[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6329584,"mediaKeyId","2315939-ac4e6cdc5d01293ebe54671474f288b0","parentId",2315939,"title","Planning commission approves zoning changes intended to speed childcare facility openings","audioSeconds",1632,"startMs",6997000,"endMs",8629000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2315939-ac4e6cdc5d01293ebe54671474f288b0&start=6997&end=8629","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2315939-ac4e6cdc5d01293ebe54671474f288b0/thumbnail_6997000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6329584/Tennessee/Planning-commission-approves-zoning-changes-intended-to-speed-childcare-facility-openings","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329584-3250d5e03be507c95369c9d7009e6dce/orig.mp4?Expires=1774980335&Signature=B1qbJlSrcf95azooXSNQlVrJvTCKt11a~-aZtBgTjuqEKr7vNM7NRfgHRNt75~XHgo2HxsC5P99Fw-uCYKMdBHQJcQfwVcO1uctc9sJHj7HDaNp5-zoh1r9blmbLJt7pDgv9yM51X5zpm6pyDatoj0Zke110~eb8y4A6PJ458dPkivgJ3J1FCz5jz6eONkblRkf0xY5QivTD0eZZcLitffM1d2r~~3FIMT~MgHf~bcVg5QGLhBrALAfdfBJSzHkqKZGMO9QFd7ve8sV1fO61IiY1J0yYqYdfoJoueD6k5HDGg5HcrlYZNYQQniMCTbne8WrYWO7rRBxbUzhuiY4dkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Knoxville, TN","date","2025-02-14T17:44:27Z","article","The Knoxville‑Knox County Planning Commission approved amendments to the county’s zoning ordinance intended to align local permitting for childcare centers with State Department of Human Services (DHS) licensure requirements and to streamline approvals for certain commercial and employment‑connected childcare sites.

Jonathan Harris, a parent and former foster‑care caseworker, urged commissioners to retain parts of the current code that require additional local review because he said the Planning Commission plays a unique role in assessing traffic, noise and other neighborhood impacts that DHS licensing does not cover. “Removing it weakens the quality of development in Knox County,” he said, asking the panel to keep a provision that would let planners consider surrounding land use and hazards when a center is proposed.

Mandy Benedict of the Knox County Mayor’s Office said the changes were developed with planning staff, the chamber and codes staff to respond to a local childcare crisis and to align county zoning language with DHS licensing. Amy Nolan of the Knoxville Chamber described the changes as one piece of a broader effort — including state pre‑licensing assistance — to reduce time and cost burdens that prevent employers, nonprofits and small operators from opening child care in employment centers.

Commissioner Gill moved to approve the proposed childcare zoning ordinance amendments; Vice Chair Huber seconded. After brief questions and statements from commissioners about reliance on state licensing and the need to remove redundant barriers, the commission passed the amendments by voice vote.

What happens next: Staff said the amendments are intended to reduce time and cost for commercial/employment‑center childcare proposals while DHS retains safety and staffing oversight. Implementation and operational details — and how the changes interact with the forthcoming UDO — will be handled through staff guidance and code updates.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning R 399 250213","oneSentenceSummary","The Knoxville‑Knox County Planning Commission on Feb. 13 approved zoning text amendments aimed at aligning local review for childcare centers with State Department of Human Services licensure standards to speed openings in commercial and employment centers.","taxTitle","Planning Meetings, Knoxville City, Knox County, Tennessee","taxId",72439,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6329588,"Planning commission approves Homestead Land Holdings concept and development plans after debate over connectivity and tree preservation",4101,2343000,6444000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2315939-ac4e6cdc5d01293ebe54671474f288b0&start=2343&end=6444","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2315939-ac4e6cdc5d01293ebe54671474f288b0/thumbnail_2343000.jpg","/articles/6329588/Tennessee/Planning-commission-approves-Homestead-Land-Holdings-concept-and-development-plans-after-debate-over-connectivity-and-tree-preservation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329588-9315a67d8fd206a57f9c2eaa8606e9a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1774980335&Signature=eSW-oqm1VIkqrAdHWIO8WsOrmDDTTOOGMj2BFxJYSADEhHMzOX-pGn5-S6cNTOdpwh1rSQByM45sxWxlcN3942EfbUQIrv4mvn-HTu5hv2HsVi7QN5CVjiLWYaT3g3euRHe8P35GkI76fYP-zqSxI0O1DWRs11MFQIRar8WCNTPsAGYvIsnSeqI06sWeQZ4i1uvMF5p1wy4coK9nlA3Snvgl4KRhEHi0VaH2tqpfFVuOjFaPIX1YMrruKVkuJQX-rOJgSvfjDptUpO83BQmMF9FBp3VlkLzrdwdzc17o1DGtUQoCgPuRW7a13AD1uZpj75lziGFlbQEg2rfBPQotYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","(Note: This article summarizes a multi‑motion action. Key votes and the amended condition are listed below.)

