About the UDO

As part of the Advance Knox, Knox County adopted a Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan in 2024.

The next step in this planning process is to create a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). This document will support the goals and place types of the Comprehensive Plan.

What

Who's Involved

Timeline

What is a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)?

A UDO comprises a set of standards for site design and building development. This includes zoning, street standards, and subdivision regulations. Providing these in one cohesive document will allow Knox County to review developments effectively, avoid overlapping regulations, and be more accessible and easy to navigate for all users.


What is Zoning?

Zoning is a set of regulations that determines where you can build, what you can build, and what activities are allowed on a specific property.


What are Street Standards?

Street standards define the design and construction requirements for public and private streets. They typically include specifications for pavement width, lane configuration, sidewalks, bike lanes, curbs, drainage, landscaping, and lighting.


What are Subdivision Regulations?

Subdivision regulations establish the process for the division of land into lots, blocks, and streets. They can also designate utility access, open space, and public rights-of-way. These regulations help to ensure orderly growth and development, while protecting property values and promoting land conservation.

Who's Involved

Staff

The project leadership team is made up of Knox County and Knoxville-Knox County Planning staff. This group will support and help coordinate the work of all other groups listed here.

Public

The public will be invited to provide input and feedback on this process through two specific rounds of outreach and on an ongoing basis.

Elected and Appointed Officials

County Commission and the Planning Commission will receive regular updates and opportunities to provide input during this process. They will have a key role in the adoption and implementation of the final UDO.


Technical Advisory Committee

The following members make up this committee and will provide local subject matter expertise and feedback at major project milestones.

Zoning Standards

  • Thomas Krajewski
  • Justin   Bailey
  • Joe Petre
  • Joshua Henson
  • Ron Worley
  • Neil Denton
  • Kyle Ward
  • Beth Eason
  • Ryan Hickey

Subdivision Regulations
& Infrastructure Standards

  • Billy Fulghum
  • Chris Sharp
  • Jeff Mize
  • Mike Conger
  • Ned Ferguson
  • Benny  Moorman
  • Steve Ward

Site Development Standards

  • Dale Madden
  • Patrick Brown
  • Ken Barry
  • Robert Campbell

Building & Fire

  • George Ewart
  • Daniel Levy
  • Brent Seymour
  • Stacy Cox

Community Advisory Committee

The following individuals represent a broad range of communities and considerations throughout Knox County and will provide feedback throughout the process.

  • Duane Grieve
  • Laura Cole
  • Shannon Foster
  • Christa Rosenberg
  • Herb Anders
  • DJ Krahwinkel
  • Zoe Scott
  • Joyce Feld
  • Pat Phillips
  • Kelle Schulz
  • Maria McHale

Consultant Team

Orion Planning + Design is the lead consultant, supported by TSW and Thompson Burton. This team will facilitate the process, provide process and subject matter expertise, and share best practices from other communities.

Project Timeline

    2025

  • June
  • September
  • 2026

  • May
  • July