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Kingsport board approves rezoning along Eastern Star Road to allow lower-intensity apartments
Summary
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved an owner-requested rezoning of tax map 120, parcel 2.20 from M-1R (Light Manufacturing Restricted) to R-3 (Low Density Apartment). Planning staff said the change provides a transition from commercial/industrial uses and the planning commission recommended approval; the ordinance passed 7–0.
Jessica McMurray, who presented the staff report, told the board the rezoning request for the parcel along Eastern Star Road was owner-initiated and recommended because it reduces land-use intensity adjacent to existing single-family properties.
"The proposed rezoning from M-1R to R-3 would permit a lower intensity residential use that is compatible with surrounding development and provides an appropriate transition from more intensive zoning districts," McMurray said. She noted the planning commission voted in February to forward a positive recommendation to the board.
The chair opened the public hearing; no members of the public came forward and the hearing was closed. After a motion by Alderman Cooper and a second by Alderman Phillips, the board approved the ordinance by voice vote. The chair announced the ordinance passes 7–0.
Why it matters: The rezoning narrows the set of industrial uses permitted on the parcel and allows low-density multifamily development as a transition between nearby commercial or industrial parcels and adjacent housing. The decision implements a local planning commission recommendation and completes the formal map amendment process for this parcel.
What’s next: The ordinance was adopted on a 7–0 vote; any developer seeking to build under the new R-3 rules would still need to comply with applicable site-development standards and permits.
