A Chattanooga City Council ordinance change will move all appeals of violations of the city’s sign ordinance to the Board of Zoning Appeals and dissolve the Board of Sign Appeals.
“The sign ordinance, which makes it needlessly difficult to do business in Chattanooga, is in desperate need of an update,” says Mayor Tim Kelly. “This change is the first step of making that change happen. Having an entire board dedicated to regulating and overseeing signs was ridiculous and an example of unnecessary bureaucratic processes that impeded business growth.”
Violation appeals and variances of Chattanooga’s sign ordinance will be handled in the same manner as a violation appeal or variance of Chattanooga’s zoning ordinance. The change simplifies the process, removes red tape and places violations into the hands of individuals who already make decisions in coordination with zoning laws.
All current members of the Board of Sign Appeals have been offered opportunities to serve the city of Chattanooga in other capacities.
In addition to the restructuring of responsibilities of the Board of Sign Appeals, Kelly also directed a reconfiguration of the city’s full sign ordinance to ease sign regulations. Those proposed changes will be announced in the coming months and will be subject to approval by the City Council.
Scam calls to EPB customers
EPB is receiving reports that some customers are receiving scam calls demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnection. The calls might also request that customers contact 844 699-0724 or another number that doesn’t begin with area code 423. Real EPB contacts have a 423 area code and do not call customers demanding immediate payment over the phone. Report suspicious calls, texts or emails via text or phone at 423 648-1372 or via chat at EPB.com.
County opens first senior, community center
Hamilton County officials have – at long last – cut the ribbon for The Harrison Center, the county’s first senior and community center. The facility opened in the former Harrison Elementary School building in 2021.
The facility has an auditorium, a rec center with an indoor batting cage, office space, meeting rooms, classrooms and space dedicated to the Forgotten Child Fund – a nonprofit run by local first responders who collect and distribute Christmas gifts to children in need.
Hamilton County has applied for a $1.4 million grant from the state of Tennessee to enhance the facility to support workforce development, healthy living and access to broadband and other technology. The plans include updating the kitchen and cafeteria to create a culinary lab, adding classroom space for after school programming, furnishing an exercise and fitness room, installing a computer lab and upgrading the auditorium with audiovisual equipment.
The county also intends to use the Harrison recreational facilities as a pilot for modernizing county-owned ballfields using a combination of budgeted funds and hotel-motel tax revenue.
To reserve space, contact reccenter@hamiltontn.gov.