Planning Commission approves plan amendment and RN6 rezoning for Bill Williams Avenue site

The Knoxville Knox County Planning Commission on Feb. 12 approved a one-year plan amendment and rezoning to RN6 for a 0.68-acre property on the south side of Bill Williams Avenue, east of North Broadway.

Staff recommended changing the site’s land-use classification to medium-density residential/office and recommended RN5 zoning for compatibility with the surrounding area. Logan Higgins, representing Heyyo Architecture, told the commission the owner seeks multifamily development and preferred RN6 to permit a greater number of units without creating an overly tall building. “We completely agree with the staff recommendation for the one-year plan and plan amendment,” Higgins said, adding that RN6 better aligns with the owner’s goals and lot configuration.

Commissioners questioned potential height and setback impacts on the adjoining neighborhood. Commissioner Gil, who said she walks the area with her children, cautioned about tall buildings on the hill near Bill Williams Avenue and asked why RN6, rather than RN5, was preferred. Higgins said the property lies in an infill overlay and design review and setback rules will limit excessive height and that RN6 allows more units given minimum-lot-area calculations.

After discussion, Commissioner Overton moved to approve the sector plan change, the one-year plan amendment and the rezoning to RN6; the motions were seconded and carried with affirmative votes. The infill housing overlay will remain in place, and staff emphasized that final design review will occur through the Design Review Board and applicable site-review processes.

The commission’s approvals are advisory for matters forwarded to Knoxville City Council or Knox County Commission where final action may be required depending on jurisdictional authority.