Chattanooga sits in a moderate wildland-urban interface along Lookout Mountain, Signal Mountain, and Stringer’s Ridge, and CFD coordinates with TN Division of Forestry on burn bans and brush clearance.
Chattanooga is not formally mapped under California-style fire severity zones, but its wooded ridgelines on Lookout Mountain, Signal Mountain, and along Stringer’s Ridge create real wildland-urban interface risk. Chattanooga Fire Department works with Hamilton County and the Tennessee Division of Forestry to issue seasonal burn bans, especially during fall leaf-out and dry spring spells. Hillside homeowners are urged to clear leaf litter from gutters, keep firewood off decks, and maintain defensible vegetation breaks per state forestry guidance. Open burning of yard waste is restricted October 15 through May 15 statewide.
Burning during a state or county ban, or igniting a wildfire through negligent debris burning, can lead to suppression cost recovery and state misdemeanor charges.
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga does not impose a blanket spay or neuter mandate, but McKamey Animal Center sterilizes shelter pets before adoption and offers low-cost clinics f...
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga encourages microchipping for dogs and cats handled by McKamey Animal Center, and impounded animals are scanned for chips before adoption or eutha...
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga has no general City Code ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, garden statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Items must re...
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga has no specific City Code ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must remain within the pr...
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga has no dedicated ordinance regulating residential holiday lighting. General electrical safety, sign, and nuisance rules apply. Chattanooga Histor...
Chattanooga, TN
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Chattanooga require Land Development Office permits when they include gas lines, plumbing, electrical work, or structures. Buil...
See how Chattanooga's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
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