The City Council on Tuesday approved a new procedure allowing citizens to rent goats to fight kudzu, privet and other invasive plants on their property.
Lee Norris, deputy city public works administrator, said, "It will work pretty much like getting a construction permit."
He said the city will have approved goat contractors and citizens can sign up for permission to use their services.
After the application process, "the deal will be between the citizen and the goat contractor," he said.
Mr. Norris said the city will inspect the property to make sure it is suitable for goat grazing and also check it during the work.
He said the contract is only for the duration of one growing season.
Mr. Norris said the goats "work quickly. We had two projects for them this year and the goats finished ahead of when we had anticipated."
Mr. Norris praised the kudzu-champing services of the goats. He said, "After they have done their job, the kudzu won't be eliminated, but the property owner will be able to manage the problem."
He said Chattanooga is the only area city he knows using goat contractors, but he expects more will follow suit.