Disposition Summary

Approve the RA (Low Density Residential) zone because it will bring zoning into compliance and is consistent with the surrounding development.

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Staff Recommendation

Approve the RA (Low Density Residential) zone because it will bring zoning into compliance and is consistent with the surrounding development.

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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 ZONES AFFECTED, OR IN THE COUNTY GENERALLY.
1. Since 2002, the majority of rezonings in this area north of E Emory Rd, have been to lower density residential zones such as RA (Low Density Residential) and PR (Planned Residential) with densities up to 5 du/ac.
2. The existing single-family dwelling on the subject property has a lot area size .68 ac. The lot area minimum under the A (Agricultural) zone is one acre. Approving the requested RA (Low Density Residential) zone will bring the subject property into compliance, as it meets the minimum standards for the RA zone, which is 10,000 sq ft.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE INTENT AND PURPOSES OF THE APPLICABLE ZONING ORDINANCE.
1. The RA (Low Density Residential) zone is intended to provide 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 AN AMENDMENT.
1. The RA zone is considered a low-density residential zone. As such, it is not anticipated to negatively impact the surrounding area, which is largely residential in character.
2. The minimum lot area for properties in the RA zone is 10,000 sq ft. Based on minimum lot area alone, the subject property could yield up to two lots.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH AND NOT IN CONFLICT WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF KNOX COUNTY, INCLUDING ANY OF ITS ELEMENTS, MAJOR ROAD PLAN, LAND USE PLAN, COMMUNITY FACILITIES PLAN, AND OTHERS:
1. The place type for the subject property is SR (Suburban Residential) in the Knox County Comprehensive Plan. The RA zone is listed as being directly related to the SR place type.
2. The rezoning complies with the Comprehensive Plan's Implementation Policy 2, to ensure that new development is sensitive to existing community character. The allowable uses in the RA zone, which are primarily residential and civic in nature, align with the character of the surrounding area.
3. The subject property is located within the Planned Growth Area of the Growth Policy Plan, which aims to encourage a reasonably compact pattern of development. The allowable lot sizes and housing types in the RA zone support the intent of the Planned Growth Area.