Vacant lots in Chattanooga must be mowed and kept free of litter. City code bars depositing litter on any vacant or occupied property regardless of ownership, and the 10-inch overgrowth limit applies to all premises, including empty lots.
Chattanooga treats vacant land the same as occupied property for maintenance: owners must control weeds and grass under the 10-inch limit and prevent litter and debris from accumulating. City code prohibits depositing litter on any vacant or occupied public or private property inside the city, so both the lot owner and any dumper can be cited. Code Enforcement routinely sweeps neighborhoods for overgrown and trash-strewn vacant lots. In unincorporated Hamilton County, vacant-lot overgrowth and dumping are pursued as county nuisances, and state litter law (TCA 39-14-502) applies countywide.
Notice to clean or mow; if ignored, the city abates the lot and assesses the cost as a lien. Illegal dumping on lots also triggers state litter penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Chattanooga, TN
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See how Chattanooga's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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