Chattanooga City Councilwoman Carol Berz
Staff photo by John Rawlston/Chattanooga Times Free Press Chattanooga City Councilman Chip HendersonThe Chattanooga City Council will hold public hearings Aug. 30 on regulations for short-term vacation rentals.
The topic has played a recurring role in council discussions over the last month as the city attorney’s office reviews possible legislation on the subject. At the matter’s heart is how – and if – to permit short-term vacation rentals in neighborhoods outside of normal residential rezoning processes.
In a recent meeting, Councilwoman Carol Berz called on her colleagues to hold a frank discussion on a number of issues impacting neighborhood lifestyles, including short-term rentals, boarding houses and home occupations.
“Somehow, we need to consider everyone,” Berz said. “And I would like, before we start passing all this stuff, to be discussing it. We owe something to the people who may want to live in the traditional Dick-and-Jane neighborhood or whatever.”
Berz reiterated concerns voiced earlier this year by the council over internet-based rental sites, such as Airbnb, that allow residents to rent space in their homes to travelers.