ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in Chattanooga (2026)
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit requirements, fees, and process for Chattanooga, TN. Find out if you need a permit and how to apply.
Yes, a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in Chattanooga, TN.
A ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in Chattanooga, TN. The Chattanooga Department of Development Resources handles permit applications for Chattanooga. Below you will find the current thresholds, fees, and process for obtaining a adu (accessory dwelling unit) permit in Chattanooga.
When Is a Permit Required?
When a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Is Required in Chattanooga: All ADU construction
Permit Fees
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Fees in Chattanooga: $1,200–$5,500. Estimated timeline: 5-9 weeks.
Estimated timeline: 5-9 weeks
How to Get a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in Chattanooga
Verify whether your project meets the permit threshold in Chattanooga: All ADU construction.
Prepare your permit application and plans. Contact the Chattanooga Department of Development Resources at https://www.chattanooga.gov/development-resources for required documentation.
Submit your application online at https://www.chattanooga.gov/development-resources/building-permits or in person at the Chattanooga Department of Development Resources.
Pay the permit fee: $1,200–$5,500.
Wait for plan check approval. Estimated timeline: 5-9 weeks.
Schedule required inspections through https://www.chattanooga.gov/development-resources/inspections. All inspections must pass before project is finalized.
Important: Chattanooga building permit required. EPB and water connection fees for independent utilities.
Chattanooga Department of Development Resources
Phone: (423) 643-5902
Website: https://www.chattanooga.gov/development-resources
Online Permits: https://www.chattanooga.gov/development-resources/building-permits
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Chattanooga a 'Smart City' and how does it affect utilities?
Chattanooga's Smart City designation comes primarily from EPB's 2010 deployment of the nation's first municipal gigabit internet fiber network. EPB (Electric Power Board) provides electricity and fiber internet to Chattanooga — the two are integrated through a smart grid with real-time monitoring. For homeowners, this means unusually advanced support for solar integration, EV charging, and smart home systems. EPB handles both your electricity and internet if you're in the Chattanooga service area.
Can I build an ADU on my Chattanooga property?
Yes. Chattanooga allows accessory dwelling units on single-family lots in qualifying R zones. Maximum size is typically 800 sqft for detached ADUs. Tennessee has no statewide ADU law — Chattanooga's local rules govern. Building permit required from Development Resources. EPB and water connection fees apply for independent utility service. No owner-occupancy requirement.
How do Chattanooga's mountains affect zoning and building permits?
Chattanooga's location in a Tennessee River gorge surrounded by Appalachian ridges creates unique considerations. Properties on Lookout Mountain, Signal Mountain, and Missionary Ridge have terrain-specific issues including potential slope stability and erosion concerns for development. Some areas near ridges and waterways have additional vegetation protection requirements. For hillside properties, additional geotechnical review may be needed for grading, foundations, and construction.
What are Chattanooga's STR (short-term rental) requirements?
Chattanooga requires Short-Term Rental Registration for rentals under 30 days. Annual registration fee is approximately $175. Registration number must appear in all booking platform listings. Occupancy limits (2 per bedroom), noise ordinance, and safety equipment requirements apply. Tennessee state Hotel Occupancy Tax (7%) plus local lodging taxes apply to STR income.
Is solar a good investment in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga receives approximately 4.6 peak sun hours per day — a moderate solar resource. EPB's smart grid infrastructure supports solar integration well. Grid-tied systems connect through EPB, which distributes TVA power. TVA's net metering program applies. Federal 30% tax credit (IRA) applies to residential installations. Tennessee has no state solar mandate, but the federal credit makes solar financially viable in Chattanooga for most homeowners.
Source: Chattanooga Building Code — ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Requirements. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source