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Council advances rezoning for 305 West Vine Ave amid debate over ground-floor commercial rules
Summary
The council voted on first reading to rezone 305 West Vine Ave from DKG to DKB to allow multifamily ground-floor use, after planning staff and commissioners discussed the intent and limits of the downtown ground-floor commercial requirement.
The Knoxville City Council voted on first reading to change the base zoning classification of the property at 305 West Vine Avenue from DKG to DKB, leaving special-purpose and overlay districts unchanged.
Planning staff explained the current code (article 5.2.b.0.1) requires commercial on the ground floor in DKG-designated blocks, and that multifamily use is allowed in DKB and DKE zones. Planning commissioners expressed concern that the location’s slope and pedestrian patterns make ground-floor commercial unviable there, and some commissioners wished for more flexibility in the code.
Drew Harper, vice president of YES Knoxville, spoke in favor of the rezoning and said more housing options downtown are needed. "Housing is good," Harper said, urging the council not to let perfection prevent new homes for neighbors.
Council member Fugate said the site functions as a residential enclave and that commercial demand is not currently present; he supported rezoning. The law director told council that staff are examining whether adjustments to the downtown code could create workable flexibility for sites like this one.
Council member Thomas said he would abstain on first reading to study the matter further; the ordinance passed on first reading with one abstention. Council staff noted further review and potential second-reading considerations will follow according to the city's standard procedures.
The action advances the rezoning to subsequent proceedings where council will consider final reading and any recommended code adjustments.
