Major Overhaul of Zoning Code Approved

The City Council on Tuesday night, in its second and final reading, approved a significant overhaul of the local zoning code. This major move is the first comprehensive change of Chattanooga’s zoning since the 1960s. The new code introduces a wide range of new zones allowing for a rich diversity of housing types within the same zone. This substantial shift marks a departure from the previous regulations.

The revamped set of ordinances make up a significantly more flexible zoning code. It permits the construction of more townhouses and multi-family buildings, as well as single and two-unit homes on smaller parcels of land. This easing up of rules simplifies the process of building more affordable housing and increases housing density in Chattanooga’s urban core.

Addressing the Housing Crisis

Mayor Tim Kelly stated, “We’ve made significant strides since I entered office to address the nationwide affordable housing crisis, and this major legislation is another big step in the right direction”. The new zoning code is the result of three years of hard work and is set to make Chattanooga a vibrant and affordable place for everyone to live in.

Diverse Housing Needs Accommodated

The previous zoning code, established in 1961, was primarily catered towards residents wishing to build single-unit homes on large tracts of land. This limited flexibility impeded the city’s ability to cater to diverse housing needs. The outdated regulations made it difficult to construct smaller housing units, forcing builders to opt for zones that weren’t always being used as intended. This was a significant obstacle in addressing the national housing shortage that Chattanooga currently faces.

Key Changes in the New Code

One of the essential elements of the new code is the drastic reduction in lot size requirements. In contrast to the previous code which required a lot for a single house to be at least 7,500 square feet, the updated code permits single-unit homes on plots as small as 5,000 square feet in the urban core. This alteration will add to the overall housing supply in areas that already have infrastructure and capacity.

Additionally, the new zoning code includes several mixed-use zones intended to reinvigorate corridors such as Brainerd Road, Rossville Boulevard, and Highway 58. This crucial change will spur economic growth and development, offering even more amenities to residents and making Chattanooga an even more attractive place to live and work.

Mapping Process for New Zoning

Officials have clarified that no property will be automatically rezoned as a result of the passing of the new zoning code. Instead, the city will undertake a mapping process to assess alignment between individual properties and their designated zoning codes.

This overhaul is set to pave the way for a vibrant and inclusive Chattanooga that responds more sensitively to current housing needs and demands, thus ensuring a higher quality of life for everyone in the city.