Hamilton County Planning Department

Rezoning and Special Permit Applications (Unincorporated)

The Hamilton County Zoning Regulations divide 'the unincorporated territory of Hamilton County' into zoning districts, so a business that needs a commercial zone or a special permit for a site outside the cities applies to the Hamilton County Planning Department. Per the Planning Department's Schedule of Fees dated 04-08-2026 (the undated Planning Fee Schedule linked from the Planning page lists the same figures), 'All Other Zoning', which includes the R-4 Special Zone, costs $635 up to 5 acres, $705 for 5.1 to 20 acres and $770 for 20.1 acres or more; a Planned Unit Development costs $400, all other special permits $250, and lifting or amending conditions on a previous case $150. Cases go to the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission, which meets on the second Monday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at the Development Resource Center, 1250 Market Street, and then to the County Commission; the Planning page says a petition to appeal a Planning Commission decision may be filed within 7 days. Each city zones its own territory.