The RPA has divided Hamilton County into 12 areas for planning purposes. These Area Plans provide guidance for new development, zoning changes, capital improvements, and conservation. Area Plans are adopted by the Planning Commission and the relevant legislative body. Each Area Plan also includes a Place Types map that establishes a vision for the different types and character of development recommended.
Plans for the following 3 areas have been completed.
Area 3 – Historic River-to-Ridge
Area 11 – East Brainerd
Area 12 – White Oak Mountain
Over the next two years, plans for the remaining nine areas will be created. (The Area 12 Plan will also be updated based on new development that has occurred since the Plan’s adoption.) Two teams of consultants will be hired to work with the RPA, and the community, in developing these new Area Plans. One consultant team will focus on the Area Plans located within the City of Chattanooga. The other consultant team will focus on the Area Plans in the unincorporated portions of Hamilton County. The smaller municipalities within Hamilton County will also be invited to participate in this process and will have access to all the data and analysis.
“Area Plans provide recommendations for land use & transportation policies. Once adopted…..policies established for these areas will guide physical development & future land use.”
Early in 2023, online surveys will be used to poll the community about the key issues facing each Area.
Each Area Plan will include a thorough analysis of the following.
Demographics
Natural Resources, Parks & Greenways
Growth & Development
Transportation
Housing
Retail
Industry
A Market Analysis, being conducted in the first few months of 2023, for all of Hamilton County will also inform the Area Plans.
Public meetings will be held in each Area, during the spring and summer of 2023, to present the results of the analysis, and to obtain feedback from the community about potential growth scenarios.
Once completed, each Area Plan will be presented to the Hamilton County Commission or the Chattanooga City Council for adoption.
All residents and property owners are encouraged to get involved in these Area Plans. Click the button below to sign up for our email list, provide contact info and receive regular updates on the Area Plan(s) of your choice.
