Chattanooga council scrutinizes steep-slope stormwater management amid runoff complaints

Chattanooga council scrutinizes steep-slope stormwater management amid runoff complaintsProposed zoning for a 72-home ridge development has sparked debate over the placement of stormwater facilities on steep slopes, as council members report severe erosion issues impacting local homeowners.

A proposed 72-home subdivision on Dayton Boulevard includes a Planning Commission condition allowing stormwater management facilities to be built below the site's 750-foot topographic line.

Council members warned that existing stormwater controls on ridge developments are failing, leaving lower-elevation properties inundated with runoff.

The council also approved a $500,000 annual contract renewal with Professional Concrete Finishing, Inc. for wastewater manhole adjustments related to state paving projects.

Stormwater management and the impact of ridge development on downstream drainage have emerged as flashpoints for the Chattanooga City Council, as members report severe runoff issues affecting local properties. During an August 4 planning and zoning committee meeting, the council reviewed a rezoning request for a proposed 72-home subdivision on Dayton Boulevard. A key point of contention centered on a Planning Commission recommendation that would permit the developer to construct stormwater management facilities and utilities below the site's 750-foot topographic line—an area characterized by steep slopes. City staff originally recommended prohibiting any grading or land disturbance below the 750-foot line to preserve natural features. However, staff member Karen Rennick noted that the applicant specifically requested permission to place stormwater infrastructure in that lower-elevation area if needed, which the Planning Commission ultimately approved as a condition. Councilman Henderson questioned the efficacy of these drainage plans, drawing parallels to another local development near Stringer's Ridge where downstream flooding remains an issue. "Even though we say that we take care of stormwater, I'm still getting complaints of people below that that are being inundated with water," Henderson said. He noted that the Dayton Boulevard site funnels stormwater to a narrow point, raising concerns about the potential flooding impact on undeveloped land situated below the proposed subdivision. The broader issue of inadequate stormwater control was echoed by Vice Chair Elliott, who highlighted the severe consequences of unmanaged runoff in existing neighborhoods. Elliott cited an 89-year-old constituent who may be forced to relocate due to drainage failures, noting that "runoff water from the side of the ridge has cut a hole through their home" and eroded the property. In separate municipal water business, the council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the Department of Wastewater to renew a blanket contract with Professional Concrete Finishing, Inc. The $500,000 annual contract covers the raising and lowering of manholes for state paving projects. The renewal, marking the fourth year of a four-year agreement, includes a price increase attributed to escalating material and personnel costs.