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.

---

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.

---

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 is predominantly zoned RA. Of the few properties zoned A (Agricultural), there has been a transition to the RA zone occurring somewhat sporadically since the 1970's. Most of these rezonings have occurred on Chert Pit Rd and Jenkins Road, both of which are major collectors.

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. The uses and lot sizes allowed in the RA zone are consistent with development in the area.
2. Surrounding properties are zoned RA and have been built out since the mid 80's.

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. This property is in an area with a mix of residential zones and densities. Surrounding zones includes the A and RA zones. Surrounding lot sizes range from 14,000 sf to 2 acres.
2. 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 8 lots.
3. The site is sloped and within the Hillside and Ridgetop Protection zone. Slopes are mostly under 25%, though there is a small patch of steeper slopes along the perimeter of the property and a small band of steeper slope perpendicular to Jenkins Road. Site plans are required to meet the requirements of the Knox County Stormwater Ordinance.
4. Since Chert Pit Road and Jenkins Road are both classified streets, no traffic would be required through residential streets to access this development.

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 Northwest County Sector Plan, which allows consideration of the RA zone 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.