Planning commission clears zoning changes to allow multifamily and medical uses in CA/CB commercial zones

The Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission voted to amend sections of the Knox County zoning code to permit clinics, medical and dental offices and to allow multi-dwelling developments in CA (general commercial) and CB (business/manufacturing) zones at specified densities. The change allows multi-dwelling structures up to 12 dwelling units per acre as a permitted use and higher densities by review.

Ben Mullins, representing development interests, told the commission the language was refined ahead of the meeting to clarify intent and encourage compatible multifamily development where commercial zoning already exists. He said the amendments balance incentives for development with safeguards against overdevelopment in rural areas by tying certain allowances to the growth policy plan.

Planning staff and some commissioners said the amendments are intended to make underused commercial parcels more viable for housing or medical services while preserving standards in other zoning districts. Commissioner Huber, who moved approval, said the changes give landowners confidence to allow multifamily development on commercially zoned parcels without fear of forced downzoning.

The commission’s vote was unanimous; commissioners noted that planned-commercial zones were unaffected and that future site plans would still require design and engineering review. Supporters said the change could encourage infill development near transit and services, while opponents at earlier meetings asked for clear standards and protections for adjacent neighborhoods.

The amendment will go forward for any additional required processes; implementation details, including definitions (such as an “upper level dwelling”), were included in the changes adopted by the body.