Middle Housing is house-scale buildings with multiple units in walkable neighborhoods. These neighborhood complimenting structures provide diversity of housing stock with simple, well-designed options between the scales of single-family homes and mid-rise apartments.



Following a study by Opticos Design, Knoxville City Council and the administration wanted to look at opportunities to make Middle Housing easier in Knoxville. A team including City and Planning staff worked with external stakeholders, held and attended numerous public meetings with citizens and coordinated with experts on a plan for Middle Housing that would work well for Knoxville specifically.

New zoning code specific to Middle Housing was passed for the City of Knoxville in February 2024. This new zoning code specifically applies to the TDR geography. The Standards for Middle Housing can be found here. These standards were designed to specifically compliment the neighborhoods in the TDR geography while providing opportunity to diversify housing options for the residents of Knoxville.

The process for Middle Housing starts with Knoxville-Knox County Planning and details can be found on the Middle Housing Process page.