The Metropolitan Planning Commission has released the third and – possibly – final draft of Recode, an initiative to thoroughly overhaul Knoxville’s zoning codes for the first time in half a century.
One of the big debates in Recode is the inclusion of allowing for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in areas of town currently zoned for single-family residences. The change would affect more than 70,000 parcels within city limits.
More than 400 responses collected so far indicate the units, which include duplexes and “tiny homes,” are the most controversial pieces of the Recode puzzle.
One representative comment on Recode’s public feedback page reads, “It would turn the neighborhood into an Air B&B context with complete strangers coming and going at all times potentially effecting [sic] our safety.”
Another reads, “New construction of detached ADUs is less likely to become affordable housing and more likely to become short term rentals. This would change the character of the neighborhood and might reduce the property values of adjacent properties.”
Others favor opening single family neighborhoods (called “RN-1” areas in zone-speak) to the units. Supporters say allowing ADUs could help address Knoxville’s growing need for affordable housing.
“We need far more housing, especially within the 4 mile radius of downtown,” one comment read. “Increasing building heights, and adding ADU's in existing neighborhoods is vital in order to achieve this.”
Both sides may exaggerate their cases, says Jennifer Roche, the Governmental Affairs Director for the Knoxville Area Association of REALTORS Inc. On Recode’s comment page she said, “I found no data suggesting that a lack of or proliferation of ADUs alone positively or negatively affect neighborhoods and housing values.”
Roche told WUOT News it’s unlikely new ADUs would be widely used for things like Airbnb, because the return on investment for short term rentals isn’t great. The same reason may suggest new development of ADUs wouldn’t be strong enough to solve the affordable housing issue. In both cases, she says, a clear economic incentive is lacking.
Starting Tuesday, October 16, Recode will hold a series of community meetings for the third round of public comment. That period lasts through the end of the month.
The MPC will take up the matter in the first week of November. After that, the third draft will make its way to the Knoxville City Council. MPC’s timeline calls for finalizing Recode by the end of this year. Some council members have said they’d like more time to review and discuss the proposed changes, meaning a final vote may happen in early 2019.
This story was researched and reported by WUOT News intern Levi Johnson.
