Requirements
What Are The Requirements?
A short-term vacation rental certificate is required to legally operate in the City of Chattanooga.
Documentation Required for ALL NEW STVR Applications:
- Valid State ID for the Applicant
For homestay designations: State ID must show the address of the property.
For absentee designations: State ID can be from another state.
- Proof of Ownership
Required documents: Stamped & Filed Warranty Deed OR the Tax Assessor Property Card.
- Proof of Insurance
Must include the policy declaration page and clearly show the property address and effective dates.
- City of Chattanooga Business License
Apply here: https://chattanoogatreasurer.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1110
We do not accept Hamilton County or State Business Licenses.
If a business entity is listed on the business license, an Articles of Organization, Company Charter, or Operating Agreement will be required.
- Site/Floor Plan
Must show smoke/CO detector locations, overall layout/exits, and parking location for the unit.
- Emergency Escape Plan
Must clearly show the methods of egress in RED from each room/floor of the unit.
- Picture of the EEP Posted on Each Floor in Rental
Photos should show their placement in the room, be printed 8x11, and mounted for permanent display.
- Proof of Agency
An agent is required if the applicant resides more than 2 hours from the unit.
The following are required when utilizing an agent:
Agency contract
Agent's valid State ID
Agent's contact information
Additional Documentation Required for HOMESTAY Applications:
- Secondary Proof of Primary Residence
Must be one of the following tax forms; W-2, 1099, 1065 or a vehicle registration.
Additional documents may be requested.
Am I Eligible?
Designations
Homestay: A short-term rental property which is the primary residence of the applicant. “Primary“ being defined as the residence of the applicant at least 183 days a year.
Allowed at residences within the Short-Term Rental overlay.
Also allowed in zones that allow for absentee designations.
2: Absentee: A short-term rental property that is not the primary residence of the applicant.
ONLY allowed within zones that allow for hotels (C-C. C-R, C-MU1, C-MU2, CC, IX, RF, RV, SH, CX).
Allowed within any parcel of at least 20 acres or more with common ownership that allows for residential uses.
Find your zone on the GIS Map. - For assistance, please refer to the helpful document below to learn how to find out property eligibility.
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.
The following documents are required for renewal:
- Valid State ID for the Applicant
For homestay designations: State ID must show the address of the property.
For absentee designations: State ID can be from another state.
- City of Chattanooga Business License
Apply here: https://chattanoogatreasurer.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1110
We do not accept Hamilton County or State Business Licenses.
If a business entity is listed on the business license, an Articles of Organization, Company Charter, or Operating Agreement will be required.
- Emergency Escape Plan
Must clearly show the methods of egress in RED from each room/floor of the unit.
- Picture of the EEP Posted on Each Floor in Rental
Photos should show their placement in the room, be printed 8x11, and mounted for permanent display.
- Proof of Agency
An agent is required if the applicant resides more than 2 hours from the unit.
The following are required when utilizing an agent:
Agency contract
Agent's valid State ID
Agent's contact information
Additional Documentation Needed for HOMESTAY Applications:
- Secondary Proof of Primary Residence
Must be one of the following tax forms; W-2, 1099, 1065 or a vehicle registration.
Additional documents may be requested.
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 may appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals. If the denial is upheld, you may further appeal to Chancery Court. The appeal must be submitted within sixty (60) days of the denial or permit revocation.
Rezoning
For properties rezoned, the owner/applicant cannot apply for an absentee STVR certificate within 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. Submit the following documents via email to 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.