Council hears historic‑designation process; Clark to prepare resolution targeting Johnson Cemetery and other local sites

Councilman Clark and Cassie Klein, the city’s historic zoning staff, briefed the Chattanooga City Council at its strategic planning meeting on the local historic designation process and said a council resolution will be prepared to begin protecting several nominated sites.

Clark opened by describing a recent preservation town hall and by identifying Turkey Foot Hollow and Johnson Cemetery — an historic African American cemetery — as sites of concern. "There is a misnomer that when you register a site, that that protects it, and it does not," Clark said, urging council action to ensure protection from development or encroachment.

Klein gave a step‑by‑step overview of local historic zoning and the National Register of Historic Places. "Local historic districts and landmark overlays protect historic properties from demolition and inappropriate alterations," she said, and contrasted that with the National Register, which she described as largely honorary and not providing the same demolition protections. Klein noted the city currently has four local historic districts and one local landmark and explained five criteria a property must meet for local designation.

Klein described who may apply (city council, neighborhood associations, property owners or civic groups), the process of an informational public meeting, review and recommendation by the Historic Zoning Commission and council consideration via resolution and two readings. She emphasized that "the moratorium begins upon application for a local historic district, or a landmark, and it stays in place until a decision is rendered by city council for approval or denial," and that the moratorium covers permitting including demolition and grading.

Council members asked operational questions: where to find the application, whether organizations may prepare submissions, timing, and whether state or federal ownership would limit local controls. Klein directed applicants to the City of Chattanooga historic zoning website and the permit portal, recommended a pre‑application meeting for complex nominations, and said staff would consult the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and legal counsel on how state or federal ownership affects local authority.

Members discussed strategy and phasing. Clark said he plans to circulate a first‑phase list of about five lower‑controversy sites (including civil war sites, Beck Knob, Johnson Cemetery and some African American and Jewish cemeteries) for a joint resolution and offered to work with Preserve Chattanooga and other stakeholders. Councilmembers urged starting with a small set to secure early wins, noted that designation is exterior‑only (city does not regulate interiors) and emphasized community outreach and owner participation to reduce controversy.

Klein described timing logistics: applications have a filing deadline of the third Friday of each month; once the formal process begins, a nomination typically takes about 60–90 days to move from first public meeting through Historic Zoning Commission review and council action, assuming materials are complete.

Next steps: Clark will prepare and circulate a draft resolution for council review and staff said they will provide guidance on state or federal property questions and a pre‑application path for community groups that wish to nominate sites.