Board approves driveway-separation variance for 28-lot townhouse development

The City of Knoxville Board of Zoning Appeals on a unanimous vote approved BZA260027, allowing a townhouse developer to reduce the driveway separation requirement from the applicable standard to 5.3 feet for two adjacent lots in a proposed 28-lot RN5 subdivision.

The decision follows staff testimony that the developer modified an approved concept plan — which originally met driveway separation rules with a 12.7-foot gap — to propose full-width 18–20-foot driveways, which under the current rule would leave just 5.3 feet between adjacent driveways and trigger a variance. Thomas Kjookuski, the applicant, said the infill site's 25-foot fee-simple lots and two-car garages make the approved narrowed driveways impractical for visitor parking and maneuvering, noting that “modern cars are approximately 14.7 feet long on average” and that the narrower separation left no room for guest parking between units.

Board members questioned engineering and code implications, including whether a private rideway is treated differently. Staff replied that, under current subdivision regulations, private rideways must meet street standards. Board member Daniel Odel said he had no objection to relief on timing grounds and recommended the code consider how the separation rule applies to narrow fee-simple townhome lots. The chair and other members discussed functional concerns such as trash-collection access and overall neighborhood character.

When the board took up the motion, a member moved to approve the variance on the basis that literal enforcement would create an unnecessary hardship given the property configuration; the motion carried. The board and applicant noted the developer estimated as many as 21 variance requests could be needed for the full project, and the approval applies only to the two lots before the board today.

The applicant may proceed with the modified driveway layout contingent on final permits. Appeals of BZA decisions may be filed to Knoxville City Council within the notice period specified in the BZA rules.