Are you tired of feeling like your voice doesn't matter concerning development in Hamilton County?
Many people have valid complaints about the current Regional Planning Commission, including conflicts of interest, county representation, meeting times and length and more. To better represent non-city residents and guide responsible development of our communities, it's time for a County Only Planning Commission.
If you’re unfamiliar with the current Regional Planning Commission, here’s how it works. There are 15 planning commissioners: seven city, seven county, and one jointly appointed. At some meetings, more city-appointed commissioners are present, meaning the city could override the county. The city’s interests don’t always mirror the county’s: What’s good for the goose isn’t always good for the gander.
The majority of the planning commissioners are involved with development in some way, including developers, builders and realtors, creating a potential conflict of interest. Commissioners often have to leave or abstain from voting because they are involved with rezoning cases and subdivision plats.
When the regulations and plans are being made by the very people who will be following them, how can that not be a conflict of interest? It equates to the fox guarding the hen house.
It is also rare that all Planning Commissioners are present for meetings. The quorum for a 15-member commission should be eight. However, the Regional Planning Commission quorum is based on the number of commissioners present and can even change during a meeting if some leave early. So, a quorum of eight could become two during the same meeting.
The Regional Planning Commission recommends rezonings for approval even when residents point out they don't align with the plans and regulations adopted by the Commission.
Meetings are held at 1 p.m. when most people have to work and can't afford to take off. They can last up to four to five hours. Most of the time, only a handful of cases come up for Unincorporated Hamilton County – which means county residents must sit through case after case within the city limits. And, when residents do get to attend, they often feel that their concerns are brushed off.
The Regional Planning Commission is funded by taxpayer dollars from the city and the county. In the 2025 Hamilton County budget, the county portion was $881,641.
As outlined in the interlocal agreement, the city or the county can give a 90-day notice before June 30 of each year to terminate the agreement. That would need to occur by March 30 to form a County Only Planning Commission.
Many residents feel that a County Only Planning Commission would save taxpayer money. The commission would only need a director and a few staff members, and more time could be spent on planning. Residents would not have to sit through hours-long meetings for cases unrelated to the unincorporated areas, and the meetings could be held in the evening – when most hard-working county residents can attend.
A County Only Planning Commission would need to have commissioners that don't profit from development in any way which would eliminate conflict of interest and restore public confidence. Planning Commissioners could be nominated by residents in each area and also be required to live in the area they represent. If advice is needed, an industry expert could serve without voting capabilities.
If you are frustrated with the current Regional Planning Commission, please get involved. Call and send emails to County Mayor Wamp and all of the county commissioners. Ask that a notice be sent by March 30 to terminate the agreement for the Chattanooga Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission. It's time for change. We need a County Only Planning Commission.
Kim Helton