Proposed new rules for short-term vacation rentals were well received at a Chattanooga City Council public hearing last week.
A pair of proposed ordinances seek to approve the operation of short-term vacation rentals in all residential areas by means of a certification process instead of current rezoning procedures.
Out of an estimated 100 people who attended the public hearing, around 20 addressed the council. Many identified themselves as short-term vacation rental operators and described themselves as ambassadors for the city.
Sally Morrow, a South Chattanooga Airbnb host, said short-term vacation rentals allow potential transplants to Chattanooga to test out neighborhoods and the city as a whole.
“I think the proposed ordinance is a good in-between for making sure hosts, property owners, are attentive to the needs of the city and compliance with taxes, but also allows something that brings a lot of value to the city,” Morrow said.