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Commission approves reducing minimum house width in R‑2 from 26 to 24 feet
Summary
To open narrow Parkview lots to new construction, the commission approved lowering the minimum building width for R‑2 from 26 feet to 24 feet after debate about drainage and long‑term impacts. Staff will draft ordinance amendments.
After extended debate about buildability and infrastructure, the Knox Planning Commission voted to reduce the minimum dwelling width in the R‑2 district from 26 feet to 24 feet.
Lonnie and several commissioners argued that a 24‑foot minimum would allow marginal lots — some only 49 feet wide or lots a foot short of current requirements — to be redeveloped without costly appeals. "If the house was able to be 1 foot narrower, it would work," Lonnie said, citing a specific example where a 1–2 foot difference determined whether a lot could be built on without a Board of Zoning Appeals hearing.
Opponents raised concerns about drainage, density, and future maintenance burdens; commissioners acknowledged these issues and asked staff to include drainage and stormwater analysis in any ordinance recommendation. The commission asked for mapped examples and engineering input before forwarding proposed ordinance language to council.
