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Board denies building‑permit appeal for Nubbing Ridge property
Summary
The Knox County Board of Zoning Appeals denied Rick Wilkinson's appeal of a building‑permit denial for a lot on Nubbing Ridge Road, concluding the lot is a remnant of a larger parcel zoned PR and does not meet development‑plan requirements; Wilkinson was advised he could seek relief in court or pursue a plan amendment.
Rick Wilkinson and his attorney, Gary Prince, appealed to the Knox County Board of Zoning Appeals after staff refused a building permit for a lot on Nubbing Ridge Road. Wilkinson argued he met sight‑distance requirements in practice and cited Tennessee law governing vested rights (TCA 13‑4‑310) to contend the lot should be allowed.
"I have really close to having the sight distance needed," Wilkinson told the panel, saying he could meet the minimum if a neighbor's fence were moved. Attorney Gary Prince urged the board to consider vesting rights and asserted the lot had been effectively approved when the larger tract was rezoned.
County staff explained the property had been part of a larger parcel that was rezoned to plan residential (PR) as part of a development plan; the remnant parcel does not satisfy the development‑plan requirements and is noted in staff files as unbuildable. Staff said administrative remedies and plan amendments are the appropriate paths if Wilkinson cannot obtain relief through the board.
After discussion the board voted to deny the appeal. The chair noted that Wilkinson retains the option of seeking Chancery Court review or pursuing a plan amendment and rezoning through the planning commission and county commission.
What happens next: Wilkinson may pursue judicial review or a plan amendment; the board declined to grant the building permit.