The Knoxville‑Knox County Planning Commission on Feb. 13 approved a three‑part package for Homestead Land Holdings — an alternative design standard, a concept plan and a development plan — to allow up to 56 attached houses (townhome‑style units) on a roughly 14.2‑acre tract along Millertown Pike. The approvals included a staff‑recommended amendment to concept condition 5 that narrows developer responsibility for off‑site right‑of‑way improvements to those “as caused by the development.”

Kevin Murphy, representing the Knox Community Planning Alliance, urged commissioners to add conditions requiring future connectivity to neighboring parcels, a certified arborist tree preservation plan with grading tied to that plan, and a formal open‑space management plan for the roughly 8.6 acres of common area identified on the concept plan. Murphy cited comprehensive plan Policy 11 (promote neighborhood connectivity), subdivision regulations on interconnected street systems, and guidance on conserving natural features.

Applicant representative Thomas Krajewski said the concept plan preserves roughly 61% of the parcel as open space (about 8.6 acres), with about 7 acres planned to remain undisturbed; the proposal clusters 56 attached units and requests two minor alternative design standards to reduce lot frontage and adjust intersection grade to address local drainage. Krajewski acknowledged engineering’s requested language on off‑site right‑of‑way costs was broad, and the applicant asked for clarification limiting developer responsibility to improvements “caused by this development.”

Vice Chair Huber moved to approve the alternative design standard to reduce minimum lot street frontage from 25 feet to 24 feet; the commission approved that motion. Huber then moved to approve the concept plan subject to staff’s conditions but amended condition 5 to read that any off‑site right‑of‑way improvements must be those “as caused by the development,” and that the developer would either enter a memorandum of understanding or reimburse the county for direct expenses for work done by county crews. That amended concept plan motion passed. The commission also approved the development plan for up to 56 attached houses subject to the listed conditions. Commissioners debated but declined to add mandatory connectivity, tree preservation or open‑space management conditions, with staff noting the new comprehensive plan provides guidance but does not yet codify “shall” statements and the pending UDO will address more stringent standards.

What happens next: The approved concept and development plans move forward with engineering and permitting conditions. The applicant must comply with the amended condition on off‑site right‑of‑way improvements; the developer and staff indicated they will address drainage, grading and stormwater in design plan review. Community groups may continue to press for tree preservation and connectivity in future UDO updates.","The Planning Commission approved alternative design standards, a concept plan and a development plan for Homestead Land Holdings, allowing up to 56 attached houses on Millertown Pike, while declining to add community proposals for mandatory connectivity or an arborist tree‑preservation plan.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6329592,"Commission postpones BT Davis rezoning on Wright Road for 60 days amid road safety concerns",1105,1770000,2875000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2315939-ac4e6cdc5d01293ebe54671474f288b0&start=1770&end=2875","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2315939-ac4e6cdc5d01293ebe54671474f288b0/thumbnail_1770000.jpg","/articles/6329592/Tennessee/Commission-postpones-BT-Davis-rezoning-on-Wright-Road-for-60-days-amid-road-safety-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329592-af4fb1231888faa4e4978b2cc69772ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1774980335&Signature=k3zbrKIzqXzktxzGEeWX4-b1~9krvu~xVHVP0vaiQ0nGQgcfvCUnw3f6M6Oi65RWmF5sTWOfENlS2mFk2q9X2M39P2eTzEAV8mluNYzTd2F9IBjDnFvd1E-CBRR9jmd4BG7TMFLToN0V6H9FWPGpOMOOyVr-LEpiBErF-IxZJHiAe~O95wB9UwF7Y2QvN~uBFm21pcC2fVIfCAyahkZvJm~wA-po07xU3-9kx1Lg-wOTzjNqrxKUGj10HADYGIUYMOv-Vt9znBxLdapK-MSmHsR7PU~-HyhRHcFZ-N2uFC0dg3JGq2l4ttALWlsttmA70X7HWnBYaSvtNlWPTyjomA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Knoxville‑Knox County Planning Commission voted to postpone for 60 days a request from BT Davis Enterprises LLC to rezone a site on the west side of Wright Road that was seeking PR zoning for up to 4.5 dwelling units per acre.

