How Chattanooga Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide
Chattanooga maintains 131 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Chattanooga falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
ADU Rules
Chattanooga allows one accessory dwelling unit per single-unit detached lot, capped at 800 square feet, with detached ADUs limited to the rear or interior side yard and a maximum height of 24 feet.
Key details: Max size: 800 sq ft, detached or attached. Units per lot: one ADU per single-unit lot. Setback: 5 ft rear/interior side minimum. Max height: 24 ft for detached ADU. Parking: no extra parking required.
The Land Development Office enforces the zoning code and can seek an injunction or abatement through the City Attorney; violators are fined per offense, with each day a violation continues treated as a separate offense.
Shed & Carport Rules
Detached carports in Chattanooga must sit at least five feet off every lot line, stay out of the required front or corner side setback, and cap out at 24 feet wide, 22 feet long, and 15 feet tall under Sec. 38-51(c).
Key details: Lot-line setback: 5 feet minimum. Front/corner side setback: not permitted. Max size: 24' wide x 22' long x 15' tall. Street-access setback: 20 feet minimum.
A carport that violates the five-foot lot-line setback, skips the 20-foot access setback, or exceeds the size caps is a zoning violation and can be ordered removed or resized under Chapter 38's enforcement provisions.
The Bottom Line
Chattanooga's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Chattanooga is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Chattanooga's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.