With development spilling over from North Chattanooga into Red Bank, the small city is preparing by outlining which types of development can go where.
The final piece of that puzzle came Nov. 20, when officials unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance that establishes a C3 “Neighborhood Commercial” zone for the northern end of Dayton Boulevard, where the concentrated business district tapers off into single-family neighborhoods.
The new designation will allow for low-intensity commercial developments, like mom-and-pop stores, service providers including medical clinics and beauty shops, small drinking establishments and bed-and-breakfasts. More intensive uses, such as day care centers, large office buildings, restaurants, churches and nursing homes, may be permitted with a special permit granted by the city commission.
“We know what’s coming down the pike for us, so we’re just preparing,” said outgoing Mayor John Roberts, who presided over the first vote but handed the gavel over to the new commission prior to the second vote. “The intent of the C3 zone is to protect that residential development. We’re making it more of a community feel, not an overbuilt area.”
The C3 zone is planned to stretch along Dayton Boulevard from its intersection with Meadowbrook Drive, to Barker Road on the eastern side of the thoroughfare and Glenron Street on the western side. Though, City Recorder Ruthie Rohen said the formal perimeter won’t be established until sometime in the new year.