Planning commission postpones final plat of Isbell Estates after developer seeks approval contingent on county MOU

The Knoxville‑Knox County Planning Commission on Sept. 11 postponed action for 30 days on the final plat for Isbell Estates Phase 2 after the developer requested approval contingent on the Knox County memorandum of understanding (MOU) for off‑site improvements.

Developer Scott Davis told the commission the subdivision infrastructure is in place and that the county commission was scheduled to consider the MOU for Emery Road improvements the following week. “We are only allowed to have x up to x number of lots platted until and unless the MOU was approved by county commission and engineering and public works,” Davis said, asking that the commission allow the plat to be recorded contingent upon the county’s approval.

Planning staff advised the commission that, under the final plat rules, incomplete final plats cannot be approved. Amy Brooks, executive director of Knoxville Knox County Planning, quoted the rule and staff guidance that incomplete plat submittals “must be completed” and that staff cannot recommend approval of a plat that remains incomplete. Based on that reading, the applicant requested a postponement; commissioners granted a 30‑day postponement.

Why it matters: The exchange highlights a procedural limit on approving final plats when required off‑site agreements or maintenance agreements remain outstanding. The applicant argued the practical effect of a strict interpretation would be an unnecessary 30‑day delay despite engineering approvals and the mayor’s agreement, while staff cited ordinance language that treats missing MOU or maintenance agreements as an incomplete plat.

Outcome: The commission approved the 30‑day postponement motion. Staff will continue to coordinate with the applicant and county engineering; if the county commission approves the MOU within 30 days the applicant can return and ask the planning commission to take final action.