New Zoning Map
A new zoning map is being developed to map the new zones. The new zoning map will transition property from old to new zoning regulations. The intent is to apply the new zoning categories to property with the zone most similar to the zone currently in place.
A website explaining the process and showing the proposed equivalent zone for property may be found here.
We are asking that you take a look at the proposed equivalent zone and let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
The new zoning map is proposed to go before Planning Commission on November 18, 2024. The map will not become the official zone map until it is adopted by Chattanooga City Council.
Equivalency Table
Click here to access a table that details the current zone to equivalent zone. They are divided into two categories: General Equivalency and Focused Equivalency. General Equivalency is where an equivalent zone was identified for the current zone with few exceptions. Focused Equivalency is where current broad zones- such as the MXU, UGC, C-3 and R-4 zones- were further examined to identify equivalency. Please note that zoning conditions will carry over to the new zones.
Grace Period
For a period of six months following the effective date of the new Chattanooga Zoning Ordinance, building permit applicants may choose to develop either under the new zoning provisions of the property or the former zoning and existing special exceptions permits and standards.
The grace period begins on the effective date of the new zoning ordinance on November 20, 2024 and ends on May 20, 2025.
During this grace period the applicant may also choose to use an existing Special Exceptions Permit, such as a Residential Planned Unit Development (PUD), but applicants may not combine the use of a new zone and an existing (prior) Special Exceptions Permit for a Residential Planned Unit Development.
The grace period shall apply to applications for building permits only and shall not apply to any applications for land disturbance permits.
Important information
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- The ordinance effective date is 120 days from the adoption date per the Council ordinance. That puts the effective date at Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
- The zoning ordinance consists of the text of the ordinance and the official zoning map. The RPA is currently finalizing the methodology of the new zoning map and creating that map. The draft equivalency table will be posted soon. The schedule for the adopted new zoning map is tentatively October 2024.
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Rezoning applications for new zoning districts
Based on the proposed schedule, the City Council directed RPA to not accept rezoning applications for the June 17th deadline for the August Planning Commission meeting. The applications submitted for the June 17th deadline would be at the August Planning Commission meeting and the following month, September at City Council with the new zoning ordinance becoming effective in October. The purpose of this is due to the adoption and effective date of the new zoning code.
So, as of now, all rezoning applications will be for zones in the new code.
This only applies to properties located in the City of Chattanooga. RPA will still accept applications for Mandatory Referrals, lift and amend conditions, or requests to rezone to Form Based Code within the City of Chattanooga.
There is no other change to the rezoning process and timelines at this time.
Ask-A-Planner: New City of Chattanooga Zoning Ordinance
Want to ask a question about using the new zoning ordinance? Dig down on what zone might be best for an upcoming project? Work through the details of new land use requirements? Have input on the impact of the new zoning districts on a potential development? Then these upcoming open houses are for you. Drop in anytime during the following times to speak with someone:
Location:
Regional Planning Agency offices, Development Resource Center, 1250 Market Street
Times:
Tuesday afternoons: 1:00-3:00 pm
Thursday afternoons: 1:00-3:00 pm
Dates:
Through September 30th (NOTE: WE HAVE EXTENDED THE ASK-A-PLANNER MEETINGS FOR AN ADDITIONAL MONTH)
Some things to remember:
- Have a general question? Contact rpa@chattanooga.gov or call 423.643.5902.
- You can still schedule an in-person or virtual preapplication meeting by emailing rezoning@chattanooga.gov.
- Want to talk about the new zoning map? This will not be the meeting for that. The draft zoning map is under development with more information to follow.
- This is for discussion and feedback on the new zoning ordinance. If you have a permitting question you’ll still need to contact LDO at ldozoning@chattanooga.gov.
About Ask-A-Planner: We’re testing this new outreach method out to see if it is helpful for potential rezoning applicants and others in the development community or those impacted by development or rezoning proposals. We’ll have a trial run through the month of August. Want to give us input on other methods of customer service that would help you? Let us know at rpa@chattanooga.gov.
Underway
- The new Zoning Ordinance will become active in City Code online (Municode) after the effective date.
- The RPA will maintain an online historic record of Chapter 38 for reference once it has been replaced.
- Creating the equivalent zoning map. The new zoning map will have a layer to reference all current zoning conditions.
- There has been no change to the Vested Rights section of the zoning ordinance. Please reference that for questions related to Vested Rights.
- Staff is already preparing to address identified needed changes and corrections. See something that needs review? Let us know by emailing us at zcu@chattanooga.gov.
Staff questions/assistance
Please let us know if you have questions. This is a new ordinance for Planning staff and the Land Development Office but we are here to walk through this new code together. While you are welcome to contact a staff member individually, emailing rezoning@chattanooga.gov will put you in contact with most staff involved in the process and ensure a quicker response.
Keep up to date on implementation of the new zoning code
Sign up here and choose “Development Stakeholder” to be added to our email list.