Chattanooga Zoning & Land Use Guide
Notable local initiatives in Chattanooga
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to Chattanooga — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
Downtown Form-Based Code(2016)
Adopted on June 21, 2016 and effective July 5, 2016 after an 18-month process, the Form-Based Code regulates downtown Chattanooga (covering the Downtown, ML King, Southside, and North Shore plan areas). It is a true form-based code emphasizing building form, frontage, and the public realm rather than land use, and it is administered by a Form-Based Code Committee that meets monthly.
Source · chattanooga.govCitywide ADU Ordinance (No. 13839)(2022)
Ordinance No. 13839 established Chattanooga's earlier citywide ADU framework in 2022. It is historical context only: the current zoning ordinance adopted in 2024 and subsequently amended now controls. Current §38-43(b) allows one ADU per lot per single-unit detached dwelling where the use matrix permits it and sets an 800 sq ft maximum for attached and detached ADUs.
Source · chattanooga.govThe Bend — FBC Context Area expansion (Ord. 13520)(2019)
Ordinance No. 13520 (first reading December 10, 2019, second reading December 17, 2019) added 'The Bend' as a new context area to the Form-Based Code, expanding form-based regulation to a new riverfront redevelopment district and demonstrating the city's ongoing FBC iteration.
Source · chattanooga.govChattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency (CHCRPA) ADU project
CHCRPA — the joint city/county planning agency — leads ADU policy work and publishes the official project page for the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance. CHCRPA also administers small-area plans (Downtown, ML King, Southside, North Shore) that drive the city's FBC context areas.
Source · chcrpa.orgChattanooga Code of Ordinances (Municode)
The authoritative zoning regulations — including the conventional districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, C-2, C-3, M-1) and the Form-Based Code chapters — are codified in the City Code and hosted on Municode. The published code is the reference for use tables, dimensional standards, and all FBC context areas.
Source · library.municode.com
Key Zoning Facts
Chattanooga is a city of approximately 181,099 residents in Hamilton County, Tennessee. As one of the state's largest cities, Chattanooga manages land use through a comprehensive zoning ordinance administered by the city's planning department.
Chattanooga's zoning framework includes standard single-family zones (R-1, 7,500 sq ft minimum), compact single-family zones (R-2, 5,000 sq ft minimum), multi-family residential (R-3), convenience commercial (C-2), general commercial (C-3), and manufacturing (M-1) districts.
Key Zoning Districts
The R-1 district requires 7,500 sq ft minimum lots with 25-foot front setbacks, 5-foot side setbacks, and 20-foot rear setbacks. The R-2 district allows 5,000 sq ft lots with 20-foot front, 5-foot side, and 15-foot rear setbacks. Both single-family districts have a 35-foot height limit.
The R-3 district permits multi-family housing including apartments and townhomes, with dimensional standards that vary based on the specific development.
ADU Regulations
Chattanooga allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Because Tennessee has no statewide ADU mandate, Chattanooga's local zoning ordinance governs ADU development. Property owners should contact the Planning Department at (423) 643-5900 for specific requirements regarding size limits, setbacks, parking, owner occupancy, and design standards.
Development Process
Development in Chattanooga generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the city's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:
- Zoning Verification -- Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
- Site Plan Review -- For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
- Building Permit -- Apply for a building permit with construction documents
- Inspections -- Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy -- Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, special exception, or rezoning through the local board of zoning appeals or planning commission.
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Chattanooga, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning classification of their property
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements
- Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
- Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
- Contact the planning department at (423) 643-5900 for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Chattanooga and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Chattanooga Planning Department or municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Chattanooga
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Tennessee
- Building Code: TN State Fire Marshal codes (IBC/IRC based)
County — Hamilton County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 7,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
ADU Rules in Chattanooga
- Max Size
- 800 gross sq ft for attached or detached ADUs under current Chattanooga Code §38-43(b)
- Max Height
- Detached ADU: maximum 24 ft; two stories when allowed by §38-43(b)
Permit Costs & Timelines
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current Chattanooga permit information →Official Sources
City-specific