Historic Zoning Commission Approves Controversial Market Square Rooftop Addition

The Knox County Historic Zoning Commission convened on July 18, 2025, to discuss the approval of a rooftop addition in the Market Square area. The primary focus of the meeting was the visibility of the proposed structure in relation to existing guidelines and standards.

Commissioners debated the interpretation of the Market Square guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior's standards, particularly regarding the requirement for additions to be "minimally visible." Some members expressed concerns that the proposed addition did not meet this criterion, while others argued that its visibility was limited and therefore should not be a significant factor in the decision-making process.

The discussion highlighted the lack of specific guidance on rooftop additions within the Market Square guidelines, leading to reliance on broader standards for rehabilitation and preservation. Staff findings referenced previous cases where visibility from the street level influenced decisions, noting that some similar proposals had been denied based on visibility concerns.

As the conversation progressed, several commissioners acknowledged the design aspects of the addition, suggesting that the staff's recommendation focused more on design compatibility rather than visibility. Ultimately, a motion was made to approve the addition as submitted, which passed with a vote of 5 to 3.

The outcome of this meeting underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the commission in balancing historic preservation with modern development needs in Knox County. The decision reflects a nuanced interpretation of visibility and design standards, setting a precedent for future applications in the historic district.