Neighbors said Wright Road is an old, narrow, rural road that lacks shoulders, adequate sight distance and sufficient drainage to handle denser development, and asked the commission to deny or delay action until a traffic study and road evaluation are completed.

Resident and retired engineer George Lagos told the commission Wright Road is an “old agricultural road” with pavement widths near 18 feet, no shoulders, inadequate sight distance and recurring flooding. “The infrastructure simply can’t handle it,” Lagos said, urging staff to require a traffic study before any rezoning is approved. He also said rezoning the parcel would set a precedent that could invite higher density on adjacent lots.

Applicant Brian Davis said the proposal is intended to remedy a lot‑line/address issue for two existing attached units and that the property already contains two addresses; his team said their preference was to resolve addressing but they were willing to postpone to work with staff. Planning staff confirmed the RA zone only allows duplexes and that creating two individually deeded units under current RA rules is difficult; the PR zone would permit attached houses and would allow the split without a separate condominium regime.

Vice Chair Huber moved for a 60‑day postponement to give the applicant time to explore options — such as condominiumization or special‑use pathways — and to coordinate with staff and the county/engineering on access and safety concerns; Commissioner Boyer seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.

What happens next: The applicant agreed to use the postponement period to meet with staff and counsel to determine whether the addressing issue can be addressed without upzoning or whether a different application route is required. Engineering may request a traffic impact analysis as part of any subsequent filing.","Commission postponed a request from BT Davis Enterprises to rezone a Wright Road parcel after residents and an engineer raised safety, sight‑distance and drainage concerns; applicant agreed to a 60‑day postponement to work with staff and explore alternatives.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6329594,"Planning commission approves Masana Investments zoning for up to 5 dwelling units per acre",941,823000,1764000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2315939-ac4e6cdc5d01293ebe54671474f288b0&start=823&end=1764","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2315939-ac4e6cdc5d01293ebe54671474f288b0/thumbnail_823000.jpg","/articles/6329594/Tennessee/Planning-commission-approves-Masana-Investments-zoning-for-up-to-5-dwelling-units-per-acre","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329594-4f891dd94b14f8f010bbbf7f1f3ad4dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1774980335&Signature=F-~tBIbsSUlgWvo6~NQNmPsEWJUwCcOO0B4K~gTHZwNBHwbbt9A8XKz6Kckh~NUlRN42rQRwsa4m8v4D0xgoD8FpQZnaFfH1QPRO-Wf9yvJwEJYwWEQek8cJASt98~7K4NbV9JbZtQyDyacNdyxTo40douWVFCCTx8dLuikTul5LXbANHtsNFMzu2~0t3EgOxfmFigXn1Zy5hOXV5BdaHI0JS4Ht5COdGDI4HC0bfzQr8sWJPfYwwNGCxuoVT1~4rYW7Xx1h~Gx4XqH63CUex8aoJj3PNxu6AvRjcvvK7q9ckqj8dKLN~oFTRZbfc5ypvf55iu~eH79mzFzIJNzojQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Knoxville‑Knox County Planning Commission on Feb. 13 approved a request from Masana Investments LLC to rezone a roughly 18.735‑acre parcel on the east side of Shady Lane, south of Cunningham Road, to Planned Residential (PR) for up to 5 dwelling units per acre.

Neighbors and nearby property owners told commissioners the density proposed is out of character for the Cunningham Road corridor, while the applicant and planning staff said the request is consistent with the Knox County comprehensive plan.

Opposition lawyer Wayne Klein told commissioners the only contested element was density. “The density of up to 5 dwelling units per acre is at issue here today,” Klein said, arguing surrounding parcels are mainly low‑density single‑family lots and that PR at five units per acre would “sandwich” higher density between a golf course, a horse farm and large estate lots. Jerry Key, president of Beaverbrook Country Club, said the club’s roughly 600 members oppose the higher density, and he said the club shares a property line with the subject parcel.

Applicant Scott Davis said the county’s new comprehensive plan places the property in a planned growth area and that, in his view, five units per acre constitutes “low density residential.” He told commissioners he had met with neighbors and that his team will work with engineering to align the site’s access with Imperial Drive and to verify sight distance with a traffic analysis.

