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Planning commission votes to pursue smaller R‑2 setbacks to boost Parkview housing
Summary
The Knox Planning Commission directed staff to draft revised R‑2 setback rules — a 20‑foot front setback, 10‑foot side setbacks (10 ft each, total 20), and a 10‑foot rear setback — aiming to make narrow Parkview lots buildable again. Commissioners approved the study motion with one opposed.
The Knox Planning Commission on Tuesday voted to direct staff to draft changes to the city’s R‑2 residential zoning setbacks, a move commissioners said is intended to make many narrow Parkview lots buildable again.
Committee member (speaker 2) moved that the commission "look into changing the r 2 residential zoning, minimum yard setbacks. The front, I'd like to change to 20. The sides, a total of 20, and the rear, 10 foot setback." The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote; the chair noted one member opposed the motion during the tally.
Lonnie, the planning administrator, told commissioners the change would let older, smaller lots accommodate new starter homes and duplexes without frequent appeals to the Board of Zoning Appeals. "If you want a total amount, 10 and 10 for a total of 20," Lonnie said while explaining side‑setback logic. He and other commissioners emphasized the change applies only to the R‑2 district, largely the Parkview and Lambert areas.
Commissioners asked staff to map the revised setback geometry and return with proposed ordinance language and a map showing how many existing parcels would become buildable. The commission did not set a new minimum lot area at the meeting, saying the exact acreage must be calculated from the finalized setbacks before the council considers any ordinance.
