Knox County approves several rezoning requests; one item deferred

Knox County commissioners on Sept. 17 approved a series of rezoning requests spanning rural-preservation, low-density residential and planned-residential designations and deferred one commercial item when the applicant was absent.

Small-scale and preservation-oriented requests moved quickly. The commission approved George Ewart’s request to rezone a parcel on Riverside Drive from RB general residential to RP rural preservation; Ewart told the board he sought the change "to preserve this area" and the motion carried 11–0. Adron McCasum said his proposal for 1402 Andes Road would develop four single-family homes; that rezoning to RA low-density residential passed 11–0.

A planned-residential request from Smart Hospitality LLC for property at 1215 Everett Road drew more of a split. Applicant Robert Campbell said the proposal would add apartments and that recent growth around Watt Road made the site appropriate for higher density. Planning recommended approval up to 10 dwellings per acre subject to two conditions; District Commissioner Hill moved to follow the planning recommendation and the measure passed 9–2.

Highland Proper LLC’s rezoning on McLeod Road to allow a two-lot subdivision for single-family homes also won unanimous approval. David Markovich’s plan for 0 Millertown Pike — a potential 3–5 home build depending on sewer connection — received similar unanimous support.

Commissioners deferred the SH Build Group/CNK neighborhood-commercial to planned-commercial conversion (Parcel ID 11801203) when the applicant did not appear; the commission voted to defer the item 30 days and the chair said staff would reach out to the applicant before the next hearing.

The meeting also included a separate ordinance (second reading) updating county zoning code provisions on vested rights; commissioners approved that ordinance unanimously on roll-call vote.