Owners win reduced‑density rezoning for Scenic View Farm after months of debate

The Knoxville‑Knox County Planning Commission approved a rezoning for the 48.24‑acre property known as Scenic View Farm after intense public comment and negotiation. The owner asked for a higher density; the commission approved a reduced density equivalent to three dwelling units per acre and added a condition restricting new access to Triplet Lane.

Owner Victoria Gillanwater, who has operated the horse farm for decades, told the commission she had struggled to keep a working farm as residential development surrounded the property. "I'm simply asking that the planning commission grant our request to change the zoning of my 48 acres to just be equal to the subdivisions that surround it," Gillanwater said, stressing the property’s history and the financial pressures of maintaining the farm.

Neighbors pressed for tree and ridgeline protections and questioned habitat and drainage effects. County Commissioner Adam Thompson, who participated during the rezoning deliberations, told the commission that the intent of negotiated conditions was to allow an appropriate transition and to secure a location that could be developed without removing the entire farm's character. After discussion the commission approved the rezoning at a lower effective density, adding an explicit condition: no new access cuts to Triplet Lane for the main body of the development.

What’s next: With the rezoning approved, the developer may return with a concept or development plan. Neighbors said they will expect robust buffering, stormwater controls and assurances on view preservation and limited tree‑clearing on ridge lines.