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Planning commission denies South Waterfront plan change for Davenport Road parcel
Summary
The Knoxville‑Knox County Planning Commission voted to deny a staff‑challenged plan amendment and related RN‑3 rezoning request for a Davenport Road parcel proposed by Watt Development, siding with staff that the land is not part of the South Waterfront vision.
The Knoxville‑Knox County Planning Commission on a unanimous voice vote (chair declared the ayes) denied a request from Watt Development to change a parcel’s sector plan designation to “South Waterfront Mixed Use District type 2” and to rezone the site to RN‑3.
Staff recommended denial, saying the property is not part of the South Waterfront vision plan and that the existing hillside protection overlay should remain in place. Applicant Matthew Thompson argued the lot adjoins the Waterfront District, is exempt from hillside protection in places, and that proposed RN‑3 zoning would allow only modest rooftop townhomes subject to a subsequent special‑use permit.
Neighbors at the hearing raised concerns about changing an established land‑use classification. Chair John Huber read staff’s recommendation and asked commissioners to vote; Commissioner Adams moved to follow staff’s recommendation to deny the sector plan change, the one‑year plan amendment and the RN‑3 rezoning, and the motions carried.
The commission’s action is a recommendation; any change of zoning or plan designation would ultimately require further action by Knoxville City Council or the Knox County Commission according to staff remarks.
The commission encouraged the applicant to work with staff on alternate options and confirmed that the hillside protection overlay will be retained on the property.
