Chapter 14, Article II of the Knox County Code relative to the Tennessee Technology Corridor Development Authority (TTCDA) was repealed by the Tennessee Legislature on April 14, 2025 and Knox County Commission on April 28, 2025. The design guidelines remain in effect and will be administered by Planning staff within TO and TO-1 districts.
The overlay was designed to encourage technology and related land uses while preserving forested ridges, rolling hills, and broad valleys. This zoning is fairly flexible and allows most types of office and light industry, with limits on retail development.
The Tennessee Technology Corridor was established in 1983 by state legislation creating the Tennessee Technology Corridor Development Authority (TTCDA).
A grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission allowed a team of consultants to develop a concept plan and guidelines addressing setbacks, lot coverage, signs, landscaping, lighting, access, and architecture. Planning staff wrote a comprehensive plan based on the consultant's work, and this plan was adopted by the Knox County Commission in 1984. The result was a 7,000-acre technology overlay zone stretching through west Knox County along the Pellissippi Parkway, north of I-40/75.
In April 1999, the operations of TTCDA were turned over to Knoxville-Knox County Planning. Applications for building permits, grading permits, sign permits, and rezoning certificates are assigned to the TTCDA staff, and their recommendations are considered by the TTCDA Board of Commissioners at monthly meetings.
Article II of the Knox County Code was repealed in April 2025, though the design guidelines remain in effect within TO and TO-1 districts.
