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Design Review Board

Level 1: Minor alteration of an existing building/structure

9-C-11-DT

The proposal is to install a fenced area for trash bins. There will be a concrete pad that is 35 feet wide by 11 feet deep and will be at the edge of sidewalk in front of the State Street Parking Garage along State Street. To screen the bins, there will be a chain link fence with PVC slates (see example attached). The fence will be 4 feet tall.

Location
500 State St
Applicant Request
The proposal is to install a fenced area for trash bins. There will be a concrete pad that is 35 feet wide by 11 feet deep and will be at the edge of sidewalk in front of the State Street Parking Garage along State Street. To screen the bins, there will be a chain link fence with PVC slates (see example attached). The fence will be 4 feet tall.
Staff Comments
The Downtown Knoxville Design Guidelines address trash storage by stating, "Reduce the visual impacts of trash storage and service areas by locating them at the rear of a building or off an alley, when possible" and "screen dumpsters from view" (page 18). The guidelines only address fencing in relation to parking, where it states, "Screen surface lots, where they abut a public sidewalk, with decorative walls, fencing and landscaping" (page 7).

Though the guidelines do not state what type of fencing should be used around trash storage areas, it does suggest putting them in an inconspicuous location, when possible. When uses, such as surface parking lots, break up the building frontage along a block the guidelines require decorative walls, fencing and landscaping to create an edge, or street wall, to define the public space with a pleasing architectural element.

The location of the trash storage area is limited because of the need to serve more than one business and the lack of appropriate, available land. The centralized trash storage area will address the issue of having multiple trash storage areas that are not ideal and are cluttering public spaces. The centralized location will also help with trash collection.

The chain link fencing would not be a recommended type according to other fencing requirements within the guidelines, along a sidewalk. A fence or wall that uses similar materials as the primary structure would be appropriate, or an alternative design using decorative fencing or a combination of materials.

The fence height is proposed at 4 feet. This height will allow the visibility within the trash storage area and may not adequately screen the trash bins. A taller fence or wall should be considered.
Applicant

Cannon & Cannon

Planning Staff
Mike Reynolds
Phone: 865-215-3827
Email: mike.reynolds@knoxplanning.org
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