Environmental Rules in Chattanooga, TN (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Chattanooga, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
New development and redevelopment in Chattanooga must manage the first inch of every rainstorm on-site with no discharge to surface waters, under the City's stormwater ordinance.
Chattanooga Stormwater Management Rules
Some RestrictionsChattanooga City Code § 31-313
For projects greater than one (1) acre of disturbance or part of a larger plan of common development that will exceed one (1) acre of disturbance, all new developments and all redevelopment projects, in combination or alone, are required to incorporate runoff reduction measures designed, constructed and maintained, to manage (infiltrate, evapotranspire, harvest and/or use), at a minimum, the fi...
Erosion Control
Any grading, excavating, or filling in Chattanooga needs a City land disturbing permit before work starts, kept on-site for inspection, with fees starting at $250 per acre.
Chattanooga Grading & Drainage Permits
Some RestrictionsChattanooga City Code § 31-322
No Land Disturbing Activity or associated activity in this Article, whether temporary or permanent, shall be conducted within the City of Chattanooga until a land disturbing permit has been issued by the City. Such permit shall be available for inspection by the City on the job site at all times during which land disturbing activities are in progress. Such permit shall be required in addition t...
Flood Zones
Chattanooga regulates every parcel inside a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area under City Code § 38-38, rewritten by Ord. No. 14298 on December 2, 2025. All construction and other development needs a floodplain development permit from the Land Development Office Director. A wood-frame home must sit two feet above Base Flood Elevation, and the floodway allows almost no structures.
Chattanooga Special Flood Hazard Area Rules
Significant RestrictionsChattanooga City Code § 38-38(b); § 38-38(c) (Specific Standards, Residential Structures); § 38-38(d)(iii)
Any lawful use permitted in the various zones is also permitted in the portions of such zones underlying the Special Flood Hazard Area subject to all applicable zone standards, off-street parking, and other regulations applicable in such zones. However, in the case of conflict, the provisions of this section for flood hazard reduction control. ... new construction and substantial improvement of...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Chattanooga requires new homes and manufactured homes in mapped flood zones to elevate the lowest floor at least two feet above base flood elevation if built of wood, or one foot if built of concrete slab.
Chattanooga Flood Elevation Requirements
Some RestrictionsChattanooga City Code § 38-39(d)(1)
In AE Zones where Base Flood Elevation data is available, new construction and substantial improvement of any residential building or manufactured home must have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to no lower than two feet above the Base Flood Elevation if constructed of wood or one foot above base flood elevation if constructed of concrete (slab on grade type construction). Should ...
Looking for Hamilton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chattanooga city rules.
Environmental Rules in Hamilton County →