The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission unanimously approved a zoning amendment proposed by Chattanooga Council members Carol Berz and Russell Gilbert.
The ordinance aims to limit payday lenders and title pawns within the city by prohibiting lenders from setting up shop within 500 feet of a residence or within 1/4 mile of another payday or title lender.
Lenders that are already in business would not be impacted by the zoning amendment. The zoning commission approved the proposed amendment, but the Chattanooga City Council will have to put final approval for the change next month.