Updates to the New Zoning Map (12/18)

The new City of Chattanooga zoning ordinance and zoning maps became effective on December 18, 2024.
  • The new zoning ordinance may be accessed HERE.
    • Zoning amendments (Round 1) may be accessed here. [pending signed ordinance]
    • Zoning amendments (Round 2) were acted on by Council on December 17th but will not become effective until December 31st.
  • The new zoning map may be accessed HERE.  Please note that all prior zoning conditions carried over to the new zoning map.

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 December 18, 2024 and ends on June 18, 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.

During this transition, RPA is strongly encouraging that questions/comments about the appropriate zoning be directed to staff at rezoning@chattanooga.gov or (423) 643-5902.
Also, the Board of Zoning Appeals may issue variance to former zones during the Grace Period but may not issue new Special Exceptions Permits. All variances must be acted on by the Board of Zoning Appeals by the end of the Grace Period on June 18, 2025.