Knoxville sees ‘modest increase in housing diversity' as people seek more affordable homes
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Knoxville had a 'modest increase in housing diversity,' last year, according to a report from Knoxville-Knox County Planning.
Housing diversity refers to the so-called 'missing middle' housing that includes homes like townhomes and duplexes that may be more affordable than single-family dwellings. The report defines middle housing as 'housing types between single family dwellings, the lowest intensity type of residential development, and multifamily developments, the most intensive form of residential development.'
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Knoxville passed the 'Missing Middle Housing' plan in February 2024, changing zoning laws in the hopes of encouraging developers to build more affordable homes.
The new report covers the period of February 6, 2024 (around the time the plan was passed) to January 31, 2025. During this time, the report found that, 'the inclusion of MH forms and standards in the City's zoning ordinance has led to a modest increase in housing diversity through the MH projects that have been submitted.'
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The report states that the city has received 50 applications for projects, and if all of these are built, the city will have 143 new dwelling units. Most of the applications were new construction, primarily on vacant lots.
'Applications have increased steadily, though not consistently, since the MH process began,' the report found. 'Applications have been received for all permissible MH housing types. If this pattern persists, this will eventually lead to a greater increase in the diversity of the City's housing stock.'
READ: More top stories on WATE.com
The city has received applications for middle housing in 16 neighborhoods with the most coming from Mechanicsville, the report states.
Knoxville leaders' goal is to add 6,000 to 8,000 new housing units.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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