Knoxville City Council Considers Easing Duplex Building Restrictions
The Knoxville City Council in Tennessee is discussing the potential easing of restrictions on duplex building in areas dominated by single-family homes. The proposal, put forward by Congresswoman Seema Singh, aims to address the city’s current housing crisis and make different types of housing more accessible.
Singh, representing Knoxville’s Third District, believes that one of the city’s key attractions was its affordability. However, this is no longer the case. To combat this issue, Singh’s resolution aims to make it easier for developers to build duplexes, which can offer more affordable housing options for demographics such as seniors and young professionals.
Hansen Sale from East Tennessee Realtors supports the proposal, stating that duplexes can provide an opportunity for those who can’t afford a single-family home but still want to live within a community-oriented neighborhood.
It’s important to note that the proposed changes would only impact around 20% of Knoxville’s neighborhoods, and Singh sees this as a step towards removing barriers to housing restrictions.
The resolution formally requests the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission to reconsider the requirement for a special use application process for building duplexes in certain areas. Currently, developers must submit additional paperwork and go through this process if they plan to build something not specifically permitted within a zone.
The resolution would specifically focus on RN-2 Zones, which are intended for low-density single-family residential neighborhoods with relatively small lots. These zones currently only permit two-family dwellings if developers follow the special use process.
Singh’s resolution aims to explore whether this additional application process is necessary for building duplexes in the mentioned zones. She believes it’s crucial to evaluate the feasibility of removing this requirement, allowing for more streamlined development.
Overall, the proposal seeks to address the housing crisis through incremental changes. Singh emphasizes that her intention is not to remove the requirement entirely at this stage, but rather to request an assessment by the planning commission. This approach ensures a balanced consideration of the potential impact on Knoxville’s neighborhoods.
The Knoxville City Council’s deliberation demonstrates a commitment to finding viable solutions to the housing crisis. The potential adherence to the resolution would be a significant step forward in making more housing options available to the community, particularly for those who are currently priced out of the market.
By examining duplex building restrictions and evaluating their necessity in specific zones, the Council shows an awareness of the need to adapt to changing circumstances. The conversation initiated by Congresswoman Seema Singh highlights the importance of affordability and accessibility in maintaining Knoxville’s unique character while addressing its evolving housing needs.
