Requirements
What Are The Requirements?
Documentation Required for ALL NEW STVR Applications:
- Valid State ID for the Applicant (A state ID will also be needed for the Agent)
- Proof of Ownership (A warranty deed or screenshot from tax accessor card are most acceptable)
- Proof of Insurance (Declaration page)
- Site/Floor Plan (Must show smoke/CO detector locations, overall layout/exits, and parking locations)
- City of Chattanooga Business License (Apply here: https://chattanoogatreasurer.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1110)
- Emergency Escape Plan (Must clearly show the methods of egress in RED from each room/floor of the house/unit)
- Picture of the EEP Posted On Each Floor in House/Unit (Must be taken far enough away to show placement in the room, as well as be in a 8x11 format and mounted with the intention that it will remain posted.)
Additional Documentation Required for HOMESTAY Applications:
- Secondary Proof of Primary Residence: Must be one of the following tax forms; W-2, W-9.1099, 1065 or a Voter’s Registration Card.
Additional Documentation Potentially Needed for STVR Applications:
- Proof of Agency (Needed if the Applicant is operating as an Agent for the Owner of the property)
- Valid State ID for the Agent
- Articles of Organization/Company Charter (Needed if there is an LLC or other Company name on documentation uploaded for the Application)
Am I Eligible?
Designations
1: 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.
- (Move the Find your zone link to this spot and name it “Check Your Residence Here” and then delete the link from the bottom.)
- Allowed within zones C-C. C-R, C-MU1, C-MU2, CC, IX, RF, RV, SH, CX.
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.
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
- Valid State ID for the Applicant
- Emergency Escape Plan (Must clearly show the methods of egress in RED from each room/floor of the house/unit)
- Picture of the EEP Posted On Each Floor in House/Unit (Must be taken far enough away to show placement in the room, as well as be in a 8x11 format and mounted with the intention that it will remain posted.)
- Valid State ID for the Agent (if applicable)
Agency Contract (If applicable)
FOR HOMESTAY RENEWALS:
- Secondary Proof of Primary Residence: Must be one of the following tax forms; W-2, W-9, 1099, 1065 or a Voter’s Registration Card.
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, 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.