Signs
Sign Ordinance
To access the Chattanooga Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 3: Advertising, click here.
Sign Applications
Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA)
If your sign does not comply with the rules of Chapter 3 in the Chattanooga Zoning Ordinance, you may request a variance and have your case heard by the Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA). Complete submissions (Application, site plan, rendering, and payment) are to be made to submit through the Online Portal. The cost to apply for a sign variance is $150.00.
Form-Based Zoning Signs
If your project is located in the Form-Based Zoning area of downtown Chattanooga, please be sure to read the sign portion of the Form-Based Code zoning. You can access this zoning code here. If you are not sure if your proposed sign is located in the FBC area, please follow these directions to determine your zoning.
If your sign does not comply with the rules of the Form-Based Code, you may request a variance from the Form-Based Code Committee. You may find the Major Modification Application, meeting dates, and deadlines here.
What do I do if my sign or awning projects are in the Right of Way (ROW)?
If your sign projects into the Right of Way you will need a Temporary Use Permit that is administered by the Chattanooga Division of Transportation. Directions for obtaining a temporary use permit can be found on this website: https://chattanooga.gov/public-works/transportation/transportation-resources/temporary-use-of-the-right-of-way.
Who Performs Sign Installation Inspections?
If your sign needs an electrical inspection you will need to request an inspection through the Online Portal. The permit number is required when scheduling an inspection.
Depending on the sign type, the footer for a sign may be inspected by a zoning inspector or building inspector. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Contact Information for the Zoning Office
Land Development Office
1250 Market Street, Suite 1000
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402
Phone: (423) 643-5891
Main Fax: (423) 643-5848
Email: ldozoning@chattanooga.gov
Office hours of operation are Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays), from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. including the lunch hour. Inspection hours of operation are Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays), from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Permit payments are not accepted for processing after 3:30 p.m. We accept checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa, Discover, American Express, and MasterCard Only). We do not accept cash.
Staff return calls as quickly as possible. For faster responses, please be sure to email the staff.
Adopted Codes
Boards
Board of Zoning Appeals
Building Inspection Services
Building - Commercial
Building - Residential
Electrical
Form Based Zoning
Gas/Mechanical/Plumbing Permits
Historic Planning and Zoning
Inspection Services
Land Disturbing
Landscaping
Plans review
Signs
Short-term Vacation Rental
Solar Panels
Stormwater Development Inspection Services
Subdivision Land Management Services
Street Cuts
Trade Licensing
Zoning