Chattanooga City Council Meeting – March 31, 2026

The Chattanooga City Council met on March 31, 2026, at 3:30 PM. The session included a presentation on updated historic preservation guidelines, discussion of a parking and booting ordinance, approval of routine consent items, and committee reports. The meeting recessed at approximately 4:45 PM and reconvened at 5:00 PM for the voting portion and adjournment.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: Motion to approve previous meeting minutes passed without objection.
• Purchases: Five purchase recommendations were approved as a block:
  • Year three renewal with Vulcan Materials (annual limit $1,022,000; 4.2% increase).
  • New four-year agreement with SPX Flow Technologies for mixer gear reducer services (annual limit $150,000).
  • One-time purchase of a Peterbilt recycled truck for Solid Waste ($421,891).
  • One-time purchase of an International hook hoist truck for Street Maintenance ($259,999.97).
  • One-year extension with Pitney Bowes (annual limit $190,000).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public addressed the council; the public comment period was closed after no one lined up.

Discussion Items

• Historic Guidelines Update (Presentation by Cassie Klein, Preservation Planner):
  • Overview of historic designations (Local Historic Districts/Landmarks vs. National Register). The city has four local historic districts (Fortwood, St. Elmo, Fergor Place, Battery Place) and one local landmark (Frank Lloyd Wright Shaven House).
  • The updated guidelines consolidate five previous documents into one, reducing page count from over 350 to less than 200.
  • Key changes: new “how-to-use” guide with graphic, added architectural styles chapter (including mid-century modern), removal of painting regulations (except for unpainted masonry), new staff review for small outbuildings and additions (≤120 sq ft), and increased front yard fence height from 36 to 42 inches.
  • Unchanged elements: preservation best practices (window preservation, repair in kind), demolition criteria, and building maintenance guidance.
  • Council members questioned the process for designating new landmarks and the relationship between guidelines and underlying zoning. Cassie Klein clarified that city council can initiate a landmark designation via resolution, and property owners would have a public process to voice opposition.
• Parking and Booting Ordinance (Items 7A, 8A):
  • Mayor Kelly spoke in favor of the parking ordinance, describing it as part of a larger strategy to make downtown parking affordable, convenient, and enforceable. He noted that only serial offenders (three or more delinquent citations) would be affected.
  • The council discussed an amendment requested by CARTA to clarify that the booting regulations apply to commercial lot owners who engage in booting, but not to those who do not. The amendment was made and the ordinance was approved as amended.
• Two-Week Agenda Review:
  • Upcoming items include a resolution for park rental fee waiver for Nightfall and Three Sisters (math error noted but total correct).
  • Administration expanded purchase descriptions on captions for future agendas.
• Committee Reports:
  • Councilwoman Dotley reported a budget work session on financial policies; those policies will be on the two-week agenda.
  • Councilman Elliott announced an Economic Development Committee meeting with an update on the bin project by Restorative Ventures.
  • Councilman Burrs announced a Planning and Zoning Committee meeting.
• Tivoli Tour: Chairwoman Hill noted a tour of the Tivoli Theatre and expressed excitement about upcoming projects.

Key Outcomes

• Zoning Ordinance (Item 7A): Ordinance to rezone property at 3886 Agawella Drive from R-1 to R-3 (subject to conditions) passed unanimously.
• Booting Ordinance (Item 8A): Ordinance to amend parking and booting regulations was approved as amended (motion to amend passed, then motion to approve as amended passed unanimously).
• Resolution 9A (MOU with Stadium Corporation): Withdrawn by administration without objection.
• Resolution 9B (Riverfront Parks Interlocal Agreement): Approved.
• Resolution 9C (Revisions to Employee Information Guide): Approved.
• Purchases: All five items approved.
• Adjournment: Motion passed; meeting adjourned.