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City Land Use Classifications

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

City of Knoxville

General Residential Neighborhood (RN-4)

The RN-4 General Residential Neighborhood Zoning District is intended to accommodate mixed medium density residential development within the City of Knoxville. Single-family, two-family, and townhouse dwellings are permitted with low-rise multi-family dwellings and new development forms such as pocket neighborhoods allowed by review and in some cases with special use approval. The RN-4 District is intended to be applied to neighborhoods that are characterized by such mixed residential development, or that have been identified as areas where such development would be suitable in the future. Limited nonresidential uses that are compatible with the character of the district may also be permitted.

City Zoning Districts
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Code
Classification
Description
Location Criteria
Permitted Zones
HDR

High Density Residential
HDR

This land use is primarily characterized by apartment and/or mixed use development at densities greater than 24 dwelling units per acre.
  • On major collector and arterial streets, adjacent to regional shopping and major office districts (office sites allowing four or more stories); these sites must be identified in sector or small area plans
    Within the CBD or its adjacent areas, such as portions of the Morningside community
    Relatively flat sites (less than 10 percent slopes)
    Along corridors with transit and sidewalks
RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-4, RN-5, RN-6, RN-7, DK
MDR

Medium Density Residential
MDR

Such land uses are primarily residential at densities from 6 to 24 dwelling units per acre. Attached houses, including townhouses and apartments are typical. Mobile home parks are another form of this land use.
  • Near community activity centers, including uses such as schools and colleges, parks, and community commercial/office nodes
    As transitional areas between commercial development and low density residential neighborhoods
    Site with less than 15 percent slopes
    Along or near corridors that are served by or proposed to be served by transit, with densities proposed to be above 12 dwelling units per acre and to be served by sidewalks
RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-4
MDR/O

Medium Density Residential / Office
MDR/O

Office and medium residential uses typically have similar development characteristics: scale of buildings, areas devoted to parking, yard spaces and location requirements (on arterials/ collectors). These uses provide a buffer to low density residential areas, particularly when located adjacent to an arterial/collector or as a transition between commercial uses and a neighborhood.
  • Near community activity centers, including uses such as schools and colleges, parks, and community commercial/office nodes
    As transitional areas between commercial development and low density residential neighborhoods
    Site with less than 15 percent slopes
    Along or near corridors that are served by or proposed to be served by transit, with densities proposed to be above 12 dwelling units per acre and to be served by sidewalks
RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-4, RN-5, RN-6, O
TDR

Traditional Neighborhood Residential
TDR

This land use is primarily residential and is characterized by neighborhoods where a mix of detached and attached houses, sidewalks, smaller lots and alleys have typically been or are to be created.
  • Neighborhoods where lots are typically less than 50 feet wide, and usually have sidewalks and alleys. This area is essentially the 19th and early 20th century grid street neighborhoods of Knoxville.
    Urban Growth Area or Planned Growth Areas where neighborhood or community mixed use development is identified (see Mixed Use and Special Districts section)
RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-4
SWMUD II

South Waterfront Mixed Use District Type 2
SWMUD II

This district allows for diverse uses and range of development intensities and forms. Zoning is limited to districts which require special use approval.
  • Case-by-case analysis is recommended.
RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-4, RN-5, O, C-G, I-MU, I-G