Details of Action
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Approve the MDR (Medium Density Residential) land use classification because it does meet the location criteria for this land use classification and the current land use classification is a significant error in the plan. The HP (Hillside Ridgetop Protection) overlay would be retained.
Property Information
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Location4524 NORA RD
South side of Nora Rd, south of I-640
Council District 4
Size18.03 acres
Planning SectorEast City
Land Use Classification OS (Other Open Space), HP (Hillside Ridgetop Protection) OS (Other Open Space), HP (Hillside Ridgetop Protection)
Currently on the Property
Agriculture/Forestry/Vacant Land
Growth PlanN/A (Within City Limits)
Fire Department / DistrictKnoxville Fire Department
- Utilities
SewerKnoxville Utilities Board
WaterKnoxville Utilities Board
Case Notes
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Disposition Summary
Approve the MDR (Medium Density Residential) land use classification because it does meet the location criteria for this land use classification and the current land use classification is a significant error in the plan. The HP (Hillside Ridgetop Protection) overlay would be retained.
Details of Action
Approve the MDR (Medium Density Residential) land use classification because it does meet the location criteria for this land use classification and the current land use classification is a significant error in the plan. The HP (Hillside Ridgetop Protection) overlay would be retained.
Staff Recommendation
Deny the MDR (Medium Density Residential) land use classification because it does not meet the location criteria for this land use classification. The HP (Hillside Ridgetop Protection) overlay would be retained.
PURSUANT TO THE GENERAL PLAN, PLANNING FRAMEWORK CHAPTER, THE PLANNING COMMISSION RESERVES THE AUTHORITY TO RECOMMEND LAND USE PLAN CHANGES BASED ON SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGED CONDITIONS, SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGED CONDITIONS INCLUDE (may include any of these):
INTRODUCTION TO SIGNIFICANT NEW ROADS OR UTILITIES THAT WERE NOT ANTICIPATED IN THE PLAN AND MAKE DEVELOPMENT MORE FEASIBLE.
1. There has not been an introduction of new roads or utilities to this area to make development more feasible.
AN OBVIOUS AND SIGNIFICANT ERROR OR OMISSION IN THE PLAN.
1. The OS (Other Open Space) land use classification is intended for areas possessing either topographical or environmental features that would limit intensive development. The subject property is part of Sharps Ridge, a significant ridgeline with slopes primarily above the 40% range (Exhibit A: Hillside Slope Analysis). As such, the OS land use class is not the result of an error in the plan.
CHANGES IN GOVERNMENT POLICY, SUCH AS A DECISION TO CONCENTRATE DEVELOPMENT IN CERTAIN AREAS.
1. There are no known changes in government policy pertaining to this area.
TRENDS IN DEVELOPMENT, POPULATION, OR TRAFFIC THAT WARRANT RECONSIDERATION OF THE ORIGINAL PLAN PROPOSAL.
1. The subject property is located on a section of Nora Road bisected by the railroad tracks and isolated from other residential and non-residential development to the north and south due to I-640 and the steep topography. Development in this area has not significantly changed since the original plan proposal and consists of three single-family dwellings to the west and forested, undeveloped slopes to the east.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
1. The location criteria for the MDR (Medium Density Residential) land use classification recommend sites that are near community activity centers or commercial/office nodes with access on collector or arterial streets. The subject property does not meet the recommended location criteria for the MDR land use class, as it is located on a narrow, unstriped local street and is removed from nearby established neighborhoods, commercial development, and other community amenities.