Signal Mountain council adopts temporary lower-density rule for ridge-top subdivisions

Signal Mountain — The Signal Mountain Town Council voted April 20 to adopt an amendment to the town zoning ordinance (recorded as Ordinance 2026-15) that reduces allowable subdivision density in geographically constrained ridge-top areas and applies prospectively while the town updates its land-use plan and subdivision regulations.

Mayor Elizabeth Baker, who said she brought the ordinance forward, told residents the measure is intended to “promote and prioritize infill lot building” and to be temporary while the town completes planning updates. “I am the one that brought this forward,” Baker said, adding the council hopes the change will last roughly a year, and no longer than 18 months, while work on the land-use plan and subdivision regulations proceeds.

Supporters framed the change as a tool to limit cumulative impacts on roads, stormwater systems, emergency response and school capacity. Vice Mayor Clay Krumbliss cited a longstanding sewer moratorium and planning studies as part of the rationale, saying Signal Mountain faces distinct infrastructure constraints as a ridgetop community. “Signal Mountain deserves protection and will provide it,” Krumbliss said, arguing the ordinance is consistent with the…