Refer to the appropriate Sector Plan for land use classifications in Knox County.
City of Knoxville
Highway Commercial (C-H)
The C-H Highway Commercial Zoning District is intended to accommodate higher-intensity commercial uses of a predominantly auto-oriented character, including retail, rental, and service establishments of a more intense commercial character including those requiring permanent outdoor service or storage areas. The C-H District regulations are intended to ensure the mitigation of any potential impacts related to such establishments on neighboring uses. The C-H District is divided into two levels of intensity related to the overall form and design of the development; however, uses are the same across all levels.
City Zoning Districts
Code
Classification
Description
Location Criteria
Permitted Zones
CC
Community Commercial
CC
This land use includes retail and service-oriented development, including shops, restaurants, and what has come to be known as "big box" retail stores; typical service area includes 20,000 to 30,000 residents. Community commercial uses may also be considered within community centers (see Mixed Use and Special Districts).
- Locate at intersection of arterial streets
Sites should be relatively flat (under 10 percent slope) and with enough depth to support shopping center and ancillary development.
Vehicular and pedestrian connections should be accommodated between different components of the district (e.g. between stores, parking areas and out-parcel development)
Infrastructure should include adequate water and sewer services, and major arterial highway access
O, C-N, C-G, C-H
GC
General Commercial
GC
This includes previously developed strip commercial corridors providing a wide range of retail and service- oriented uses. Such land use classification and related zoning should not be extended because of the adverse effects on traffic-carrying capacity, safety and environmental impacts. Redevelopment of commercial corridors, including mixed use development, should be accommodated under planned or design-oriented zones.
- Existing commercial areas
O, OP, C-G, C-H, C-R
MU-CC
Mixed Use Community Center
MU-CC
These centers are envisioned to be developed at a moderate intensity with a variety of housing types. The core of the district, with its predominant commercial and office uses, should be within 1/4 mile of the higher intensity residential uses (such as townhouses and apartments). The district should be located within a 1/4-mile radius of an intersection of the thoroughfare system (a collector/arterial or arterial/arterial intersection). In addition to sidewalks, the district should be served by transit. Redevelopment of vacant or largely vacant shopping centers are considerations for these centers.
- Flat terrain (slopes generally less than 10 percent)
Areas currently served by or planned to be served by sidewalks
The location does not include auto and truck- oriented uses such as industrial, strip commercial and warehouse/distribution uses unless the proposal calls for a redevelopment of such areas
Within a 1/4-mile radius of an intersection of the thoroughfare system (a collector/arterial or arterial/arterial intersection)
Commercial/office core should be within 1/4 mile of the higher intensity residential uses (e.g. townhouses and apartments)
O, C-G, C-H
MU-RC
Mixed Use Regional Center
MU-RC
These are envisioned to be highest intensity mixed use centers. These districts should be served by sidewalk and transit systems and be located on a major arterial, adjacent to an Interstate highway or adjacent to downtown. Downtown Knoxville's Central Business District is a regional mixed use center.
- Flat site (generally less than 10 percent slopes)
Currently served by or planned to be served by sidewalks
The location does not include auto and truck-oriented uses such as industrial, strip commercial and warehouse/distribution uses unless the proposal calls for a redevelopment of such areas
On a major arterial, adjacent to an interstate highway or adjacent to downtown
OP, C-G, C-H, C-R, DK
MU-UC
Mixed Use Urban Corridor
MU-UC
Several street corridors within the city have potential for redevelopment with a mix of retail, restaurants, office and residential uses. Commercial cores should be created at points (nodes) along these corridors, allowing a vertical mix of uses (for example, shops at ground level and apartments above); such nodes should not be more than four blocks long.
- Corridors should have sidewalks, transit services, street trees and related beautification
Capable of sustaining on-street parking along corridor or along side streets
C-G, C-H, I-MU, DK, SW, CU
RS
Regional Commercial
RS
This land use includes retail and service-oriented development that meets the needs of residents across Knox County and surrounding areas. Development typically exceeds 400,000 square feet; malls have been a typical form and 'lifestyle centers' are examples of regional-oriented commercial uses. Regional commercial uses may also be considered in Regional Centers (see Mixed Use and Special Districts).
- Flat sites (under 10 percent slope)
Locate near interstate interchanges with major arterial highway access
Water, sewer, natural gas utilities and stormwater systems should be capable of handling the development
Vehicular and pedestrian connections should be accommodated between components of the development
O, OP, C-H, C-R, I-MU
