Chattanooga, September 17, 2025
News Summary
In response to the severe flooding that struck on August 12, Chattanooga City Council has decided to waive building and permit fees for affected property owners. The initiative aims to assist residents in rebuilding without the burden of additional costs. Applications must be submitted by May 12, 2026, with a focus on ensuring a quicker recovery for the community. Additional funding opportunities are available for larger properties, while local donation drives and contributions further support those impacted by the disaster.
Chattanooga City Council has decided to waive building and permit fees for property owners whose residences were affected by the devastating flood on August 12th. The waiver aims to assist those whose homes sustained damage during the flash flooding, which resulted in approximately 300 structures being impacted after around 6.5 inches of rain fell within a short period of time.
This initiative will require property owners to rebuild without increasing their pavement and submit their applications by May 12th, 2026, to qualify for the fee waivers. The goal of the City Council is to expedite and enhance the rebuilding process for residents and organizations affected by the flood, ensuring a quicker return to normalcy.
In addition to the fee waivers, larger properties—including schools, nonprofits, or religious facilities—may be eligible for priority Green Grant funding. This funding is designed to help manage costs associated with stormwater management, an essential component for preventing future flooding events.
Impact of the Flood
Despite the significant damage experienced in Hamilton County, the area was unable to qualify for federal disaster aid, leaving some residents and organizations in need of support. The Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management (HCOEM) has urged affected individuals to connect with local volunteer and nonprofit organizations, which are mobilizing resources to provide assistance.
Community Support Initiatives
In response to the flooding, District 5 Councilman Dennis Clark is organizing a donation drive set for August 16. This drive will take place at Brainerd High School, located on N. Moore Road, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Essential items requested for donation include detergent, shampoo, non-perishable food, bedding, clothing, shoes, and children’s toys.
Supporting these efforts, the First Horizon Foundation has donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee specifically for flood relief efforts. The Red Cross is committed to providing emergency financial aid, recovery planning, and long-term support for those impacted by the flooding.
Catoosa County Government has also stepped up, establishing three drop-off points to collect donations for flood victims. Locations include Cloud Springs Elementary School and The Colonnade, making it easier for community members to offer their support. Additionally, D&A Liquidations is contributing blankets, comforters, and pillows to those evacuated and currently sheltered at the Catoosa Rifle Range.
Conclusion
As Chattanooga works to recover from the August 12th flooding, local businesses and organizations are uniting to gather essential supplies for affected residents. This collaborative effort reflects the resilience of the community and its commitment to ensuring that those impacted can rebuild and recover.
FAQ
What support is the Chattanooga City Council providing to flood-damaged properties?
The Chattanooga City Council is waiving building and permit fees for property owners whose homes were damaged in the August 12th flood.
What are the requirements for property owners to qualify for fee waivers?
Property owners must rebuild without adding extra pavement and apply by May 12th, 2026, to qualify for the fee waivers.
What additional support is available for larger properties?
Larger properties, such as schools, nonprofits, or religious facilities, can receive priority for Green Grant funding to assist with stormwater management costs.
How many structures were reported damaged in the August 12th flood?
Approximately 300 structures were reportedly damaged due to the flash flooding that produced around 6.5 inches of rain.
Why did Hamilton County not qualify for federal disaster aid?
Hamilton County was unable to qualify for federal disaster aid despite the widespread damage.
What community initiative is being organized to support flood victims?
District 5 Councilman Dennis Clark is organizing a donation drive on August 16 to collect supplies for flood victims.
What items are being requested for donation?
Essential items requested for donation include detergent, shampoo, non-perishable food, bedding, clothes, shoes, and children’s toys.
What contribution has been made to assist with flood recovery?
The First Horizon Foundation donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee for flood relief efforts.
Where can donations be dropped off to support flood victims?
Catoosa County Government has established three drop-off points for donations to support flood victims, including locations at Cloud Springs Elementary School and The Colonnade.
What support is being provided to those sheltered at local sites?
D&A Liquidations is providing blankets, comforters, and pillows to evacuated individuals sheltered at the Catoosa Rifle Range.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| City Council Support | Waiving building and permit fees for flood-damaged properties. |
| Eligibility | Must rebuild without adding pavement, apply by May 12th, 2026. |
| Green Grant Funding | Available for larger properties like schools, nonprofits, and religious facilities. |
| Estimated Damage | Approximately 300 structures damaged by the flood. |
| Federal Aid Status | Hamilton County did not qualify for federal disaster aid. |
| Donation Drive | Organized by District 5 Councilman Dennis Clark on August 16. |
| Donation Locations | Drop-off points established at Cloud Springs Elementary School and The Colonnade. |
| Community Contributions | First Horizon Foundation donated $25,000 to Red Cross for relief efforts. |
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Additional Resources
- Local 3 News: Donation Drive in Chattanooga
- NewsChannel 9: Flood Damage Report
- PR Newswire: First Horizon Foundation Donation
- Nooga Today: Hurricane Relief Organizations
- Times Free Press: Hamilton County FEMA Qualification
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Google Search: Flood Recovery Assistance
- Google Scholar: Flood Disaster Management
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Google News: Flood Assistance
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
