KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Knox County Commission is looking at a small rule change that could have big consequences, transferring some of its regulatory power to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
The County Commission only hears appeals regarding mining and airports, which is rare. In late August, the commission approved the expansion of Dixie Lee Quarry in West Knox County. Now, it could do away with that power altogether, on the advice of one of the county’s top attorneys.
“Normally, when you sit in this chair, you’re acting as legislators. Okay? So, you’re passing laws in the interest of Knox County. That includes zoning and rezoning decisions,” said Senior Deputy Director Law Director Mike Moyers. “Little editorial comment, you should not be doing this, and this needs to be taken care of in the code.”
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Knox County Commissioner Courtney Durrett proposed the rule change, which would transfer review powers over mining and airports to the Board of Zoning Appeals, but not everyone is on board…