Hamilton County delays plan to dissolve regional planning commission after public safety and oversight concerns

Hamilton County commissioners voted Dec. 17 to defer consideration of a resolution that would dissolve the Chattanooga‑Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission and create a new Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission, saying they need legal review and time to meet with the county attorney and mayor’s staff.

The measure, introduced by the clerk as Resolution 12‑25‑16, was the focus of an extended public comment period. Commissioner Eversall moved to defer the item to the commission’s March 11 meeting, saying the county must "dot our i's and cross our t's" to ensure the change complies with Tennessee law. The motion to defer passed by roll call.

Several residents urged caution. One speaker accused the current regional planning commission of approving a preliminary plat for a 112‑lot subdivision that, the speaker said, allowed houses over federally protected streams and failed to verify the location of abandoned mine portals. Gary Bowles of Ooltewah urged a commission focused on unincorporated areas and recommended that any existing appointees be individually vetted and confirmed by the county commission. Amy Anderson, a Signal Mountain resident, described blasting near her home tied to nearby development and said the current process does not adequately hear neighborhood safety concerns.

Speakers and commissioners also cited infrastructure worries — road safety, drainage failures and school capacity — as reasons to proceed carefully. Commissioner Eversall said he asked to meet with attorney Janie Varnell and members of the mayor’s team before returning the resolution for a vote.

Chairman Smith set the deferred date for March 11 so the commission can conclude the legal review and hold a public meeting on the proposal. No final action was taken Dec. 17.

The commission’s deferral leaves in place the current regional planning structure until the body revisits the resolution in March.