Disposition Summary

Approve the development plan for a drive-through restaurant with a walk-up window and patio, subject to 5 conditions.

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Staff Recommendation

Approve the development plan for a drive-through restaurant with a walk-up window and patio, subject to 5 conditions.

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1) Provide a sidewalk to N Cedar Bluff Rd from the main entrance of the restaurant per the Knox County Sidewalk Ordinance (Chapter 54, Article IV of the Knox County Code).
2) Installing all landscaping, as shown on the landscape plan, within six months of issuance of occupancy permits for the project, or posting a bond with the Knox County Department of Engineering and Public Works, to guarantee such installation.
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 as caused by the development[WW1.1][MR1.2], 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.
4) Meeting all applicable requirements of the City of Knoxville and Knox County Engineering and Public Works.
5) Meeting all other applicable requirements of the Knox County Zoning Ordinance.

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

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This proposal is for a new Small Sliders fast food drive-through facility in Cedar Bluff. The 0.45-acre site is on N Cedar Bluff Road, north of the I-40 interchange. The existing building on the property will be demolished. The proposed metal building is 935 sq ft and 22 ft, 1 inch tall. There will be no indoor dining, but there is a walk-up window and patio.

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
PC (Planned Commercial):
A. It is not the intent of this zone to restrict potential development by limiting uses. In general, uses permitted shall include office, commercial services and light distribution centers. This restaurant proposal is consistent with the intent of the PC zone.
B. A Board of Zoning Appeals variance was obtained on 3/10/2026 to reduce the peripheral boundary on the southern side of the property from 50 ft to 40 ft.

2) KNOX COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - FUTURE LAND USE MAP
A. The property's place type is CMU (Corridor Mixed-Use) on the Future Land Use Map. Corridor Mixed-Use areas are appropriate for moderate-scale walkable mixed-use development occurring along major corridors. These areas may incorporate office, retail, civic, residential, and community gathering spaces both vertically and horizontally and shall provide connectivity to nearby neighborhoods. There is a sidewalk along N Cedar Bluff Rd, which connects to the KAT bus stop at N Cedar Bluff Road and Sherrill Boulevard, residential neighborhoods, and the proposed Knox to Oak Ridge Greenway route.

3) KNOX COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
A. The new development is consistent with Implementation Policy 3, encourage infill and redevelopment of underutilized commercial land, and Policy 2, ensure that development is sensitive to existing community character. The new 1-story fast food restaurant is consistent with the fast food restaurants on Cedar Bluff Rd.

4) KNOXVILLE - FARRAGUT - KNOX COUNTY GROWTH POLICY PLAN
A. The property is within the Planned Growth Area. 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 proposed development is not in opposition to any of these criteria.