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Chattanooga, TN Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

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Key Facts

Statute: T.C.A. § 42-6-101 et seq.
Surface basis: FAR Part 77
FAA filing: Form 7460-1 required
Variance test: No aviation hazard

Tennessee state rule: Chattanooga does not have a local ordinance for structure height limits. This topic is governed by Tennessee state law and applies uniformly across the state.

Summary

Tennessee state law requires airport zoning regulations that limit structure height near public airports. These FAA-aligned rules apply uniformly and override conflicting municipal zoning.

Full Breakdown

Tennessee Code Annotated Title 42, Chapter 6 (Airport Zoning Act) authorizes and requires political subdivisions to adopt airport zoning regulations protecting approach surfaces, transitional zones, and horizontal surfaces around public airports. Height restrictions follow Federal Aviation Regulations Part 77 imaginary surfaces. Variances require findings of no aviation hazard and FAA notification under 14 CFR Part 77. The act preempts conflicting local zoning that would allow obstructions. Outside airport hazard zones, structure height limits remain a matter of local zoning.

Violations & Fines

Injunction to remove obstruction; daily fines until compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there statewide height limits on buildings in Tennessee?

Only within airport hazard zones. The Airport Zoning Act caps structure heights near public airports based on FAA imaginary surfaces. Outside those zones, building height is governed by local zoning.

Do I need FAA approval to build a tall structure in Tennessee?

If your structure penetrates Part 77 imaginary surfaces or exceeds 200 feet AGL, you must file FAA Form 7460-1. Tennessee airport zoning compliance is required separately for affected parcels.

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Chattanooga, TN Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

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