To be heard August 14, 2025Agenda Item No. 46

---

Staff Recommendation

Approve the development plan to reduce the peripheral setback from 35 ft to 20 ft in the PR (Planned Residential) zone as depicted on the site plan, subject to 2 conditions.

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

---

This proposal is to reduce the peripheral setback parallel to W Emory Road from 35 ft to 20 ft in the PR (Planned Residential) zone. The peripheral setback on the east side will remain 35 ft.

DEVELOPMENT PLAN ANALYSIS PER ARTICLE 6, SECTION 6.50.06 (APPROVAL OR DENIAL).
In exercise of its administrative judgement, 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 4 du/ac.
A. The PR zone allows single-family houses and accessory uses, buildings, and structures as permitted uses. The administrative procedures require the Planning Commission to review and approve the development plan before building permits can be issued (Article 5, Section 5.13.15).
B. The Planning Commission has the authority to reduce the peripheral setback to 15 ft where properties are abutting residential and A (Agricultural) zoning, which is the case here. However, the minimum front setback is 20 ft along a road frontage. The peripheral setback request is consistent with the front setback requirement.

2) KNOX COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - FUTURE LAND USE MAP
A. The subject property is designated RC (Rural Conservation), which recommends a housing mix that predominantly features single-family residential development in a conservation pattern. The subdivision was built in 2023, before the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. Because no significant alterations are being made to the existing development pattern, this request does not conflict with the intent of the RC place type.
B. The RC place type allows consideration of the PR zone with densities of up to 5 du/ac. The proposed development does not change the density of the subdivision, which is 4 du/ac, nor does it reduce the common area of the subdivision.

3) KNOX COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
A. The proposed development plan complies with Implementation Policy 2, to ensure that development is sensitive to the existing community character, as it is compatible with developments in the surrounding area.

4) KNOXVILLE - FARRAGUT - KNOX COUNTY GROWTH POLICY PLAN
A. The property is within the Planned Growth Area. The purpose of the Planned Growth Area is to encourage a reasonably compact pattern of development, promote the expansion of the Knox County economy, and offer a wide range of housing choices. The proposed development plan is in alignment with these goals.