The issue of non-conforming lots was presented to the Knoxville City Council Monday in the form of a public hearing and first reading of changes to the city’s ordinance.

Knoxville City Manager Harold Stewart says one change is a clarification on setback rules regarding accessory structures. He says the ordinance has always stated that such structures must have a 5ft setback, but a change that allowed decks to only have a 2ft setback caused some confusion among citizens.

The other change would make currently non-conforming lots buildable, as long as the structure meets the city’s setback requirements.

The ordinance passed the first reading by a 4 to 1 vote. It needs three readings to be implemented. A second reading will take place at the next Knoxville City Council meeting on Monday, July 20th, and can be heard on AM 1320/FM 95.3 KNIA.