The Comprehensive Planning Division completed a zoning study of the Fort Wood neighborhood.  

In March 2007, Chattanooga City Council requested the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency (RPA) to conduct a zoning study for Fort Wood.  A community survey framed the issues the study sought to address:

• Fraternal organizations
• Multi-family residences
• Lodging/Boarding homes
• Maintaining the residential feel of the community

In December 2007, the Regional Planning Agency presented a rezoning recommendation for the Fort Wood community to the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission.  There was opposition to the proposed rezoning at Planning Commission and that body recommended denial of the zoning study to Chattanooga City Council.  Also, there was extensive opposition to the zoning study recommendations at the first and second reading of the ordinance at City Council.  At the time of the second reading, City Council voted for a three month deferral so that the Regional Planning Agency could further review the area.

In March 2008, the Regional Planning Agency presented information and recommendations that could provide an alternative to a rezoning yet met the needs of the community.  The recommendations of the original zoning study were denied by City Council on March 18, 2008. 

On April 1, 2008, Chattanooga City Council adopted a policy that there shall be no more than four university affiliated fraternal organizations in Fort Wood at any given time.

  Fort Wood Zoning Study Survey.pdf
  Survey Results Public.pdf

  Original Recommendation (denied by City Council)
  Revised Recommendation
 

If you have any questions or would like additional information,
please contact Karen Rennich, Director of Comprehensive Planning
at 757-5216 or via email at  Rennich_Karen@mail.chattanooga.gov