Board Considers Lot Division Amidst Concerns Over Building Restrictions

The City of Knoxville's Board of Zoning Appeals convened on July 18, 2025, to discuss case BZA 4435 250715, focusing on a property development issue. The meeting opened with a request for board discussion regarding the proposed construction on a narrow lot.

A key point raised was the potential hardship faced by the property owner, who expressed concerns about the feasibility of building a shotgun-style house on the lot due to its dimensions. The owner noted that constructing a rectangular structure would likely devalue neighboring properties, which are of higher quality. The board members sought clarification on the specific hardships that justified the request for approval, as the owner admitted to not initially recognizing the zoning issues.

The discussion highlighted that the lots had previously been approved and platted without objections, although a note indicated a minimum front building line of 75 feet. The owner explained that the narrowness of the lot made it challenging to adhere to these requirements, as the existing houses were already positioned as close to the front as possible.

Board member Kim expressed support for the approval, acknowledging the unique circumstances of the lot shapes and the topography that influenced the placement of the houses. Kim noted that while the situation was not ideal, the current conditions warranted consideration for approval.

The meeting concluded with a consensus among board members regarding the hardships presented and the implications of the lot's configuration. Further discussions and potential resolutions will be addressed in subsequent meetings as the board continues to evaluate the case.