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Zoning & Maps

Zoning shapes Chattanooga by organizing it into defined areas that regulate building size, location, population density, and land usage. There are two types of zoning in Chattanooga, with Euclidean zoning being the most common. Adopted in 1961, it is characterized by segregating land uses into specific districts and limiting development activity within each district.

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Explore Maps

Council District GIS Map

Hamilton County GIS Map

Garbage & Recycling Collection GIS Map

Short-Term Rental GIS Map

Stormwater Fee GIS Map

Neighborhood GIS Map

Other Zoning

Form Based Zoning

Find Form Based Zoning documentation, ordinances, and meeting information.

Historic Planning and Zoning

View Historic Zoning information including historic district maps and guidelines, commission meeting details, and application process.

Official Zoning Verification Letter Request Process

Request a letter outlining zoning information for a property or properties on the Zoning & Signs Portal

The turnaround time is 30 calendar days, but our staff does everything in their power to complete it sooner. Please note that calling to check the status will not force completion sooner, our staff processes permits and zoning letters in the order that they are submitted. Thank you for your patience. 

We do not accept email, fax, or other forms of requests. 

Zoning letter fees are $155.00
If you have more than one (1) address and tax map/parcel number, the cost is $155.00 per address.

Payment Options

We accept checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa, Discover, American Express, and MasterCard Only). We do not accept cash.

Boards & Commissions

  • Board of Zoning Appeals - Meets the 1st Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m. 
  • Board of Construction Appeals - Meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 3 p.m.

Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA)

If your project does not meet the zoning requirements you can request a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals. Learn more and Apply.

Rezoning Property

The Land Development Office is not involved with property rezoning or subdividing. For rezoning questions, please reach out to the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency (RPA). For more information, please visit the RPA website at www.chcrpa.org, email us at rezoning@chattanooga.gov, or call their office at (423) 643-6900.

Transition to New Zoning Code: Grace Period Information

As the new zoning code took effect on December 18, 2024, the City Council established by resolution a six-month grace period. During this period, building permit applicants may choose to develop under either the new or former zoning code. The grace period will end on June 18, 2025.

  • Building Permits
    Applications submitted between December 18, 2024, and June 18, 2025, may follow the former zoning code. Building permits submitted during this grace period, but not issued by June 18, 2025, will continue to be reviewed and inspected under the former zoning ordinance until the permit process is completed.
  • Land Disturbing Permits (LDPs)
    All LDP plans submitted on or after December 18, 2024, must follow the new zoning ordinance, as no grace period applies (per City Council Resolutions 32246 and 32315). LDP applications submitted before December 18, 2024, will continue to be reviewed and inspected under the former zoning ordinance until the process is completed.

We understand that this transition may raise questions or concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact us—we’re here to help!

Contact Information

 

More Information?  Access to the zoning code is here and the Grace Period resolutions here and here.

Meet The Staff

Administrative Assistant

SO
KC
Karen Murphy Cannon

Zoning Staff

DG
Darien Gilkenson
Assistant Director of Land Use Development Services
LW
Levi Witt
Code Enforcement Inspector II
ZW
Zachary Wiley
Code Enforcement Inspector II
KM
Kenneth Martin
Code Enforcement Inspector
HB
Hobert Brabson
Planner

Contact Us