Refer to the appropriate Sector Plan for land use classifications in Knox County.
City of Knoxville
(RN-1)
City Zoning Districts
Code
Classification
Description
Location Criteria
Permitted Zones
HDR
High Density Residential
HDR
This land use is residential in character with a density greater than 24 dwelling units per acre. Primary land uses included in this class are medium and high-rise attached multi-family developments. There should be an emphasis on aesthetics, open space and recreation in planning such developments.
- Locate on a major collector or arterial street near employment centers and major retail shopping districts
Locations should be convenient to highways, central business districts, or other major activity centers
Site with less than 10 percent slopes
Along corridors with transit and sidewalks
RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-4, RN-5, RN-6, RN-7, DK
LDR
Low Density Residential
LDR
This land use is primarily residential in character at a density of less than 6 dwelling units per acre. This type of development includes detached single-family dwellings and duplexes. The primary residential pattern should be neighborhoods. The main neighborhood form should be detached residential development that is of sufficient size and design to promote neighborhood formation and land use stability.
- Protected from through traffic by avoiding direct access to major collectors or arterial streets
Buffered from incompatible land uses
AG, EN, RN-1, RN-2
MDR
Medium Density Residential
MDR
This land use is primarily residential in character with a density ranging from 6 to 24 dwelling units per acre. Primary land uses within this class include detached single-family dwellings, duplexes, townhouses and attached multi-family dwellings.
- Near community activity centers, including uses such as schools and colleges, parks, and community commercial/office nodes
On collector or arterial streets
As transitional areas between more intensive non-residential uses and low density residential neighborhoods
Sites with less than 15 percent slopes
Along or near corridors that are served by or proposed to be served by transit, with densities proposed to be above 12 dwelling units per acre and to be served by sidewalks
RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-4, RN-5
MDR/O
Medium Density Residential / Office
MDR/O
Office and medium residential uses typically have similar development characteristics: scale of buildings, areas devoted to parking, yard spaces and location requirements (along thoroughfares). Either use is acceptable in this designation. These uses provide a buffer to low density residential areas, particularly when located adjacent to a thoroughfare or as a transition between commercial uses and a neighborhood.
- Near community activity centers, including uses such as schools and colleges, parks, and community commercial/office nodes
On collector or arterial streets
As transitional areas between more intensive non-residential uses and low density residential neighborhoods
Sites with less than 15 percent slopes
Along or near corridors that are served by or proposed to be served by transit, with densities proposed to be above 12 dwelling units per acre and to be served by sidewalks
RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-4, RN-5, RN-6, O
SWMUD II
South Waterfront Mixed Use District Type 2
SWMUD II
This district allows for diverse uses and range of development intensities and forms. Zoning is limited to districts which require Planning Commission special use approval.
- Case-by-case analysis is recommended.
RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-4, RN-5, O, C-G, I-MU, I-G
TDR
Traditional Neighborhood Residential
TDR
This land use is primarily residential and is characterized by neighborhoods where a mix of detached and attached houses, sidewalks, smaller lots. Alleys have typically been or are to be created.
- Neighborhoods where lots are typically less than 50 feet wide, and usually have sidewalks and alleys. This area is essentially the 19th and early 20th century grid street neighborhoods.
RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-4
