Requirements
What Are The Requirements?
- Detailed Description of Work. Describe in detail all work to be done, location on the structure or site, and reason for the work. All materials submitted with an application are retained by the City of Chattanooga.
- Current Property Color Photographs of all sides of the structure(s) and site under consideration
- Current Adjacent Properties’ Color Photographs of all adjoining or neighboring structures and sites
- Current and Proposed Site Plans (drawn to scale): A site plan or map of the structure(s) under consideration clearly showing the building's location and relation to neighboring structures, the current building's and proposed building's setback(s), public or private streets or drives, and access and utility rights-of-way.
- Current and Proposed Building Elevation Drawings (drawn to scale): Drawings that clearly show the proposed structure and existing structure(s) and the proposed addition(s) and alteration(s). Such drawings shall include plans and elevations or exterior perspectives drawn to a scale sufficient to show the proposed height; scale; orientation, spacing, and site coverage; facade proportions and rhythm; size, shape, and proportions of entrances and porch projections; materials, textures, and colors; architectural details; roof shape and slope; directional expression; landscaping, walls, and fences; and general visual effect. Such plans or plats shall show all improvements to structures or appurtenances which affect the exterior architectural appearance of all structures on the property. Plats or plans are required for all exterior additions, alterations or changes proposed to be made to any structure face or any yard.
- Materials List: A listing of all materials to be used, including all possible substitutes, in the addition or alteration. The list shall include all substances, components, materials, apparatus, equipment, fixtures, or devises to be constructed, installed, attached, or built. Listing shall describe clearly the size, composition, color, catalog order number, and specie of all listed components.
- Additional Items requested if new construction or an addition contains a proposed foundation height greater than 48” in height at its highest point (drawn to scale): Site Plan with Existing Topography & Site Plan with Proposed Grading Plans.
- Certificate of Economic Hardship (CEH):
If a COA has been denied to a property owner within a Local Historic District or of a Local Historic Landmark, then the property owner has the right to present evidence to the Commission that such denial has deprived the owner of reasonable use or economic return, of the property. Contact the Chattanooga Historic Planning and Zoning Office and staff for this application.
How Do I Apply?
Set up a meeting with Cassie Cine, Historic Preservation Planner to review what is needed.
To get started you will need to create a user account on Viewpoint Cloud Portal
What Is The Cost?
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Staff Review Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Application Fee | $25 | Due when applications are marked complete by the intake review. |
| Commission Review COA Application Fee | $175 | Due when applications are marked complete by the intake review. |
| Demolition Commission Review COA Application Fee | $275 | Due when applications are marked complete by the intake review. |
| Violation Application Fee | Double Fee | If an application is submitted in response to a violation, the fee will be doubled (per City Code Section 109.2.3). |
| Payment Policy | Fees not paid within 5 days of the application's intake review completion will be pushed to next month's meeting agenda. | |
| Refund Policy | All fees and costs are non-refundable. |
Process Details
Approval Process / Evaluation
Staff Review:
Staff approval may be provided for work that meets the design guidelines and is not one (1) of the following: New construction of primary structures, outbuildings, or garages; additions, demolition; parking lots.
All construction work must meet the Design Guidelines as approved by the Chattanooga Historic Zoning Commission. If plans change, a new application will be required. If work is not started within 6 months of the issue date, a new Certificate of Appropriateness will need to be issued. A COA is NOT a building permit or a land-disturbing permit. Please contact the Land Disturbing Office or the Building Permit Office before starting the project.
The COA must be posted in a visible location or on file on the property until the project is completed.
Commission Review:
The CHZC must review all applications for new construction of primary structures, outbuildings, garages, additions, demolition, and parking lots as well as any applications that the staff refers to the CHZC. Staff refers cases inconsistent with the Guidelines to the CHZC for their review.
Following a proper review of sufficient data, including a public hearing, the Commission shall approve or deny the COA within thirty (30) days. The COA may be issued with modification by CHZC. Written notice of the approval or denial of the application for a COA shall be provided to the applicant and to the Building Inspection Division if a building or demolition permit is needed. The CHZC shall state in the written notice any required modifications to the application, and conditions to which the certificate is subject, or reasons for the denial of the application.
The applicant may resubmit an amended application for a COA which takes into consideration the recommendations of the CHZC. The applicant may also apply for a CEH if they feel the decision of the CHZC has denied them a reasonable economic return or use of the property.
If a case or case component has been marked as deferred, the applicant must submit an updated application addressing that case element or deferred case before the meeting deadline. This allows for proper processing of the applications for the meeting.
All construction work must meet the Design Guidelines as approved by the Chattanooga Historic Zoning Commission. If plans change, a new application will be required. If work is not started within 6 months of the issue date, a new Certificate of Appropriateness will need to be issued. A COA is NOT a building permit or a land-disturbing permit. Please contact the Land Disturbing Office or the Building Permit Office before starting the project.
The COA must be posted in a visible location or on file on the property until the project is completed.
Conflict of Interest:
It is the applicant's responsibility to communicate to CHZC Staff, at the application submission deadline, any and all conflicts of interests between the Chattanooga Historic Zoning Commission members and the application case.
Processing Time
The next Chattanooga Historic Zoning Commission (CHZC) meeting is October 17, 2024, at 9:30 A.M. EST. Location: 1250 Market Street, Conference Room 1A.
Meeting Community Comments: Send all emailed community comments to Historic Zoning Staff at least 24 hours before the 9:30 a.m. meeting. Any comments received less than 24 hours to the meeting, may not be able to be placed into the presentation and incorporated into the meeting.
Order of Business for each case:
- Staff Presentation
- Applicant Presentation (10 minutes maximum)
- Community Comments/ Comments by Other Persons (5 minutes total)
- Applicant Response (5 minutes maximum)
- Historic Zoning Commission Discussion
- Motion and Vote
Helpful Resources
- City of Chattanooga - Code of Ordinance/ Chapter 10 - Buildings / Article II. - Historic Zoning
- Demolition Requirements - Proof of Advertisement (Addition to the Application)
- Flow Chart for obtaining a Historic Zoning Certificate of Appropriateness
- Rules of procedure
- Saint Elmo: Map & Guidelines
- Fort Wood: Map & Guidelines
- Ferger Place: Map & Guidelines
- Battery Place: Map & Guidelines
FAQ
What is a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)?
A COA is NOT a building permit, demolition permit or a land disturbing permit. Please contact the Land Disturbing Office and the Building Permit Office prior to starting the project. The COA must be posted in a visible location or on file on the property until the project is completed.
Who is part of the Historic Zoning Commission?
The Chattanooga Historic Zoning Commission's (CHZC) purpose is to review proposed changes and new construction in the four historic districts in Chattanooga, St. Elmo, Fort Wood, Battery Place, and Ferger Place. The CHZC reviews all proposals and determines that the work is within the adopted Guidelines of each district. They work to ensure the integrity of each district.
This nine-member commission is comprised of a representative of a local historical organization, a member of a local Planning Commission, an architect, four (4) residents of the Local Historic Districts, and three (3) members of the general public. Visit the Commission Membership.