Disposition Summary

Approve the RA (Low Density Residential) zone because it is consistent with the sector plan designation and will allow development compatible with the surrounding land uses and zoning pattern.

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Staff Recommendation

Approve the RA (Low Density Residential) zone because it is consistent with the sector plan designation and will allow development compatible with the surrounding land uses and zoning pattern.

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PURSUANT TO THE KNOX COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE, ARTICLE 6.30.01, THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS MUST BE MET FOR ALL REZONINGS (must meet all of these):

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL BE NECESSARY BECAUSE OF SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGED OR CHANGING CONDITIONS IN THE AREA AND DISTRICTS AFFECTED, OR IN THE COUNTY GENERALLY:
1. The area surrounding the subject property has experienced a transition from the A (Agricultural) zone to the PR (Planned Residential) and RA zones since the late 1980s. Most of these rezonings have occurred on Dry Gap Pike and Cunningham Road, both of which are major collector roads.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE INTENT AND PURPOSE OF THE APPLICABLE ZONING ORDINANCE:
1. The RA zone provides for residential areas with low population densities.
2. Rezonings should be based on the entire range of uses allowed within a zone to ensure that any development brought forth at a future time would be compatible with the surrounding land uses.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT ANY OTHER PART OF THE COUNTY, NOR SHALL ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT ADVERSE EFFECTS RESULT FROM SUCH AMENDMENT.
1. Forrester Road is unstriped and is approximately 13-ft wide. As such, the road does not meet public street standards. Rezoning to allow more residences above what is currently allowed would put more pressure on this road, and could trigger the need for road improvements by the developer. This road is not one the County has any plans to improve or widen.
2. This property is located in an area with a mix of residential zones and densities. Surrounding zoning includes the A, RA, and PR zones, the latter with densities of up to 4.5 and 5 du/ac.
3. The RA zone has a minimum lot size of approximately 10,000 sq ft, which yields a density of roughly 4 du/ac. Built at maximum capacity, this property could be developed with up to 4 lots.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH AND NOT IN CONFLICT WITH THE GENERAL PLAN OF KNOXVILLE AND KNOX COUNTY, INCLUDING ANY OF ITS ELEMENTS, MAJOR ROAD PLAN, LAND USE PLAN, COMMUNITY FACILITIES PLAN, AND OTHERS:
1. The subject property is designated as the LDR (Low Density Residential) land use classification in the North County Sector Plan, which allows consideration of the PR zone with a density of up to 5 du/ac and the RA zone for properties in the Planned Growth Areas of the Growth Policy Plan.
2. Neither the requested nor the recommended zones are in conflict with the General Plan.