Chattanooga's Hillside and Ridgeline Protection Overlay limits density, height, and grading on slopes above 15 percent near Lookout Mountain, Signal Mountain, and Missionary Ridge. The overlay protects scenic ridgelines visible from the Riverwalk and downtown.
The overlay, adopted into the Chattanooga Zoning Ordinance, applies stepped density reductions as slope increases. Lots with average slopes between 15 and 25 percent face reduced lot coverage; above 25 percent, building footprints are sharply limited and roof ridgelines may not exceed natural ridge elevations. Cuts and fills above six feet need engineered retaining walls and additional Land Development Office review. The overlay is administered jointly by the Regional Planning Agency and the city zoning administrator.
Permit denial, stop-work orders, civil penalties up to 500 dollars per day under zoning enforcement, and required restoration of grading or removal of non-conforming structures at owner expense.
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See how Chattanooga's hillside overlay rules rules stack up against other locations.
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