procedures for the PR zone require the Planning Commission to approve the development plan before permits can be issued (Article 5, Section 5.13.15).
B. Considering the proposed acreage of 8.25 acres for Units 1 & 2, the density of this development would be 4 du/ac, which is in conformance with the approved density of 4 du/ac (3-D-07-RZ). The final acreage shall be verified with a plat, as stipulated in condition 4.

2) KNOX COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - FUTURE LAND USE MAP
A. The property is classified as the SR (Suburban Residential) place type in the Knox County Comprehensive Plan. Detached dwellings are considered a primary use in the SR (Suburban Residential) place type, and the proposal is consistent with the intent of providing a range of lot sizes that are generally less than one acre.
B. The place type specifies a building height maximum of 2 stories and a front setback of 20-30 ft. The proposed single family house would need to meet the requirements of the PR zone and the stated conditions.

2) KNOX COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
A. Ensure that development is sensitive to existing community character. (Implementation Policy 2) - A detached house would be compatible with other single-family residences in the subdivision.

4) KNOXVILLE - FARRAGUT - KNOX COUNTY GROWTH POLICY PLAN
A. The property is within the Urban Growth Boundary. The purposes of the Urban Growth Boundary designation are to encourage a reasonably compact pattern of development, promote the expansion of the Knoxville-Knox County economy, offer a wide range of housing choices, and coordinate the actions of the public and private sectors, particularly with regard to the provision of adequate roads, utilities, schools, drainage and other public facilities and services. The proposed development meets the relevant standards of the Growth Policy Plan.