City staff seeks public hearing on proposed lot‑coverage increases for several residential districts

Planning staff asked the Planning Commission on Dec. 17 to schedule a public hearing for a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance that would increase maximum lot coverage limits for single‑family uses in several districts.

Staff said the proposed changes affect multiple districts — including RS‑15, RS‑12, RS‑10, RS‑8 and RM‑12/RM‑16 when occupied by single‑family homes — and would allow a modest percentage increase in the portion of a lot that may be covered by roofed structures. Staff emphasized setbacks and density limits would not change. The staff recommendation was to set the public hearing for Jan. 7, 2026.

Commissioners asked whether driveways or parking count toward lot coverage; staff replied that lot coverage counts roofed structures only and that driveways and at‑grade parking areas are not included. Staff said they surveyed peer communities (Nashville, Brentwood, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Huntsville, and select out‑of‑state cities) to shape the proposed increases.

A motion to set the public hearing for Jan. 7 carried by roll call. The public hearing will allow residents to comment on the proposed percentage increases and chart changes in Chart 2 of the Zoning Ordinance.