To be heard May 14, 2026Agenda Item No. 46

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Staff Recommendation

Approve the Development Plan for up to 17 duplexes (34 dwelling units) and a peripheral setback reduction from 35 ft to 25 ft as shown on the development plan, subject to 6 conditions.

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1. Establishing a property owners association that will be responsible for the maintenance of the common areas, drainage system and any recreational amenities.
2. The maximum height of the attached dwellings shall be 35 feet.
3. Providing a Type B landscape screen along the southern boundary as shown on the plan.
4. 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 as caused by the development, the developer will either enter into a memorandum of understanding (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.
5. Meeting all applicable requirements of the Knox County Zoning Ordinance.
6. Meeting all applicable requirements of the Knox County Department of Engineering and Public Works.

With the conditions noted, this plan meets the requirements for approval in the PR zone and the criteria for approval of a development plan.

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This proposal is the second phase of the Green Estates duplex development (6-D-17-UR) at E Beaver Creek and Green Estates Way. Green Estates is an existing residential development with 14 duplexes (28 dwelling units) on one lot. This proposal is to extend the 22-ft private driveway to a dead end with a cul-de-sac turnaround and create 17 additional duplexes (34 dwelling units).

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
A. The property is zoned PR (Planned Residential) with a density of up to 8 du/ac. The applicant is proposing 62 dwelling units in total from phases 1 and 2 on this 7.84-acre property. The development will yield a density of 7.9 du/ac.
B. The PR zone allows duplexes 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 (Knox County Zoning Ordinance Article 5, Section 5.13.15).
C. The PR zone established a maximum height for single family houses, but all other uses have a maximum height established by the Planning Commission. Staff recommends a maximum height of 35 ft for the duplexes, consistent with the other residential houses in the subdivision and the general area.

2) KNOX COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - FUTURE LAND USE MAP
A. The property's place type is SR (Suburban Residential) on the Future Land Use Map. Suburban Residential areas may feature a range of lot sizes and housing sizes, and styles, including some small-scale attached dwellings. Duplexes that have the scale of a single family home are considered secondary uses in the SR place type.

3) KNOX COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
A. The duplex development is consistent with Implementation Policy 5, to create neighborhoods with a variety of housing types and amenities in close proximity.
B. The 12-ft, Type B landscape buffer along the southern boundary adjacent to large lot single family homes is consistent with Implementation Policy 2, to ensure that development is sensitive to the existing community character. Because the site is forested and the plan shows grading up to the property line, a Type B buffer is provided.

4) KNOXVILLE - FARRAGUT - KNOX COUNTY GROWTH POLICY PLAN
A. The property is within the Planned Growth Area. The purposes of the Planned Growth Area designation are to encourage a reasonably compact pattern of development, promote the expansion of the 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. This development is in alignment with these goals.