Knoxville TN, September 24, 2025

News Summary

Knox County officials are working on a unified development ordinance as part of the Advance Knox initiative. This ordinance will align regulations with the county’s growth and development goals, addressing identified misalignments in zoning, parking, and natural resource protection. Public input will be sought through several open houses. A funding request aims to support the legal framework for the new ordinance, which anticipates significant population growth in the coming years. The unified approach aims to balance development and conservation in the region.

Knoxville

Knox County leaders are in the process of implementing a new unified development ordinance as the final phase of the Advance Knox planning initiative. This ordinance aims to realign existing regulations with the projected growth and development goals set forth in the Advance Knox plan.

Consultants from Orion Planning & Design have identified several misalignments within the current regulations, which include issues related to place, type and zoning districts, parking, and the protection of natural resources. Concerns were particularly noted regarding the sufficiency of existing regulations to protect the county’s natural and cultural resources.

Timeline for Development and Public Input

The process of drafting the new ordinance is expected to unfold over a nine-month timeline. Residents of Knox County will be invited to participate in feedback sessions aimed at gathering public input on the ordinance. Two open houses have been scheduled for Tuesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Northshore Elementary and Ritta Elementary’s gyms. Two additional open houses will occur on Thursday, September 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Powell Middle School and New Hopewell Elementary.

Funding and Political Context

A request for $500,000 has been made to hire a firm that will assist in turning the Advance Knox plan into a legal framework, which includes developing necessary zoning codes and regulations. Mayor Glenn Jacobs has emphasized the necessity for a consistent and predictable development process, stating that it is crucial to avoid costly lawsuits and maximize resource utilization.

In the wake of recently elected commissioners who are perceived as development-weary, developers have faced challenges in navigating the zoning approval process. Concerns have been raised about developments being rejected despite alignment with the goals of the Advance Knox plan, leading to potential deterrence of investment in the county. Mayor Jacobs has warned that he might halt efforts on the unified development ordinance unless commissioners adhere to the approved Advance Knox strategy.

Advance Knox Planning Goals

The Advance Knox plan anticipates an influx of 79,000 new residents by 2040 and aims to prioritize higher-density projects along major corridors while maintaining rural areas on the peripheries of Knox County. This focus on responsible growth is intended to ensure appropriate land use for development while ensuring certain areas remain rural.

Additionally, there has been scrutiny of the procedural actions taken by the Knox County commission, as these actions may create discrepancies in adhering to established zoning rules and property owners’ rights. As the planning process continues, the goal remains to ensure that upcoming development can meet the future demands of the county while preserving its natural landscapes.

Summary of Key Features

• Implementation of a new unified development ordinance as part of the Advance Knox process.
• Identification of misalignments in existing regulations by consultants.
• Timeline of nine months established for drafting the new ordinance.
• Open houses scheduled for public input.
• Request for $500,000 to develop legal frameworks for zoning.
• Projected influx of 79,000 new residents by 2040.
• Focus on preserving rural areas while promoting higher-density development along corridors.

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Additional Resources

• WBIR: Knox County New Ordinance Boost Development
• WBIR: Knox County Leaders Working to Implement New Unified Development Ordinance
• Inside of Knoxville: Reflecting on Recode Knoxville Six Years In
• Wikipedia: Knoxville, Tennessee
• Google News: Knox County Development Ordinance

Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER

The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.