The Regional Planning Agency staff is recommending approval for a townhouse development with shallow front setbacks at a dug out hillside in North Chattanooga.
John Wise wants to build the townhouses at a site where a previous owner dug out the hillside, leaving steep vertical cliffs.
The location is at Tucker, Tremont and Manning streets.
The project includes 12 narrow and tall one-bedroom townhouses on the hillside between Tucker and Manning streets and nine larger ones on Tremont Street.
Some neighbors are opposed, saying it is not in keeping with nearby single-family homes.
The RPA staff said, "The request is compatible with the adopted Land Use Plan and adjacent land uses; however, it is not compatible with the surrounding development form. While the proposed development has higher density than the surrounding neighborhood,the site is already zoned for medium to high density development, and the request would allow for shallower front setbacks to help minimize additional grading of a challenging steep lot in the North Shore Neighborhood."
The recommendation is to approve subject to the following conditions:
1. Parking to be located to the rear
2. A stamped drawing by a licensed Geotechnical Engineer shall be approved by the Land Development Office prior to construction
3. A publically accessible pedestrian path shall be provided between Tucker Street and Tremont Street.
The case goes before the Planning Commission on Monday at 1 p.m. at the County Courthouse.