Chattanooga home builders urge amendments to Plan Hamilton for affordable housing

Hamilton County's recent Commission Committee meeting on June 11, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding the proposed "Plan Hamilton," a comprehensive development strategy aimed at guiding future growth in the region. Key stakeholders, including home builders and real estate professionals, voiced their apprehensions about the plan's potential negative impact on housing costs, availability, and property tax revenue.

Julian Bell, representing the home builders and residential housing industry, emphasized that the current housing crisis in Hamilton County is exacerbated by rising home prices, which now exceed $400,000 for a median new home. He argued that the proposed plan could lead to even higher housing costs and fewer homes being built, ultimately pricing out younger generations from homeownership. Bell urged the Commission to consider amendments that would allow for increased density in residential areas, suggesting that raising the limit from two to three units per acre could help alleviate some of the financial pressures on home buyers.

Sabrina Smithley, speaking on behalf of the Greater Chattanooga Realtors, echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of maintaining a diverse housing inventory to meet the needs of a growing population. She warned that limiting housing options could lead to increased prices, making it difficult for first-time buyers and working families to find affordable homes. Smithley called for ongoing dialogue to ensure that housing affordability remains a priority in the planning process.

The discussions underscored a critical intersection of development policy and community needs, with stakeholders advocating for a balanced approach that fosters growth while ensuring accessibility to housing for all residents. As the Commission considers the proposed amendments, the implications of their decisions will be closely watched by both the housing industry and the community at large. The next steps in the planning process will be crucial in determining how Hamilton County navigates its housing challenges in the coming years.