To be heard May 14, 2026Agenda Item No. 47

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Staff Recommendation

Approve the development plan for 2 dwelling units, subject to 3 conditions.

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1) 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.
2) Meeting all other applicable requirements of the Knox County Zoning Ordinance.
3) Meeting all 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 district and the criteria for approval of a development plan.

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There is one single family home on the subject property, comprising with approximately 6.4 acres in the PR up to 3 du/ac zone. The request is to subdivide into 2 lots, approximately 3 acres each. The lot would contain the front existing home and the applicant is requesting to add an accessory dwelling structure. Both lots would have access to Schaeffer Road, a major collector street. The rear lot (Lot 2R3) will have access to Harrison Springs Lane as well.

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 3 du/ac:
A. The proposed lots are within a 64.69-acre PR (Planned Residential) zone with up to 3 du/ac. This includes the Harrison Springs Subdivision, where approximately 166 single family lots have been platted. The 2 additional dwelling units, new lot (2R3) and accessory dwelling unit on 2R2, would bring the total number of dwelling units to 168 units at a density of 2.6 du/ac.
B. The PR zone permits single family homes. 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).
C. The Technology Overlay Design Guidelines do not apply to single family lots.

2) KNOX COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
A. Ensure that development is sensitive to existing community character. (Implementation Policy 2) - The two large single family lots and accessory dwelling unit are compatible with the other residences in the area.

3) KNOX COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - PLACE TYPE
A. The property is classified as the RC (Rural Conservation) and BP (Business Park) place types and is in the HP (Hillside Protection) area. Single-family residential is the primary use in the RC (Rural Conservation) place type, while a range of housing may be considered in BP. The plan shows 2 new dwellings on 6.4 acres. The 2 dwellings will cause minimal disturbance within the HP (Hillside Protection) area.

4) KNOXVILLE - FARRAGUT - KNOX COUNTY GROWTH POLICY PLAN
A. The property is within the Planned Growth Boundary. The purposes of the Planned Growth Boundary 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. The request reduction does not conflict with these goals.