Disposition Summary

Approve the RN-6 (Multi-Family Residential Neighborhood) district because it is compatible with surrounding development. The HP (Hillside Protection Overlay) will be retained.

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Staff Recommendation

Approve the RN-6 (Multi-Family Residential Neighborhood) district because it is compatible with surrounding development. The HP (Hillside Protection Overlay) will be retained.

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PURSUANT TO THE CITY OF KNOXVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE, SECTION 16.1.E, ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS MUST BE MET FOR ALL REZONINGS:

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL BE NECESSARY BECAUSE OF SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGED OR CHANGING CONDITIONS IN THE AREA AND DISTRICTS AFFECTED, OR IN THE CITY/COUNTY GENERALLY:
1. The subject parcel is part of KCDC's Western Heights campus, which was established in 1939 and is its largest affordable housing property. In 2011, 248 units were demolished, including all 21 multifamily buildings on the subject parcel. KCDC received a $40 million federal grant in 2021 to develop new housing and community amenities on the vacant land and renovate existing homes.
2. RN-6 (Multi-Family Residential Neighborhood) zoning is being requested after a 15-month community planning process with the Western Heights and Beaumont neighborhoods and in partnership with the City to provide new affordable housing on this vacant section of the Western Heights campus.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE INTENT AND PURPOSE OF THE APPLICABLE ZONING ORDINANCE:
1. The RN-6 zoning district is intended to accommodate high density neighborhoods characterized by a mixture of all housing types.
2. This description is consistent with the character and housing makeup of the Western Heights community, which provides a mixture of multifamily dwelling forms.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT ANY OTHER PART OF THE CITY, NOR SHALL ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT ADVERSE EFFECTS RESULT FROM SUCH AMENDMENT.
1. There are no adverse impacts anticipated to occur from this rezoning. The permitted uses of the district are compatible with adjacent multifamily development, and the existing infrastructure can accommodate more intensive residential infill.

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 proposed RN-6 zoning is consistent with the General Plan's development policy 8.1 to encourage growth in the existing urban area by developing infill housing on vacant lots and redevelopment parcels.

ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, SCHOOLS, PARKS, POLICE AND FIRE PROTECTION, ROADS, SANITARY SEWERS, AND WATER LINES, OR ARE REASONABLY CAPABLE OF BEING PROVIDED PRIOR TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY IF THE AMENDMENT WERE ADOPTED:
1. The subject property is in a location with adequate utilities and infrastructure for new multifamily housing where there used to be multifamily housing. New public facilities and benefits on the broader Western Heights campus are planned as part of the overall redevelopment project as well.