The Knox County Zoning Commission on Nov. 11 approved a series of rezoning requests largely recommended by county planning staff and the Planning Commission. The items—ranging from low‑density RA residential changes to planned residential (PR) requests—were granted by voice vote after brief presentations and limited public comment.

Commissioners repeatedly cited consistency with the Knox County Comprehensive Plan when approving rezonings, and the Planning Commission’s recommendations were adopted in most cases. Notable approvals included PR and RA rezonings for multiple properties (including 10R25RZ for Benjamin C. Mullins, 510E25RZ for David M. Seale Jr., 710U25RZ for D DSSD Development LLC, 810P25RZ for Mike Stevens Homes, 910N25RZ for Sasha Cole, 1010W25RZ for Addison Sandcrows Whitmer, 119E25RZ for Daniel P. Humphreys/Gary Roberts, 1210I25RZ for Zachary Lee Myers, and 10B25RZ for Benchmark Associates). Planning staff consistently recommended approval on the grounds that the requests were compatible with surrounding development and the comprehensive plan.

One application, Leonard Development LLC’s request for PR up to 5 dwelling units per acre on Winkle Lane, drew extended discussion about traffic on John Sevier Highway and surrounding development already in the pipeline. Commissioner Fox proposed deferral to allow the applicant to consult the neighborhood and consider a lower density; the commission voted to defer the case to the December calendar.

Formal votes were taken by voice; commissioners announced ‘‘Aye’’ for the motions and the chair declared the ayes had it. The Planning Commission’s recommendations and staff conditions were the basis for the approvals; some approvals carried site‑specific conditions (see the ‘Votes at a glance’ list below). The meeting concluded with routine announcements and Veterans Day remarks.

Votes at a glance (selected items)
- 10R25RZ — Benjamin C. Mullins (PR up to 2 du/acre; corrected buffer to eastern boundary): Approved by voice vote; follows Planning Commission recommendation.
- 510E25RZ — David M. Seale Jr. (RA low density residential, subdivide to 3 lots): Approved by voice vote.
- 610M25RZ — Worley Builders (PR up to 6 du/acre): Approved with a condition requiring the West Prong of South Gallaher View Road be widened to 20 feet prior to plotting of lots (see separate article on neighborhood concerns).
- 710U25RZ — D DSSD Development LLC (PR up to 5 du/acre): Approved; applicant agreed to construct sidewalk to end of property line on Bluegrass Road.
- 810P25RZ — Mike Stevens Homes (PR 3→5 du/acre): Approved by voice vote.
- 910N25RZ — Sasha Cole (RB→OB office/medical): Approved by voice vote.
- 1410025RZ — Leonard Development LLC (PR up to 5 du/acre on Winkle Lane): Deferred to December calendar for community outreach and further review.

Next steps: Deferred cases return to the December docket for further public engagement or revised proposals; approved rezonings will move forward into the subdivision and permitting process subject to conditions adopted by the commission.