10. Make Development Decisions that are Predictable, Fair and Cost Effective.

Our zoning ordinances originated decades ago and some of the major provisions date back to the 1940s, when unincorporated Knox County was truly rural. The ordinances should be updated to provide incentives for development consistent with the quality growth vision expressed in this plan. Regulations should be well illustrated and guidelines should be available to illustrate concepts such as walkable neighborhoods, urban villages and open space subdivisions. Standards should be clear and it should be predictable that a project will be approved if it meets the standards.

Principles and Concepts:

• Regulations should provide incentives for quality growth.
• Developers and neighborhoods will benefit from a timely and predictable decision-making process with clearly outlined steps.
• More density should be allowed in exchange for amenities such as quality landscaping and open space.
• Regulations should be up-to-date to keep up with current market trends.
• Land use decisions will be made through an inclusive process.

Shops are developed at sidewalk level with apartments and offices above.

Natural vegetation is preserved in this subdivision.

Illustrated guidelines foster good architectural design.

Clustered housing preserves open space.

This is not a legal document. It does not replace or amend the existing procedures and regulations governing the publication of agency information. If you have questions, please contact MPC by telephone at (865) 215-2500.