Vice Chair Huber acknowledged residents’ concerns about character and access but said the comprehensive plan intentionally guides some areas toward higher density to accommodate growth. Commissioner Levinson made the motion to approve the PR zoning at the staff‑recommended density; Commissioner Anderson seconded. After brief discussion, the commission voted to approve the rezoning by voice vote. The motion carried.

Planning staff said the PR request was found consistent with the Knox County comprehensive plan; any engineering and final access design will be reviewed during site plan and traffic analysis stages.

What happens next: The commission’s action forwards the case as required by local process. Any subsequent engineering, site plan approvals or appeals will be handled through staff review or in later public hearings.","The Knoxville‑Knox County Planning Commission voted to rezone a Shady Lane parcel to Planned Residential (PR) for up to 5 dwelling units per acre after hearing objections from nearby homeowners and Beaverbrook Country Club about density and neighborhood character.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6329579,"Commission denies rezoning for Lynch Bus Lines after residents cite safety, traffic and neighborhood impacts",4652,8632000,13284000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2315939-ac4e6cdc5d01293ebe54671474f288b0&start=8632&end=13284","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2315939-ac4e6cdc5d01293ebe54671474f288b0/thumbnail_8632000.jpg","/articles/6329579/Tennessee/Commission-denies-rezoning-for-Lynch-Bus-Lines-after-residents-cite-safety-traffic-and-neighborhood-impacts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329579-6f99fcaac2cda59269cfe33dae8199d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1774980335&Signature=k-5TWqAUyJP2RF4IyA7laS4ZewnnRBA0Emq8U-sv8ZVzAAgAEPTtk4KDjy-SBk86~bKVdU-b~D1~sH03JkDEuFWfm1yGvYELhveibXdvnFaA27JBGU2HL9j71lSGeNU-t48vpgJpFLvRChXKS6qBxYtcz-sHJ-4dfNBXct~UFOHBKX8zVtwxIOE7zlgX4yb4YI5cTZiTKBmqr2NtGPemogfVvz-umwEmd-dT6EE2X8k~HqfcVhaJC57qgnaT8IK07FUorpq4Lh339neZAlMtNlkI5V73SyaLCDJK-TkydQrlwkc7HqbR9DMZwdJg453gpR9zsDsJe2sRidh5og2VpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Knoxville‑Knox County Planning Commission voted to deny a request to reclassify a parcel near Nash Road from residential to a light industrial/general industrial land use to permit school‑bus storage and related uses.

Residents and neighbors told commissioners the narrow, hilly local roads are not suitable for bus storage and that the bulk of the neighborhood is low‑density residential; they also said the applicant’s historic, reportedly unpermitted storage on the site does not justify changing the formal plan or zoning. Candace Jones, who lives on Burns Road, said neighbors oppose the request and emphasized safety concerns for children, bus drivers and residents on narrow roads. She questioned whether the city’s prior decisions were relevant and pointed to damage to roadside cuts and mailboxes from large vehicles.

Ben Mullins, representing the applicant, said the location is strategic for area school bus routing and that Nash Road has a 40‑foot right‑of‑way; engineering staff told the commission that widening to a 20‑foot pavement width would be required for capacity in the segment. Mullins also noted historical non‑residential uses nearby and argued the location would better serve school logistics.

Commissioners debated whether the industrial designation would be compatible with adjacent single‑family homes. Commissioner Midas moved to deny the proposed light industrial land‑use change in the one‑year plan and, separately, to deny rezoning to General Industrial (IG); both motions passed following discussion that county policy and the general industrial district are incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood.

What happens next: The rezoning was denied. Applicant representatives may choose to identify a different site, pursue alternative uses allowed in the current zoning, or file a new application addressing access and neighborhood impacts.","The Planning Commission denied a requested land‑use change and rezoning for a bus‑storage proposal on Nash Road after sustained opposition from residents citing narrow streets, early‑morning traffic, and long‑standing residential character; commissioners agreed the proposed general industrial designation was incompatible with surrounding homes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning commission approves zoning changes intended to speed childcare facility openings

Planning commission approves Homestead Land Holdings concept and development plans after debate over connectivity and tree preservation

Commission postpones BT Davis rezoning on Wright Road for 60 days amid road safety concerns

Planning commission approves Masana Investments zoning for up to 5 dwelling units per acre

Commission denies rezoning for Lynch Bus Lines after residents cite safety, traffic and neighborhood impacts