city · Hamilton County · Tennessee

Chattanooga, Tennessee Building Permits & Zoning

Regulatory data for residential homebuilders and land developers

5.3

Friction Index Moderate Regulatory Environment

Permit Timeline

37 days

5-6 weeks

Total Fees Est.

$9,325

per residential lot

Impact Fees

$7,000

per lot

Permit Fee

$1,700

residential

Plan Review Fee

$625

per application

Delay Risk

26%

probability of delay

Zoning & Requirements

Overlay Districts

Permitted By-Right Uses

Permitting Requirements

✓ Building permit application
✓ Site plan with grading
✓ Stormwater management plan
✓ Erosion & sediment control plan
✓ Fire department review
✓ Utility permits (EPB/Tennessee American Water)
✓ Historic district review (if applicable)
✓ Slope development review (if >20% grade)
✓ Traffic impact study (if applicable)
✓ Tree preservation plan

Process Notes

Staffing & Operations

Hamilton County/Chattanooga Regional Planning Agency coordinates land use. City Land Development Office handles permits. Historic districts add complexity. Online portal available.

Recent Changes

December 2025: Updated North Shore/Southside zoning to encourage infill development. October 2025: New green infrastructure incentives for stormwater management offering fee reductions.

Rezone Probability

68%

Contact Information

Permit Office Phone

(423) 643-5900

Official Website

https://www.chattanooga.gov/public-works/land-development-office

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