NEW RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
- STVR Agents
- Every Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) must designate an agent on its application (regardless of occupancy type).
- More details here.
- CCC 38-
- STVR Application Fee
- All STVR application fees will now be due prior to the intake being processed.
- STVR Certificate Posting
- It is a codified requirement that your STVR certificate be posted in a permanent, intentional manner in a conspicuous location within the rental.
- The posted certificate must be the current active certificate.
- CCC 38-87
Requirements
What Are The Requirements?
All hosts/property owner must hold a valid short-term vacation rental certificate to legally operate in the City of Chattanooga.
NEW STVR Application Required documentation
RENEWAL STVR Application Required Documentation
Am I Eligible?
Before beginning your online application, ensure your property meets Chattanooga’s zoning, safety, and documentation criteria.
You must first confirm that your property sits within an approved zone. Chattanooga categorizes short-term rentals into two types:
- Homestay (Owner-Occupied): The property is your primary residence (you live there at least 183 days a year). Allowed in commercial zones that permit absentee designations - and - within the designated STVR Homestay Overlay.
- Absentee (Non-Owner Occupied): The property is not your primary residence. Allowed only in commercial zones that permit a hotel/motel use.
Unsure of your zoning? Check your property's eligibility via the GIS Map. We show you how to do this here.
How Do I Renew?
All STVR certificates are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Renewal applications can be generated 30 days prior to expiration.
A certificate more than 30 days past its expiration date cannot be renewed.
Important: Do not fill out a new application for a renewal! Submitting a new application instead of a renewal will result in processing delays and extra fees.
If your certificate is within its renewal window, follow these simple steps to keep your listing active:
- Log In: Access your existing OpenGov account.
- Navigate: Go directly to your "Applications" tab.
- Renew: Look for your current STVR certificate. If it is eligible for renewal, a "Renew Now" button will appear next to it. Click that button to begin the renewal process.
Need Help? If you don't see the "Renew Now" button or run into any issues, do not submit a new form. Reach out to our team directly at stvr@chattanooga.gov for assistance.
How Do I Apply?
Go to Open Gov Portal.
Click on "Apply Online".
Login using your credentials. If you do not have an account, create an account here (it's free!).
As you progress through each step of the online application, you will be prompted to upload the requested documentation (such as your deed, proof of insurance, and escape plans).
CRITICAL WARNING: Double-check every file before uploading to ensure it matches the requirements for a complete application. Uploading incorrect, blurry, or incomplete documentation will be considered an INCOMPLETE APPLICATION and will result in your application being delayed and/or rejected!
All STVR applications have a strict 60-day lifespan for the entire process—from the moment you hit submit to final certificate issuance.
- The Rule: You must submit all requested documentation, pay your fees, and respond to any comments, corrections, or questions from City Staff within this 60-day window.
- The Penalty: Failure to complete these actions or respond to staff within this 60-day window will result in your application being rejected, and you will have to start the process 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 |
Steps After Application
The Appeals Process
If your STVR application is denied or an existing permit is revoked, you have the right to appeal the decision to determine if an administrative error was made.
- First Step: You may file an appeal with the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Second Step: If the Board of Zoning Appeals upholds the denial, you may further appeal the decision to the Chancery Court.
Strict Deadline: Any appeal must be formally submitted within sixty (60) days of the date of your application denial or permit revocation.
Important Limitations of the Board
Please note that the Board of Zoning Appeals operates under strict regulatory guidelines:
Error Review Only: The Board's sole role is to determine if staff made an error in interpreting or applying the ordinance to your application.
No Zoning Exceptions: The Board cannot grant or permit an STVR in a zone where the use is not legally allowed.
No Capacity Exceptions: The Board cannot waive or exceed the 25% density/capacity cap.
Re-zoning Restriction
If a property undergoes a zoning change, a waiting period applies before it can be used as a non-owner occupied short-term rental. The owner or applicant cannot apply for an Absentee STVR certificate within 18 months of the official re-zoning ordinance effective date.
Certificate Transferability
STVR certificates are tied to the specific property address and the individual operator.
- What is allowed: A valid certificate can be transferred to a new owner or applicant for that same property.
- What is NOT allowed: A certificate cannot be transferred to a different property or a new address.
Need to transfer a permit to a new owner? Submit a Transfer Application Here
Processing Time
Generally, STVR Applications are processed within 30 days.
Helpful Resources
Ready to host?
Find all the forms, checklists, and step-by-step guides you need to successfully complete your application and secure your Chattanooga STVR certificate at the link below: