Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Rezoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
East Ridge council denies rezoning for short-term rental at 101 Kingwood Drive
Summary
The council voted unanimously to deny a request to rezone a single-family lot to commercial to allow a professionally managed short‑term rental and real estate office; the applicant said the property would remain residential in appearance and be professionally managed.
The East Ridge City Council voted unanimously on July 10 to deny an application to rezone 101 Kingwood Drive from R-1 residential to C-2 general commercial, stopping a plan to operate a short-term vacation rental and a realtor's office from the property.
Mayor Williams opened a public hearing on Ordinance No. 1229 to consider the rezoning request. Planning staff described the area's long-standing residential character and noted prior council action on nearby lots to preserve residential zoning. The staff presentation cited the city's rezoning guidelines and said the proposed commercial use "introduces commercial operation within a block that is otherwise fully residential, creating a clear conflict with established land use patterns."
The applicant, Michael Zang, told council he planned a professionally managed vacation rental operated through PMI Chattanooga and said the home would retain a residential appearance with no signage. "This request is specifically and narrowly for a short term rental that is well managed, quiet, and residential in feel," Zang said. He said he had registered the business and would operate through his real estate company and that he was willing to accept conditions to protect the neighborhood.
Neighbors who spoke submitted mixed views. Steve Fisher, who said he lives on Greens Lake Road, warned against allowing a commercial-type use to spread into residential blocks. Several supporters — including Mark and Raelene Casson — praised Zang's community involvement and said a professionally managed rental could bring visitors who would patronize local businesses.
After hearing from the applicant and the public, Councilmember Witt moved to deny Ordinance No. 1229; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Ezell and approved on a roll call vote: Cagle — yes; Ezell — yes; Witt — yes; Mayor Williams — yes.
Council members cited consistency with prior zoning decisions and the city's rezoning guidelines in their vote. No conditions or alternative zoning were adopted at the meeting.
The denial means the property's zoning remains R-1 and the proposed short-term rental and real estate office would not be authorized by this rezoning action. The applicant said he would consider other options to improve the property if the rezoning was denied.
