Disposition Summary

Approve the RN-2 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood) district because it is a minor extension and is compatible with surrounding development.

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Staff Recommendation

Approve the RN-2 (Single-Family Residential Neighborhood) district because it is a minor extension and is compatible with surrounding development.

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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 property was rezoned from R-2 (General Residential) to R-1A (Low Density Residential) in 2013 as part of a large downzoning recommended by the Inskip Small Area Plan. R-1A zoned properties were assigned the RN-1 (Single-Family Residential) and RN-2 (Single-Family Residential) districts with the adoption of the new City of Knoxville zoning code in 2020. This side of Rowan Road was assigned RN-1 due to the large lot sizes, with the exception of the abutting parcel at 4925 Rowan Road assigned RN-2 since it did not meet the RN-1 lot size requirement.
2. Development trends since 2013 have been primarily residential in nature, with commercial and office developments concentrated along E Inskip Drive and Cedar Lane. The residential density has slightly increased in the last five years with nearby rezonings from RN-1 to RN-2 and O (Office).

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE INTENT AND PURPOSE OF THE APPLICABLE ZONING ORDINANCE:
1. The intent of the RN-2 district is to accommodate traditional low density residential neighborhoods, exhibiting a predominant pattern of single-family homes on relatively small lots with smaller setbacks compared to RN-1. Duplexes may be permitted through special-use approval.
2. The subject property is in an area consistent with this development pattern that features a mix of properties zoned RN-1, RN-2, RN-3 (General Residential Neighborhood), RN-4 (General Residential Neighborhood), and O.

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. No significant adverse impacts are anticipated with the RN-2 district since it allows the same uses as the property's current RN-1 zoning and would not significantly increase the residential density of the area. Based on the lot area, up to two dwelling units could be permitted if the parcel was rezoned.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH AND NOT IN CONFLICT WITH THE KNOXVILLE-KNOX COUNTY GENERAL PLAN AND ITS COMPONENT PARTS, INCLUDING ADOPTED SECTOR PLANS, CORRIDOR PLANS, AND RELATED DOCUMENTS.
1. The proposed rezoning is consistent with the General Plan's Development Policy 8.1, which encourages growth in the existing urban area through infill housing on vacant lots and redevelopment parcels.
2. The subject property is designated LDR (Low Density Residential) under the City's One Year Plan and North City Sector Plan. The LDR land use type allows consideration of the RN-2 district.

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. Rowan Road is a minor collector with 22 ft of pavement, which would be minimally affected by a development of this size. The subject property is in an urbanized area with adequate utility infrastructure.
2. Inskip Elementary School and Inskip Pool and Park lie within a mile south of the subject property, and there are commercial amenities nearby along Cedar Lane, E Inskip Drive, and Central Avenue Pike.