A recent draft of a new Knox County zoning map would reclassify certain land as "rural residential," leaving property owners with two options to protect their land with classifications they feel are more appropriate.
This second draft of the map, Commissioner Shane Jackson told Knox News, isn't final and will not be voted on anytime soon. The collaboration between Knox County and Knoxville-Knox County Planning is ongoing, he said, and public input will be solicited along the way.
The Unified Development Ordinance map is part of Advance Knox, the county's comprehensive growth plan spearheaded by Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. The initiative will clarify current zoning regulations for unincorporated land and provide a blanket roadmap for how Knox County plans
to adapt to population growth.
About the new zoning classifications and how to request a change
Knox County property owners should check the proposed zoning map to see how their land is classified in the proposed changes discussed July 29 for the Unified Development Ordinance:
- Land classified as agricultural would become rural residential.
- The rural residential classification is designed for homes in rural areas, not farmland or subdivisions.
Under the new map, property owners whose land is classified as rural residential can fill out an online form to choose between two more restrictive options if they believe this classification does not fit their property. Those options are:
- Agricultural rural: This classification promotes the production of agricultural goods and activities that "contribute to the rural character and economy of the county." (Farming on open land.)
- Rural preservation: This classification protects agricultural lands and other natural areas that "contribute to the rural character of the County." (Rural homes on open land.)
Rural residential would be the default classification for many property owners, who must opt-in for the agricultural rural or rural preservation classifications. The form can be accessed at advanceknox.org/udo/resources/feedback/ag-opt-in.pdf.
Property owners concerned about rural character with additional changes
Farm owner Kevin Murphy, president of the Knox County Community Alliance, told Knox News he was satisfied with the first draft zoning map, which didn't place all agricultural land under rural residential. Jackson, when asked to share a message for concerned property owners, said "if you have a farm, you can keep farming."
In addition to zoning classification changes, the July 29 update would allow two units per acre on rural residential land in rural areas identified in the Growth Policy Plan. If the county adopts the second draft, Murphy worries developers could be incentivized to buy up rural land knowing they wouldn't need to change the zoning from agricultural.
In a document responding to the second draft, the alliance argued these changes could contribute to a loss of Knox County identity while adding more congestion on rural roads. Murphy said he wants to preserve rural character and worries this new draft is just a "big nothing burger."
The group is urging incoming Knox County Mayor Betsy Henderson to restore the first draft of the zoning map once she takes office Sept. 1. While this is a countywide effort, the mayor's administration has a significant stake in the decision-making process.
Residents can comment on the newly drafted ordinance and sign up for email updates at advanceknox.org/udo/participate.
Sophia Tiedge is the Growth and Transformation reporter for Knox News. Email: sophia.tiedge@knoxnews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Own rural land in Knox County? This option could protect it amid rezoning
