HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Hamilton County Commissioners approved new rules for short-term vacation rental (STVR) properties. They voted on the resolution Wednesday morning.
These rules only apply to property in unincorporated areas, since the cities already have their own rules.
This will set up an inspection process and put limits on how many people can stay at a particular property.
Until now, there were no rules in place for vacation rentals, such as Airbnb or VRBOs.
airbnb, (Courtesy: MGN)
Some rules put in place were in relation to off-street parking, leash laws, the number of people allowed per bedroom, and others.
The ordinance will also allow vacation rentals in residential areas that are not currently open to them.
That is why Commissioner David Sharpe opposed the measure.
“I’ve not had a single constituent in my district calling me, asking me ‘please allow STVR’s in my neighborhood,’ but I have had countless contact me and asking me not to allow them,” Sharpe said.
The Commission turned away an amendment that would have allowed community groups to challenge vacation rental decisions.
Hamilton County Commissioner Joe Graham said the rules are meant to protect the local community. The Commission does not want STVRs to negatively impact surrounding areas.
“The rules are put into place to not only protect the homeowner that is doing the STVR, but it’s also… to protect the neighborhood, the housing around it. We are trying to protect all home-owners rights.”