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Council advances single‑family attached‑dwelling ordinance amid heated neighborhood debate
Summary
On first reading the council approved an ordinance adding 'single‑family attached dwellings' to the zoning code, a measure proponents say will expand homeownership options while opponents warned about curb cuts, mortgages, insurance and neighborhood character; vote was 5‑3 with one abstention.
The Knoxville City Council voted on first reading on Nov. 11 to add a new use — "single‑family attached dwellings" — to multiple sections of the city's zoning code, approving the item 5‑3 with one abstention.
Supporters at the meeting said the change will expand homeownership options and help address the city's housing shortage. Kellen Sarles of YES Knoxville said allowing attached homes can modestly increase homeownership opportunities while preserving neighborhood character. "Passing an SFA ordinance would be just that, a baby step toward easing the path to individual homeownership," Sarles said. Hope Ealy urged…
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