The Knoxville Knox County Planning Commission denied a request to rezone a 3.9‑acre property on Millertown Road from RN‑4 to RN‑5, saying the RN‑4 base zone with a required special‑use review would better protect neighborhood character while allowing a comparable multifamily project to be considered.

Applicant Victor (Garrett) Jernigan asked the commission to approve RN‑5 to avoid what he described as an onerous RN‑4 submission requirement for multi‑acre tracts — namely a need to subdivide, record plats and provide fully engineered road profiles before obtaining a special‑use approval. Jernigan said his proposed four‑building, 80‑unit plan was consistent with the East City sector plan and noted the property’s location on a bus line and proximity to commercial centers.

Commissioners pressed on issues of process, public input and traffic/safety. Commissioner Gill said staff likely recommended RN‑4 in 2023 to ensure future development would come before the planning commission for review and to confirm compatibility with adjacent RN‑1 and RN‑2 neighborhoods. Gill and others expressed concern that RN‑5 would allow by‑right development forms that might not fit the context; they also noted that, under RN‑4, a special‑use application would give the commission an opportunity to review building scale, access and road improvements before permits were issued.

Commissioner Butler said he "applauded the project" but agreed RN‑5 was not the appropriate vehicle. Jernigan offered to record private deed restrictions but staff explained the city cannot impose conditional zoning in Knoxville. Commissioners moved to deny the rezoning per staff recommendation; the motion passed.

Ending: Jernigan said he would consider bringing a concept or special‑use application under RN‑4 with a site plan; commissioners and staff encouraged further design work and public outreach before any new submittal.