Chattanooga Proposes Major Overhaul to Sign Ordinance for a More Vibrant Community

Chattanooga Takes Steps to Revamp Its Sign Ordinance!

Hey there, Chattanooga! Big news is coming your way! During the recent City Council strategic planning meeting, our local Chattanooga–Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency unveiled a proposal that could change the way our city looks—specifically how it advertises itself through signs. That’s right, folks! A brand new sign ordinance may be on the horizon!

What’s a Sign Ordinance Anyway?

In case you’re scratching your head, a sign ordinance is basically a set of rules created by local government to manage everything about signs in our community. This includes where they can go, how big or small they can be, how they should look, and how well they need to be maintained. Pretty important stuff, right?

Why Now?

The proposed changes mark the first major update to Chattanooga’s sign ordinance since the 1980s. Can you believe it’s been that long? Mayor Tim Kelly, who has made it a point to address some of the city’s less-than-spotless policies, shared why fixing our Instagram-worthy but regulation-broken signage was a priority for him. He stated, “Wanting to fix little-noticed but badly broken things like Chattanooga’s sign ordinance is one of the reasons I decided to run for mayor.” From his experiences in the business world, he realized that our sign ordinance and how it was enforced needed some serious TLC.

So, What’s Changing?

Here’s the scoop: The newest ordinance aims to bring some common sense to how we display our signs. Among the exciting changes, it promises better clarity for local businesses and organizations on how they can showcase their signage. This means more support for public art and our wonderful small businesses while ensuring that enforcement is focused on those signs that might be, let’s say, a bit “obnoxious” and bring down the quality of life for us Chattanoogans!

No More Flying-Doughnut Dilemmas!

Remember that drama from 2014 when a local bakery faced fines for a mural of flying donuts? Under the new ordinance, murals like that would be protected, giving our creative businesses a bit of freedom without fear of being penalized! How awesome is that? But wait, there’s more! The council is also looking to dial back on those flashy, distracting digital signs that clutter our beautiful skyline and can be a real inconvenience for drivers.

Transparent Information for the Public

For those who are eager to dive deep, you can check out the draft updated sign ordinance in full! It’s an exciting time to be part of the Chattanooga community as these updates could make our city even more vibrant and visually appealing.

Join the Conversation!

Whether you’re an artist hoping to showcase your work or a business owner wanting your brand to shine, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get involved. What do you think about the proposed changes? We’d love to hear your thoughts! You can also stay updated with what’s happening in your community by checking back regularly for city council updates and meetings.

A Brighter Future Awaits!

With these proposed changes, Chattanooga is set to become an even better place to live, work, and create. From murals celebrating our city’s quirks to signs that lead residents and visitors effortlessly through city streets, there’s much to look forward to. It’s a step forward toward an even more vibrant, welcoming Chattanooga that everyone can enjoy!

So, buckle up, everyone! Exciting times are ahead, and we can’t wait to see how these changes will unfold. Chattanooga, let’s get ready to be the city that celebrates creativity and common sense all at once!