Rezoning
When a property owner wants to use land in a way that is not permitted by its current zoning, the owner must request to rezone the property to a classification which permits the desired use.
Zoning protects the rights of property owners while promoting the general welfare of the community. It's used to locate particular land uses where they are most appropriate, considering public utilities, road access, and the established development pattern. In addition to categorizing land by uses such as residential, commercial, and industrial, a zoning ordinance also specifies such details as building setback lines, the height and bulk of buildings, the size and location of open spaces, and the intensity to which the land may be developed.
Plan Amendments
City of Knoxville
Within the city limits, sector plans provide guidelines for area developments and improvements for the next 15 years. The property owner must file an application to amend the city’s One Year Plan before certain rezoning requests can be considered.
Knox County
In the county, the Comprehensive Plan guides future growth and development. Amendments must be made to the Comprehensive Plan.
Use On Review
Special uses may be established and maintained only with the approval of the Planning Commission, including planned commercial, planned residential, and shopping center district development plans.
This procedure provides a method to consider uses that benefit the community, but may involve a potential development hazard unless appropriate provisions are made for their impact and is intended to integrate the proposed use with other uses in the district.
Planned Development
Concept Plan
Final Plats
Appeals Process
City Council and County Commission handle appeals differently.
Appeals made to the City Council must be filed no later than 15 days from the date of the action taken by the Planning Commission. Appeals made to the County Commission or the County Board of Zoning Appeals must be filed no later than 30 days. Information about the appeals deadlines is published in the Additions, Changes, and Corrections to the Agenda Package on the Planning website.
