Navigating Development in Our Neighborhood
An example rezoning notice
How do we learn about Zoning or Alley Change Requests?
Recently the NCNA Responsible Growth Team has been engaged in helping neighbors respond to the yellow "change in zoning or alley" notification signs that are posted 30 days in advance of a decision by the City. Many times we have had to scramble to learn about what the zoning or alley use change entailed, pull together impacted neighbors or interested parties, and engage with the developer or the city to share concerns and try to have the request modified or dropped. We have attended the Regional Planning Authority meetings where we can speak to any opposition or ways to address our concerns with their projects.
Some recent efforts in our neighborhood:
Development request by GreenTech for 14 homes on Franklin St and assuming rights to the never opened Ann Street. We worked with the developer and the city to address the challenges, and the result is now a plan to develop 7 street facing homes, with a conservation easement on the back portion of the property, which is a wooded steep slope.
On Normal Avenue, neighbors were instrumental in documenting the opposition to the 4th rezoning request to reduce the property setbacks on a small, unusually shaped lot and were successful in having this rezoning rejected by the city.
Here is what we have learned that might be helpful to you if you have questions about development in your part of the neighborhood:
Building in Chattanooga
Property owners in Chattanooga have a lot of flexibility to develop or modify their property to suit their needs, as long as it meets current building codes and zoning requirements. They submit their project scope to the city, and the city conducts a comprehensive review, which can include:
Does it meet current zoning requirements for that property? If not, will they request a zoning change?
Are there storm water concerns for the planned development?
What is the vehicular access plan for the property?
Is it approved by the Fire/Safety organization to ensure access to residents from named roads, and ability of rescue vehicles to navigate the adjacent roads?
Does it request change of use for existing closed or opened alley ways? If so, will they submit an "alley use change request"?
North Chattanooga Architectural Design Requirements
In North Chattanooga, we do not have architectural design standards in place. If the building permit follows zoning and building codes, they are free to build the design they choose. Over the years, all types of property design (single family, multi-family, commercial office, shops and restaurants) have been built or improved. A previous homeowners' association decided against having design restrictions in this neighborhood, resulting in all varieties of uses and design styles overtime. We have evolved into a very eclectic and interesting neighborhood!
How to Formally Support or Oppose Rezoning Cases (including Alley use changes)
Citizens can submit written support or opposition utilizing the RPA's (Regional Planning Authority) public comment form (https://chcrpa.org/public-input/#pubInput) by emailing rezoning@chattanooga.gov, or in-person at the RPA office at 1250 Market Street, Suite 2000. Please provide name and address for the record. The Staff accepts written opposition ahead of the meeting up until the end of the day Friday before the Planning Commission hearing. The Staff will compile the comments and forward to the Planning Commission ahead of the meeting.
Also, the cases and agenda for each month are posted https://chcrpa.org/zoning-subdivisions/agendas-case-information-2/
Citizens are also welcome to attend the Planning Commission hearing (see schedule and location below) to speak in opposition to a case. The opposition is given a total of 9 minutes to speak on a case (i.e., if 20 community members show up in opposition they are given 9 minutes total to speak).
If you'd like to learn more about development in North Chattanooga, please let us know. The Responsible Growth team is focused on helping residents engage in a timely manner when there are zoning or alley change requests. We want to work together to address neighborhood opposition or concerns. Having our neighbors involved leads to better outcomes across our neighborhood.
Diane O’Sullivan and Alex Close (Co-Leads - Responsible Growth Committee)
