8-B-23-OA Aaron (37917), August 8, 2023 at 9:14 PM
I support this amendment on grounds that historical "neighborhood commercial" buildings and nodes often often had minimal setback. Staff makes a point that resonates with me that if engineering has to set setbacks based on sightline distance in the permitting process, that will create delays. For something standard like this and other typical sightline considerations (like when there are existing nonconforming structures on adjacent lot), I think it would be ideal to add a sightline diagram to the zoning ordinance.
8-C-23-OA Aaron (37917), August 8, 2023 at 9:44 PM
An owner-occupancy requirement to construct or operate an ADU would be extremely expensive (and thus impossible) to actually enforce and really doesn't prevent developer-ownership of dwelling units in general; it only constrains housing supply. There is no need for a minimum lot size, maximum floor area, or floor area ratio requirement for ADUs as building coverage, impervious surface, and principle structure already effectively regulate ADU size and existence. ADUs should be exempt from parking requirements, as the person building the ADU is capable of determining the local market demand for parking and the transit richness of their particular context. Ability to use transit or non-automobile modes of transportation is much more granular in Knoxville than any particular zone. If we must have a codified requirement, ADUs should be exempt from parking when the street contains street parking or the ADU is within a 1/4 mile of a transit route. The height of ADUs should be increased to allow for garage apartments as a typology. A maximum of 25' or the height of the primary structure, whichever is less would accommodate garage apartments.
8-C-23-OA David (37917), October 2, 2023 at 8:15 AM
Hello, I was in favor of the ADU's when the Recode was going through its transformation, attended several of the meetings and thought then and still think that building ADU's in neighborhoods needs some guidelines. The owner of the property should have to live on-site, this will help with controlling the tenants who would live on the property. With an influx of outside investors, they will use ADU's as a tool to double the units per property, regardless of the effects it would have on their neighbors or the neighborhood as a whole. As to enforcing the owner-occupied rule, the city needs to come up with an enforcement provision....change in the deed?
10-B-23-OA Celia (37917), October 3, 2023 at 2:32 PM
I commend the City of Knoxville Planning Department for acting on the housing shortage in this city. Many cities wait until the issue is so out of hand that they can never catch up to provide adequate and affordable housing for their residents. However, I think Knoxville is missing an opportunity to provide better solutions by so narrowly focusing this proposal on already dense neighborhoods close to the city center. The Planning Department is going after low hanging fruit, so to speak, by allowing existing homes to be subdivided under this proposal. My neighborhood of 4th & Gill spent over 30 years undoing these types of subdivisions of large homes so families could move in and build a stronger sense of community. Why hasn't any attention been paid to empty buildings and lots along or close to major corridors, such as Broadway and Central? Broadway has ample space for new construction and repurposing of empty buildings all the way from the Broadway bridge to Fountain City. Another example is the old Standard Knitting Mill off Hall of Fame, which has stood vacant for years. The owner does nothing while the building's deterioration gets worse. Why aren't incentives to develop housing in buildings such as the Mill part of a proposal for missing middle housing? There is so much more than can be done by the City than just targeting dense neighborhoods that don't have covenants to protect them. The City can do better!
10-B-23-OA Bob (37917), October 4, 2023 at 10:23 AM
I am concerned that 40 years of hard work to revitalize our old neighborhoods is being put at risk. I have no problem with applying the Missing Middle concept to new construction on vacant lots. I am very concerned about conversions of existing buildings into multiple units as was done throughout the first part of the last century. This proposal needs more analysis of potential outcomes especially in regard to conversions before it is pushed through the legislative agenda. Thanks you for your consideration.
10-B-23-OA Jacob (37917), October 4, 2023 at 1:52 PM
I live in the target area, and I am strongly in favor of changing the zoning to allow for more middle housing. Not all duplexes are created equal. There are ugly duplexes, and there are aesthetically-pleasing duplexes. Those not in favor of the proposed zoning changes may not be aware that it mandates aesthetically-pleasing duplexes/etc. that keep with the character of the neighborhood (i.e., no ugly rectangle/vinyl siding "spec" houses" will be allowed like they used to be). I am in favor of these zoning changes because: 1) the housing shortage increases economic inequality, 2) supply and demand: increasing supply will lower (or at least help stabilize) housing prices, and 3) the only other way to increase supply is urban spawl and habitat destruction. Expanding middle housing options will thus help with social inequality and help prevent our beautiful wildlands from being demolished for more (some may say even uglier) single-family suburbs. Please pass these zoning changes!
10-B-23-OA Jack (37917), October 4, 2023 at 9:18 PM
I live in a targeted neighborhood. I have concerns about what the definition of "Affordable" is. If this ordinance is about the "Missing Middle" are there going to be anything more than promises to make " affordable " housing? Or will this just streamline the process for developers to build any kind of housing they want? (within guidelines of course). Or charging whatever they want? Since rent control is not an option, what guarantee is there that the "Missing Middle" will have "affordable" housing? If things go upscale fast, that will just help to drive out the majority of the people who can afford to live here now.