Growth Policy Implications

Map 9: Growth Policy Plan

Land use is influenced by the Knoxville-Knox County-Farragut Growth Policy Plan adopted in January 2000. The current plan has been in effect for five years and under the provisions of the state enabling law could be revised by the City of Knoxville, Knox County and Town of Farragut. The plan includes three classifications for land development within Knox County.

Urban Growth: Areas designated for Farragut and the City of Knoxville growth over the next 20 years are located adjacent to corporate limits. There is a small area west of Pellissippi Parkway along both sides of Kingston Pike that is designated as urban growth for the City of Knoxville. A small area along Concord Road is designated as urban growth for the Town of Farragut.

Planned Growth areas: These areas are intended to accommodate suburban growth expected to occur in unincorporated areas over the next 20 years. The planned growth areas are designated to accommodate expansion of the Knox County economy and meet other land development needs. Most of the land in Southwest County north of Northshore Drive is designated for Planned Growth.

Rural area: The designated Rural Area is preserved for farming, recreation, very low density residential (one unit per acre) and other non-urban uses and as a potential reserve area for future growth. Several exceptions to the rural designation are possible. If sanitary sewer, adequate roads and other urban services are provided, planned residential development at up to 3 units per acre may be approved in the rural area. Most of the land in Southwest County between Northshore Drive and the Tennessee River falls into the rural area category. Environmental features including steep slopes, lack of sanitary sewer and narrow, two-lane roadways contribute to the rural designation.

Peninsula Development
For the most part, peninsula areas are designated for rural residential land use consistent with the Growth Policy Plan. One exception is the property on Toole’s Bend Road east of I-140. This property was zoned for low density residential uses prior to formulation of the Growth Policy Plan.

Most of the peninsulas along the Tennessee River are slowly developing and likely will continue to develop. Because they are generally farther removed from goods and services, and often have steep terrain and poor roadways, these areas are not planned for growth more intense than the Growth Policy Plan outlines for rural areas. When sewer is available, it is preferable that housing units be clustered together on smaller than one-acre lots so that a large percentage of the land can remain as open space. This will help to preserve the scenic views and be less destructive on the natural environment. The Tennessee River is a water source for many communities, and every effort should be taken to protect it. Large sites should be rezoned to planned residential, with community amenities and services added as needed.

Increased density (toward three dwelling units per acre) may be approved if these planned residential sites offer connectivity, permanently preserve open space, provide parks, diverse types of housing, neighborhood retail services, off-site improvements and improved access.