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Historic Planning and Zoning

Historic zoning aims to safeguard the historical, architectural, and cultural significance of buildings, landmarks, and historic districts. It does so by regulating the exterior design, arrangement, texture, and materials used within the historic district to ensure compatibility and create an aesthetic appearance that complements the historic buildings or other structures.

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Historic Planning and Zoning Applications

Historic Zoning Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Application

For properties within existing historic districts 

Certificate of Economic Hardship

For properties within existing historic districts 
 

Local Historic Landmark and Local Historic Distric

To designate a local historic site and district under historic zoning 

Historic Districts: Maps & Guidelines

Historic Zoning Commission

The Chattanooga Historic Zoning Commission's (CHZC) purpose is to review proposed changes and new construction in the four historic districts in Chattanooga, St. Elmo, Fort Wood, Battery Place, and Ferger Place. The CHZC reviews all proposals and determines that the work is within the adopted Guidelines of each district. They work to ensure the integrity of each district.

This nine-member commission is comprised of a representative of a local historical organization, a member of a local Planning Commission, an architect, four (4) residents of the Local Historic Districts, and three (3) members of the general public.

Commission Meetings

The next CHZC Meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the Development Resource Center (DRC), Conference Room 1A, at 1250 Market Street in downtown Chattanooga. Parking is behind the building and accessible by King Street.

Meeting Dates: Meetings will be held every 3rd Thursday of the month. Meeting dates and times may change and will be advertised accordingly.

Public Comment at Meetings

As public feedback is important to the process, stakeholders are encouraged to attend and provide input at the monthly Historic Zoning Commission meetings. If you are unable to attend the meeting(s) or if you would like to also provide written comments to the Historic Zoning Commissioners, you may provide your input by sending an email to historiczoning@chattanooga.gov or by contacting the Historic Zoning staff by email. Any communications before the monthly meetings will be provided to all Historic Zoning Commissioners during the public hearings of the Chattanooga Historic Zoning Commission each month. Please send all the comments to the staff in advance. Please note that comments received within 24 hours of the listed meeting date and time can not be guaranteed to be read at the meeting, this is due to staff preparing for the meeting at that time.

Contact Us

Development Review PlannerCassie Cline
(423) 643-5834 (423) 643-5834