Greenbelts

The City of Oak Ridge Zoning Ordinance 9.01 section G, Greenbelt Districts, shall be used to enhance the atmosphere, beauty, and well-being of the community by preserving parcels so designated, as nearly as practicable, in their natural state. City council approval is required for municipal, state, or federal uses, such as right-of-way easements for electric transmission lines, pipelines, or roadways. There are, however, certain uses that are permitted within a Greenbelt District.

Permitted Principal Uses:
Greenbelt Districts shall be used to enhance the atmosphere, beauty, and well-being of the community by preserving parcels so designated, as nearly as practicable, in their natural state.

Permitted Accessory Uses:

  • Hiking or walking to enjoy the natural beauty.
  • Cleared and marked walking trails (to be approved by the Recreation Department).
  • Operations that are accepted practice of forestry science as necessary to maintain safety and public value in its natural state.
  • Signs marking trails, or regulatory signs.
  • Non-commercial gardens of proximate lot owners, subject to the annual approval of the City Manager. In no case shall trees be cut to provide additional garden area.

 

Uses Requiring Approval of City Council:
Municipal, state, or federal uses, such as right-of-way easement for electric transmission lines, pipelines, or roadways. A public hearing shall be required prior to City Council approval of each municipal, state, or federal use in the Greenbelt District. Prior to each approval (and following the public hearing), the City Council shall find that each use will promote the general well-being of the community and will have no material adverse effect upon the district in which it is located.

Prohibited uses in Greenbelt Districts:

  • Operation of any motorized vehicle.
  • Dumping of domestic household garbage, yard rubbish, or other materials.
  • Cutting of trees or shrubs by landowners or contractors.
  • Unauthorized gardening.
  • Camping or campfires.
  • Hunting.
  • Removal of trees, flowers, or other material from area.
  • **NEW** The use of tobacco products and vapor products at parks, playgrounds, greenways, greenbelts, and other city-owned property (which includes ballfields) that are accessible by youth such as – the Oak Ridge Civic Center (Recreation Building) and common areas outside of the Oak Ridge Public Library. The prohibition does not apply to parking lots. (You may view the full city ordinance concerning this, here.)

 

 

 

Greenway Usage
Guidelines
 Greenbelt District Usage
Guidelines
Everyone is encouraged to use the greenway trails during daylight hours. Hiking or walking to enjoy the natural beauty.
Pedestrians, bicyclists, and skaters share many greenways.

 

 Cleared or marked trails approved by the Recreation and Parks Department.
Bicyclists and skaters must always yield the right of way to pedestrians. Operations that are accepted practice of forestry science as necessary to maintain safety and public value in its natural state.

 
Bikers are minded to pass on the left. Regulatory signs for marking trails.

 
Pedestrians and handicapped individuals have the right of way. Noncommercial gardens of private lot owners, subject to the annual approval of City Manager. In no case shall trees be cut to provide additional garden areas.
Use caution when wearing headphones, as you may not be as alerted to traffic and other activity around you.

 

  Prohibited Uses in Greenbelt Districts
Travel on the right side of the trail.

 

 Operation of a motorized vehicle.
No horses or motorized vehicles are permitted, other than motorized wheelchairs and official government vehicles.

 

 Dumping of domestic household garbage, yard rubbish, or other materials.
Pets (where permitted) must be kept on leashes and droppings must be removed. Cutting or removal of any trees, shrubs, flowers, or other materials from area by landowners or contractors.

 
Skateboarding is prohibited.

 

 Unauthorized gardening.
Prevent vandalism, take your valuables with you or lock them securely in the trunk of your vehicle. Camping or campfires.