Knox County is considering a unique new zoning tool, which officials say would give landowners more control over the feel of their neighborhoods, and what can be developed in rural areas.
It’s called an “RP Rural Preservation Zone,” and the proposal arose from the controversy surrounding the Midway Business Park in East Knox County, said Gerald Green, executive director of the Metropolitan Planning Commission.
“RP Rural Preservation Zone” would still allow some development, but would limit business to agricultural uses, natural conservation, recreation, feed lots and "agritourism" like educational farms or pumpkin patches.
Rural retreats, event venues, dog kennels and bed & breakfasts would be allowed under additional review.
The zoning would allow housing, but with a minimum lot size of 15 acres.
The push for the additional zoning option came after neighbors fought development of the Midway Business Park, located off Interstate 40 near Strawberry Plains. The site is owned by the Knox County Development Corporation.
Green said after Midway, MPC understands residents want more control over how their communities develop.
“People wanted more input on planning in their area,” commission chairman Randy Smith told 10News.
Green said this proposed code is unique, in that county officials would not utilize it directly.
“Staff will not apply this zoning district to any property,” he said. “We will wait until the property owner requests it and we’ll take action to pursue that but we will not do it of our own initiative. It’s a tool that’s available to those property owners.”
He added – property could later be re-zoned to remove the designation if land changes hands, or owners change their minds.
“To some extent, it’s a policy statement that MPC and Knox County recognize the value of open space and agricultural lands to the community as a whole,” Green said. “Then provide this tool in recognition of that and the key roles those lands play in defining the character of some portions of Knox County.”
The Knox County Commission has heard one reading of the proposal, and will host a public comment session and discussion on Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. in the main assembly room of the City County building.
A final vote to approve the proposal cannot occur until that session.
Todd Napier, president and CEO of the Knox County Development Corporation, said the Midway development would be unaffected by the new zoning. Crews are currently expanding utilities to the site, with formal construction expected in May.