Requirements
What Are The Requirements?
New Applications
- Proof of Identification in the form of a Tennessee Driver's License or State of Tennessee identification card. Additionally, present one of the following supporting documents:
- Hamilton County voter registration card
- Current employer verification of residential address or a letter from the employer on company letterhead with an original signature. If the employer lacks letterhead, the employer's signature must be notarized
- Current automobile, life, or health insurance policy. (Wallet cards are not accepted)
- Paycheck/check stub
- Internal Revenue Service tax reporting W-2 form
- Proof of ownership in the form of a warranty deed or tax assessor card or a lease agreement
- Proof of Insurance
- Site/Floor plan that shows each room in the rental, as well as all windows, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, and parking
- City of Chattanooga Business License (Access Application Online)
- Emergency Escape Plan showing the egress out of the rental utilizing arrows
- A picture of the Emergency Escape Plan posted within the rental that is taken at least 8-10 feet back to show placement and location.
- Proof of Agency (for Absentee designations)
Am I Eligible?
Designations
1) Homestay (formerly owner-occupied): A short-term vacation rental property which is the primary residence of the applicant. "Primary" is defined as the residence of the applicant at least one hundred eighty-three (183) days a year..
- Allowed in zones where residential uses are allowed within the existing Overlay.
- Allowed within zones C-2, C-3, C-4, UGC, CC, IX, RF, RV, CX-Commercial, and SH.
2) Absentee (formerly non-owner occupied) A short-term vacation rental property which is not the primary residence of the applicant.
- ONLY allowed within zones C-2, C-3, C-4, UGC, CC, IX, RF, RV, CX-Commercial, and SH.
- Allowed within any parcel of at least twenty (20) acres or more with common ownership that allows for residential uses.
How Do I Renew?
All certificates must be renewed annually. A renewal application must be generated within 30 days of the certificate expiration date. The following documents are required for renewal:
- Updated City of Chattanooga Business License
- Emergency Escape Plan (showing the egress out of the rental utilizing arrows)
- A picture of the Emergency Escape Plan (posted within the rental that is taken at least 8-10 feet away to show placement and location)
- Proof of Identification - a valid state issued ID
How Do I Apply?
Go to Open Gov Portal.
Click on "Apply Online".
Log in using your credentials.
If you don't have an account, sign up. It's free.
Apply online and attach the required documents to obtain a Short-Term Vacation Rental Certificate.
Incomplete applications will not be processed and have a 60 day lifetime after which the application will be discarded and the process started over.
What is the cost?
Homestay Fees
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $250 |
| Renewal Fee | $250 |
| Additional fees | May apply |
Absentee Fees
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $500 |
| Renewal Fee | $500 |
| Additional fees | May apply |
Process Details
Approval Process / Evaluation
Appeals Process
If your application is denied, you mayappeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals. If the denial is upheld, you mayfurther appeal to Chancery Court. The appeal must be submitted within sixty (60) days of the denial or permit revocation.
Rezoning
For properties rezoned to specified zones, including R-2, R-3MD, R-3, R-4, commercial, or applicable Form-Based Code zones, the owner or applicant cannot apply for an absentee STVR certificate within eighteen (18) months of the rezoning's effective date.
Certificate Transferability
A valid certificate may be transferred to another applicant, however it cannot be transferred to another property or address. Applicants must fill out the STVR Certificate Transfer Form and submit via email (stvr@chattanooga.gov) along with the following documents:
- Valid State Identification
- Proof of Ownership or Lease
- Proof of Insurance
- City of Chattanooga Business License
Status Updates
The Land Development Office does not send notification letters of applications of short-term vacation rentals and the applicant is no longer required to post a notification sign.
Processing Time
Generally, STVR Applications are processed within 30 days.