Disposition Summary

Approve the variance to reduce the minimum intersection approach vertical curve K value from 25 to 20 on Road A at Ball Camp Pike, based on the following evidence of hardship.
A) The site's topography is challenging, rising quickly within the first 150 ft of lot depth. The narrowness of the lot does not allow for introducing horizontal curves to reduce road grades and land disturbance.
B) The variance's location is at a stop condition, which results in reduced travel speeds within the area of this request.
C) Approval of the variance is not anticipated to be detrimental to public safety, health, or welfare because the request meets the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) design standards. The Knox County Department of Engineering and Public Works recommends approval of this variance based on the justification provided by the applicant.

Approve the alternative design standards based on the justification provided by the applicant and recommendations of the Knox County Department of Engineering and Public Works.

Approve the Concept Plan subject to 7 conditions.

---

Staff Recommendation

Approve the variance to reduce the minimum intersection approach vertical curve K value from 25 to 20 on Road A at Ball Camp Pike, based on the following evidence of hardship.
A) The site's topography is challenging, rising quickly within the first 150 ft of lot depth. The narrowness of the lot does not allow for introducing horizontal curves to reduce road grades and land disturbance.
B) The variance's location is at a stop condition, which results in reduced travel speeds within the area of this request.
C) Approval of the variance is not anticipated to be detrimental to public safety, health, or welfare because the request meets the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) design standards. The Knox County Department of Engineering and Public Works recommends approval of this variance based on the justification provided by the applicant.

Approve the alternative design standards based on the justification provided by the applicant and recommendations of the Knox County Department of Engineering and Public Works.

Approve the Concept Plan subject to 7 conditions.

---

1. Connection to sanitary sewer and meeting other relevant utility provider requirements.
2. Provision of street names consistent with the Uniform Street Naming and Addressing System within Knox County (County Ord. 91-1-102).
3. If during design plan approval or construction of the development, it is discovered that unforeseen off-site improvements within the right-of-way are necessary, the developer will either enter into an MOU with the County for these improvements or reimburse the County for their direct expenses (if completed by County crews) to make corrections deemed necessary.
4. Providing a shared driveway and access easement for lots 25 and 26 and a vehicle turnaround on each lot.
5. Meeting all applicable requirements of the Knox County Department of Engineering and Public Works.
6. Meeting all applicable requirements of the Knox County Zoning Ordinance.
7. Before certification of the final plat for the subdivision, establishing a property owners association or other legal entity responsible for maintaining common facilities, such as common areas, amenities, private roads, and/or stormwater drainage systems.

---

This subdivision is for 26 attached residential lots on the 8.39 acres zoned PR(k) (Planned Residential) up to 5 du/ac on the subject property. In August 2023, the 19.1-acre property was rezoned from I (Industrial) and A (Agricultural) to PR(k) up to 5 du/ac for the northern 8.39-acre portion of the site, and PR(k) up to 3.25 du/ac on the southern 10.71 acres (10-E-23-RZ). Both PR districts are subject to the condition that the portion of the parcel with slopes of 25 percent or greater shall be left undisturbed, as delineated in the slope analysis map. The split in the PR zoning aligns with the former I and A zoning boundaries on the site.

The applicant requests reducing the private right-of-way width from 50 ft to 40 ft and the pavement width from 26 ft to 24 ft. Staff support this because of the site's narrowness and to help reduce grading. The internal street is a private right-of-way, so the feasibility of connecting to adjacent properties was not considered.

All lots will have access from the internal road, except for lots 25 and 26. These two lots will share a driveway to Ball Camp Pike, and a turnaround is required on each lot so vehicles do not have to back into Ball Camp Pike, which is classified as a major collector. The Knox County Zoning Ordinance requires a turnaround for residential lots when accessing a classified street (Section 3.51.01.C).

VARIANCE
The applicant requests a variance to reduce the intersection approach vertical curve K value from 25 to 20. This results in a sharper transition from the 13.1 percent grade of Road A to the 2 percent grade at the intersection with Ball Camp Pike. This vertical curve is connected to the intersection, resulting in reduced travel speeds as vehicles either decelerate to stop at the intersection or accelerate after turning onto Road A. Residential streets have a posted speed limit of 25 mph. A K value of 20 on a sag vertical curve is appropriate for vehicle speeds between 20 and 25 mph.