Refer to the appropriate Sector Plan for land use classifications in Knox County.
City of Knoxville
(R)
City Zoning Districts
Code
Classification
Description
Location Criteria
Permitted Zones
BP-1
Business Park Type 1
BP-1
Primary uses are light manufacturing, office and regionally- oriented warehouse/distribution services in which tractor- trailer transportation is to be a substantial portion of the operations. A zoning category which requires site plan review is expected in the development or redevelopment of such areas. Site plans shall address landscaping, lighting, signs, drainage, and other concerns that are raised in the rezoning process. Substantial landscaped buffers are expected between uses of lesser intensity, particularly residential, office and agricultural uses.
- Relatively flat sites (predominant slopes less than 6 percent) out of floodplains
Relatively large sites (generally over 100 acres)
Away from low and medium density areas or where truck traffic would have to go through such areas
Areas with freeway and arterial highway access (generally within two miles of an interchange)
Rail access is a consideration
Can be served with sewer, water and natural gas
OP, I-MU, I-RD
BP-2
Business Park Type 2
BP-2
Primary uses are light manufacturing, offices, and locally- oriented warehouse/distribution services. Retail and restaurant services, developed primarily to serve tenants and visitors to the business park can be considered. A zoning category which requires site plan review is expected in the development or redevelopment of such areas. Site plans must include provisions for landscaping, lighting and signs. Substantial landscaped buffers are necessary between uses of lesser intensity, particularly residential, office and agricultural uses.
- Relatively flat sites (predominant slopes less than 6 percent) out of floodplains
Relatively large sites (generally over 100 acres)
Away from low and medium density areas or where truck traffic would have to go through such areas
Freeway and arterial highway access (generally within two miles of an interchange)
Rail access is a consideration
Can be served with sewer, water and natural gas
OP, I-MU, I-RD
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
HDR
High Density Residential
HDR
This land use is primarily characterized by apartment and/or mixed use development at densities greater than 24 dwelling units per acre.
- On major collector and arterial streets, adjacent to regional shopping and major office districts (office sites allowing four or more stories); these sites must be identified in sector or small area plans
Within the CBD or its adjacent areas, such as portions of the Morningside community
Relatively flat sites (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 type of land use is primarily residential in character at densities of less than 6 dwelling units per acre. Conventional post-1950 residential development (i.e. large-lot, low- density subdivisions) and attached condominiums are typical.
- Land served by water and sewer utilities and by collector roads
Slopes less than 25 percent
AG, EN, RN-1, RN-2
LI
Light Industrial
LI
Typically older industrial areas used for the light manufacturing, assembling, warehousing and distribution of goods. Light industrial uses include such manufacturing as assembly of electronic goods and packaging of beverage or food products. Substantial landscaped buffers are expected between uses of lesser intensity, particularly residential, office and agricultural uses.
- Existing industrial areas
Within one mile of an interstate interchange with access via standard major collector or arterial streets
I-MU, I-RD, I-G
MDR
Medium Density Residential
MDR
Such land uses are primarily residential at densities from 6 to 24 dwelling units per acre. Attached houses, including townhouses and apartments are typical. Mobile home parks are another form of this land use.
- Near community activity centers, including uses such as schools and colleges, parks, and community commercial/office nodes
As transitional areas between commercial development and low density residential neighborhoods
Site 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
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 (on arterials/ collectors). These uses provide a buffer to low density residential areas, particularly when located adjacent to an arterial/collector 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
As transitional areas between commercial development and low density residential neighborhoods
Site 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
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
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
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 and 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 of Knoxville.
Urban Growth Area or Planned Growth Areas where neighborhood or community mixed use development is identified (see Mixed Use and Special Districts section)
RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-4
TP
Technology Park
TP
This land use primarily includes offices and research and development facilities. The target area for such development has been the Pellissippi Technology Corridor. Additional districts could be created in other areas of the city or county. The development standards that are adopted by the Tennessee Technology Corridor Development Authority should be used for such districts.
- Within the Technology Corridor or subsequent areas designated for Technology Park development
Sites near freeway interchanges or along major arterials
Water, sewer and natural gas utilities available
OP, I-RD
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 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
