Proposed Moratorium on Major Subdivisions and Multifamily Housing
Summary
D.R. Horton argued the county's cluster development regulations add $60,000+ per lot and push new homes out of local buyers' reach; commissioners questioned the data, infrastructure costs, and construction quality. No rule changes were made.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 13
- Last 30 days
- 3
Rising — discussed at 4 meetings since Sep 24, 2026, up from 3 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
D.R. Horton claims current rules add over $60,000 per buildable lot, pushing typical new homes to the high $500s.
Existing residents who want lower density and farmland preserved.
First-time local buyers priced out of new construction, per the builder's presentation.
Mentions & discussions (14)
Planning Commission — October 22, 2026
Residents and commissioners pushed back against a 39-lot final plat in Manor in the Foothills, arguing that Best Road is heavily congested and deteriorating due to rapid development. Although the developer noted compliance with past approvals, the board ultimately voted to deny the plat over infrastructure concerns.
Board of Commissioners — October 20, 2026
To address rapid growth and housing density, commissioners advanced a proposal to pause major subdivisions and multifamily developments for 12 months while sending it to the Planning Commission for review.
Commission Workshop — October 13, 2026
Blount County is pressing pause on large data centers and advanced computing facilities while studying their impact.
Planning Commission — September 24, 2026
D.R. Horton argued the county's cluster development regulations add $60,000+ per lot and push new homes out of local buyers' reach; commissioners questioned the data, infrastructure costs, and construction quality. No rule changes were made.
Planning Commission — August 27, 2026
Several major subdivisions and replats are under review, including a 39-lot final plat for Manor in the Foothills Phase 4. These projects add new housing and roadways to the county's inventory.
Board of Commissioners — August 18, 2026
The commission passed a resolution asking the state legislature to create a tax deferral program for inherited family farms. This aims to give grieving families breathing room so they aren't forced to sell their land to developers immediately to pay estate taxes.
Planning Commission — July 23, 2026
The commission reviewed and approved several residential subdivision plats and replats across the county, ensuring compliance with environmental health and highway access standards.
Extension, South Plant pass Blount County Commission
Extension, South Plant pass Blount County Commission The Daily Times
Board of Zoning Appeals — July 2, 2026
The board approved two large apartment developments adding over 1,300 units to the Maryville area. Residents pushed back hard during the meeting, worried about how much traffic these new complexes will dump onto local roads.
Planning Commission — June 25, 2026
The commission approved adding 33 new mobile home spaces to the existing Stone Creek community on Armona Road. This expansion brings the total units to 176 while meeting suburbanizing density requirements.
Board of Zoning Appeals — June 4, 2026
Gross Residential is seeking approval for a 524-unit apartment community across 41 acres on US 411 South. Residents testified against the project, citing severe traffic congestion and highway safety risks.
Planning Commission — May 28, 2026
Local developers voiced frustration over lengthy delays, lack of communication, and bureaucratic hurdles in the county's plat approval process.
Planning Commission — January 22, 2026
Commissioners discussed how new subdivision roads are constructed by developers to county standards and subsequently taken over for county maintenance, clarifying warranty and inspection practices.
Board of Commissioners — January 8, 2026
Residents voiced worries that reducing green space or allowing denser cluster housing will hurt county roads, schools, and rural charm.
Related development
Multifamily and Major Subdivision Development Moratorium
Seeks to slow down high-density residential development while the county evaluates infrastructure capacity.
Pointe Grande / S. Odell Rd & W Lamar Alexander Pkwy
Adds 300 rental units, requires road improvements on South Odell Road, and necessitates a private lift station for sewer connection.
Hathaway / 3652 US 411S
Introduces 524 units with internal looping and a deceleration lane on US 411, impacting local traffic flow.
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