In the heart of Chattanooga, a new wave of urban development is taking shape, aimed at tackling the city's housing crisis head-on. With the recent approval by the Chattanooga City Council of a groundbreaking ordinance, homeowners now have the green light to add accessory dwelling units ADUs to their properties under certain conditions.
But what does this mean for you as a homeowner? This comprehensive guide dives into everything you need to know about building an ADU in Chattanooga, from regulations and building codes to the benefits and challenges of adding one to your property.
The Chattanooga City Council's decision to permit the construction of ADUs on single-family lots is a pivotal moment in the city's ongoing efforts to increase affordable housing availability. ADUs, which include in-law suites, carriage houses, and granny flats, provide a unique solution to the city's shortfall of over 5, housing units. Mayor Tim Kelly emphasizes that this initiative is designed to help keep Chattanooga affordable for its residents while preserving the character of its neighborhoods.
According to the new ordinance, ADUs must adhere to specific size and location restrictions. They are capped at square feet and cannot occupy the front yard setback.
Height restrictions also apply, depending on the size of the primary residence. This move is part of a broader strategy outlined in Mayor Kelly's One Chattanooga plan, which includes significant investment in affordable housing and a comprehensive redesign of the city's zoning codes. ADUs can occupy conforming accessory structures or lawfully created non-conforming primary residential structures.
