Chattanooga, TN Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard surface
- Asphalt, concrete, or brick
- Gravel apron
- 20 ft paved from lot line
- ADA spaces
- Must be paved regardless
- Permeable pavement
- Needs Stormwater Division sign-off
Summary
Chattanooga requires parking lots and driveways to be paved with all-weather material, but allows gravel if a 20-foot paved apron and permanent space markers are installed.
(c)Surfacing .....(1)All parking lots must be paved with all-weather materials such as asphalt, concrete, or brick. However, a gravel parking lot is permitted if a paved apron that extends from the lot line into the parking area a minimum of 20 feet in length is provided and parking spaces and drive aisles are delineated in a permanent fashion, for example, wheel stops. In a gravel parking lot, any required ADA spaces and ADA accessible route must be paved.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Chattanooga's off-street parking design standards require parking lots to be paved with all-weather materials such as asphalt, concrete, or brick. A gravel lot is allowed only if a paved apron extends at least 20 feet from the lot line into the parking area, with parking spaces and drive aisles permanently delineated, for example with wheel stops. Any required ADA spaces and the ADA accessible route in a gravel lot must still be paved regardless of the rest of the surface. Permeable pavement, porous concrete, porous asphalt, permeable pavers, or grid pavers, is also allowed, subject to City Stormwater Division approval.
Violations & Fines
The Land Development Office rejects site plans for unpaved lots or driveways lacking the required apron or permanent space delineation; noncompliant gravel surfacing can be cited during inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a gravel driveway or parking lot in Chattanooga?
Do ADA parking spaces need to be paved even in a gravel lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
Compare Chattanooga to another location·View the Tennessee parking rules overview
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