The Knox Planning Commission is moving forward with proposed changes to the city’s R2 residential zoning requirements in an effort to make more vacant lots available for housing development.
During a recent meeting, the commission discussed several changes to the requirements for properties in R2 zoning districts, including minimum setbacks and building dimensions. Officials noted the changes would apply only to R2 zoning. The discussion primarily focused on the Park View area, although the Lambert subdivision is also within an R2 district.
The commission voted to move forward with minimum yard setbacks of 20 feet in the front, 10 feet on each side for a total of 20 feet, and 10 feet in the rear. The motion passed with one opposing vote.
Commission members also voted to change the minimum ground-floor building area language from 1,500 square feet to 750 square feet per unit. During the discussion, officials explained that the existing 1,500-square-foot requirement applies to a duplex as a whole and said the proposed language would clarify the requirement as 750 square feet for each unit. One member abstained from the vote.
Following additional discussion, the commission also voted to move forward with reducing the minimum building width in R2 districts from 26 feet to 24 feet. Officials said the smaller width could allow homes to be constructed on lots that otherwise would not meet current requirements.
Officials said approximately 50 open lots have been identified in Park View, although some would need to be combined before they could be developed. An estimate of approximately 35 additional homes that could potentially be built in the area was given during the discussion.
The proposed ordinance language will be written and reviewed by the city attorney before being presented to the Knox City Council.
