08/14/2026
⚠️ IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR KNOX COUNTY LANDOWNERS 🌳🏡
If you own agricultural property in Knox County, there is an important update regarding the county’s proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) that you should be aware of.
Under the current draft UDO, properties that are currently zoned Agricultural are proposed to be changed to Rural Residential, regardless of where they are located.
👉 What does that mean for you?
The good news is that this proposed change does NOT change your current property use. Agricultural activities can still continue, and state law prevents county zoning from prohibiting agricultural use of land.
However, there could be a significant difference when it comes to future subdivision and development potential.
📌 Current Agricultural Zoning
• Minimum lot size: 1 acre
• Currently allows subdivision down to 1-acre lots
• Allows single-family homes, agriculture, mobile homes, duplexes and other uses
📌 Proposed Rural Residential
• Minimum lot size: 1 acre
• In planned growth areas, ½-acre lots may be allowed
• Otherwise, ½-acre lots may be possible if infrastructure, roads, and other requirements are met
• Duplexes would no longer be permitted outright
The county has also created two new, more restrictive agricultural zoning options:
🌾 Rural Preservation
• Minimum lot size: 2.5 acres
• Designed to help preserve rural character and resources
🚜 Agricultural Rural
• Minimum lot size: 5 acres
• Allows agriculture, high-intensity agriculture, and agricultural businesses
• A special exemption may allow a 1-acre lot for agricultural purposes only
⏰ NO AUGUST 31 DEADLINE
One of the biggest updates: the previously announced August 31 deadline for feedback has been removed.
Property owners can still provide feedback and request consideration for a different zoning designation. And even after the UDO is finalized, the normal rezoning process will remain available.
🏡 Why should landowners care?
If you own acreage that you may eventually subdivide, sell, develop, or pass on to your family, the proposed zoning designation could be an important consideration.
Don't assume that your property's current zoning and future development potential will remain exactly the same.
My advice as a REALTOR®: If you own significant acreage in Knox County, now is a good time to understand what the proposed UDO could mean for your specific property before making future plans.
📍 The UDO draft map is currently available, and property owners can submit comments to [email protected].
If you're a Knox County landowner and want to understand how these proposed zoning changes could affect the future value or development potential of your property, feel free to reach out. I'm happy to help you look at the real estate implications. 🌳📈
PLEASE NOTE: As of August 14, the county's AdvanceKnox.org website appears to be down. We hope it will be functional again soon, and are providing the links below for you to bookmark and use as soon as the site is back up.
Check your property and comment on the draft map: https://advanceknox.org/udo/feedback .
Learn more about the agricultural zones:
advanceknox.org/udo/zoning/agriculture