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City Land Use Classifications

Refer to the appropriate Sector Plan for land use classifications in Knox County.

City of Knoxville

Office Park (OP)

To facilitate development that reinforces and enhances the existing varied character areas of downtown Knoxville, the DK District is divided into five sub-districts that include tailored dimensional and design standards: DK-B Downtown Knoxville Boulevards Subdistrict, intended to accommodate those areas of Downtown characterized by wide, planted boulevards, and a green, open landscape. DK-G Downtown Knoxville Grid Subdistrict, intended to accommodate those areas of Downtown predominantly characterized by the traditional 300 foot by 300 foot grid pattern established in the Plan of the City. DK-H Downtown Knoxville Historic Core Subdistrict, intended for areas with a preponderance of historic and cultural resources. DK-W Downtown Knoxville Warehouse Subdistrict, for the area located primarily along Jackson Avenue and the rail yard on the north end of Downtown. DK-E Downtown Edge Subdistrict, intended to address areas of transition between the higher intensity of Downtown and adjacent smaller-scale mixed-use areas

City Zoning Districts
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Code
Classification
Description
Location Criteria
Recommended Zoning By Growth Plan Area
One Year Plan Permitted Zones
BP-1

Business Park Type 1
BP-1

Primary uses are light manufacturing, office and regionally- oriented warehouse/distribution services in which tractor- trailer transportation is to be a substantial portion of the operations. A zoning category which requires site plan review is expected in the development or redevelopment of such areas. Site plans shall address landscaping, lighting, signs, drainage, and other concerns that are raised in the rezoning process. Substantial landscaped buffers are expected between uses of lesser intensity, particularly residential, office and agricultural uses.
  • Relatively flat sites (predominant slopes less than 6 percent) out of floodplains
  • Relatively large sites (generally over 100 acres)
  • Away from low and medium density areas or where truck traffic would have to go through such areas
  • Areas with freeway and arterial highway access (generally within two miles of an interchange)
  • Rail access is a consideration
  • Can be served with sewer, water and natural gas
OP, I-MU, I-RD
OP, I-MU, I-RD
BP-2

Business Park Type 2
BP-2

Primary uses are light manufacturing, offices, and locally- oriented warehouse/distribution services. Retail and restaurant services, developed primarily to serve tenants and visitors to the business park can be considered. A zoning category which requires site plan review is expected in the development or redevelopment of such areas. Site plans must include provisions for landscaping, lighting and signs. Substantial landscaped buffers are necessary between uses of lesser intensity, particularly residential, office and agricultural uses.
  • Relatively flat sites (predominant slopes less than 6 percent) out of floodplains
  • Relatively large sites (generally over 100 acres)
  • Away from low and medium density areas or where truck traffic would have to go through such areas
  • Freeway and arterial highway access (generally within two miles of an interchange)
  • Rail access is a consideration
  • Can be served with sewer, water and natural gas
OP, I-RD
OP, I-RD
GC

General Commercial
GC

This includes previously developed strip commercial corridors providing a wide range of retail and service- oriented uses. Such land use classification and related zoning should not be extended because of the adverse effects on

traffic-carrying capacity, safety and environmental impacts. Redevelopment of commercial corridors, including mixed use development, should be accommodated under planned or design-oriented zones.
  • Existing commercial areas
O, OP, C-G, C-H, C-R
O, OP, C-G, C-H, C-R
MU-RC

Mixed Use Regional Center
MU-RC

These are envisioned to be highest intensity mixed use centers. These districts should be served by sidewalk and transit systems and be located on a major arterial, adjacent to an Interstate highway or adjacent to downtown.

Downtown Knoxville?s Central Business District is a regional mixed use center.
  • Flat site (generally less than 10 percent slopes)
  • Currently served by or planned to be served by sidewalks
  • The location does not include auto and truck- oriented uses such as industrial, strip commercial and warehouse/distribution uses unless the proposal calls for a redevelopment of such areas
  • On a major arterial, adjacent to an interstate highway or adjacent to downtown
OP, C-G, C-H, C-R, DK
OP, C-G, C-H, C-R, DK
O

Office
O

This land use includes business and professional offices and office parks.
  • Low intensity business andprofessional offices (less than three stories) may be transitional uses from commercial or industrial uses to neighborhoods
  • Generally level sites (slopes less than 15 percent)
  • Access to major collector or arterial streets, particularly within one-quarter mile of such thoroughfares
  • Highest intensity office uses (development that is four or more stories), should be located in close proximity to arterial/ freeway interchanges or be served by transit
O, OP
O, OP
RS

Regional Commercial
RS

This land use includes retail and service-oriented development that meets the needs of residents across Knox County and surrounding areas.

Development typically exceeds 400,000 square feet; malls have been a typical form and ?life- style centers? (e.g. Turkey Creek) are examples of regional-oriented commercial uses. Regional commercial uses may also be considered in Regional Centers (see Mixed Use and Special Districts).
  • Flat sites (under 10 percent slope)
  • Locate near interstate interchanges with major arterial highway access
  • Water, sewer, natural gas utilities and stormwater systems should be capable of handling the development
  • Vehicular and pedestrian connections should be accommodated between components of the development
OP, C-H, C-R, I-MU
O, OP, C-H, C-R, I-MU
TP

Technology Park
TP

This land use primarily includes offices and research and development facilities. The

target area for such development has been the Pellissippi Technology Corridor. Additional districts could be created in other areas of the city or county. The development standards that are adopted by the Tennessee Technology Corridor Development Authority should be used for such districts.
  • Within the Technology Corridor or subsequent areas designated for Technology Park development
  • Sites near freeway interchanges or along major arterials
  • Water, sewer and natural gas utilities available
OP, I-RD
OP, I-RD