Commission OKs Courtyard At Westland for up to 27 homes, grants access-point variance

The Knoxville Knox County Planning Commission voted Dec. 11 to approve concept and development plans for the Courtyard At Westland subdivision and granted a variance to reduce two driveway entrances to a single access point for lots along the West Fork of South Gallaher View Road.

Developer Ron Worley told the commission he accepted the staff recommendations and requested a variance to reduce two shown access points (lots 15–22) to one. Knox County Engineering told the commission it "would support this variance request," saying one entrance would improve traffic movements and move the driveway further from the signal to avoid queuing at the intersection.

Commissioner Hill moved to approve the concept plan subject to eight conditions and moved to approve the development plan for up to 27 single-family homes on individual lots; both motions were seconded by Vice Chair Levinson and approved by voice vote. Commissioners also approved a variance to eliminate one of two access points, with engineering confirming support and explaining it would allow eight lots to use an access easement rather than the five allowed by subregulations.

Staff recommendations retained the hillside protection overlay where applicable and listed conditions for approval; the approval included a follow-up confirmation by engineering on the variance's safety basis. The development, located north of Westland Drive at the southern terminus of South Gallaher View Road, will proceed to required permitting and any further agency review.

The commission's actions were recorded as motions carrying by voice; the transcript does not include a roll-call tally for each vote.