Chattanooga Form-Based Code Event Scheduled For March 7-12

  • Friday, February 27, 2015

A second series of public meetings, or charrettes, - is scheduled for March 7 – 12, to develop a form-based code for five Downtown neighborhoods. The downtown neighborhoods included in this project are: M.L. King, Southside, North Shore, Riverfront, and City Center.   

Over 200 people attended the public kick-off meeting at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center on Jan. 28. A similarly large crowd is expected at this upcoming multi-day charrette.

In recent years, many Chattanooga citizens have participated in public meetings to create a shared vision for Downtown area development that is urban, high quality and walkable.

Unfortunately, the zoning that governs what can be built is out-of-date and not effective in promoting development that supports this vision. There are many instances where development has to go through time-consuming and costly variances (exceptions) to the current code to build the very types of development the community desires.

In addition, the mayor’s Chattanooga Forward initiative recommends replacing our old zoning code with a new, better code that will promote a more vibrant downtown. To that end, the M\mayor’s office has asked the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency to spearhead an initiative to develop this new code, called a Form-Based Code, for Chattanooga’s urban core. The new zoning may also serve as a template for other existing or emerging urban centers throughout the region.

The multi-day charrette will provide the community multiple opportunities to assist in the preparation of the new form-based code. A charrette is an intensive planning session where citizens, planners and other technical professionals collaborate. Throughout the process, the public has a chance to give input and react to consultant concepts, leading to a more refined vision with many of the details for the new zoning. Charrettes are inclusive by nature and are designed to build consensus from the outset, providing a collaborative forum to bring all parties together with a focus on a common goal. The hands-on nature of the charrette, the opportunity to interact with differing perspectives, and the short feedback loop allows issues to be identified and resolved early in the process.

Starting Saturday, March 7, and ending Thursday, March 12, the consultant team will be in Chattanooga to work with citizens and stakeholders to discuss the new form-based code.  All events are open to the public and will be held at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center at 200 East M. L. King Boulevard. The Bessie Smith Cultural Center is fully accessible, and parking is available in their lot on the corner of Lindsay Street and M. L. King Boulevard.

Charrette events include:

·      Hands-on Neighborhood Design Workshop: Saturday, March 7 from 8:30 a.m. until noon

·      Open Design Studio: Sunday, March 8 through Wednesday, March 11 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

·      Lunch & Learns: Monday, March 9, Tuesday, March 10 and Wednesday, March 11 from 12-1 p.m.

·      Drop-in Open House: Tuesday, March 10 from 6 to 8 p.m.

·      Work-in Progress Presentation: Thursday, March 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.

More information, a full charrette schedule, a map of the study area, and other details are available on the project website at www.CHA-FBC.com.  

Real Estate
Kadi Brown: 2024 February Market Report
Kadi Brown: 2024 February Market Report
  • 3/14/2024

The housing market is showing signs of healthy activity, according to the latest report for February 2024. Existing home sales have seen a notable increase, marking the most energetic pace since ... more

Chattanooga Housing Authority Awarded $20,000 For Resilience Projects At Emma Wheeler Homes
Chattanooga Housing Authority Awarded $20,000 For Resilience Projects At Emma Wheeler Homes
  • 3/14/2024

Chattanooga Housing Authority has been awarded a grant for the Butterfly Effect Program funded in part by the Open Space Institute, in partnership with Thrive Regional Partnership and support ... more

Lookout Valley Motel Sells For $3,410,101
Lookout Valley Motel Sells For $3,410,101
  • 3/14/2024

The Super 8 by Wyndham in Lookout Valley has sold for $3,410,101. It is located at 20 Birmingham Highway. The sale was to Shivsakti Llc from B R Lookout Hospitality Llc. more