Operators of short-term rentals in Collegedale have until June 3 to register for a permit now required by the city.
K. Andrew Martin, director of planning and economic development for Collegedale, said he does not know the exact number of short-term rentals operating in the city but believes there are 25-40 units. A short-term rental is described as a dwelling that is rented wholly or partially for a period of less than 30 continuous days.
“While local ordinances and regulations are not mandatory under the 2018 legislation, Collegedale chose to adopt an ordinance clarifying the process for those owners who chose to offer their property as a short-term rental,” Martin wrote in an email to the Times Free Press, referencing state regulations on short-term rentals enacted on Oct. 1, 2018.
As allowed under that legislation – which actually restricts what regulations a municipality can place on short-term-rental operators – the city ordinance requires property owners to register and apply for a short-term-rental unit operation permit. The initial cost of the permit is $300 and will be granted after the unit passes a city inspection. The permit must be renewed annually at a cost of $100. The city said it is requiring an inspection of the properties in order to “assure the unit meets or exceeds codes designed to provide safe lodging to guests.”
“With the growing number of short-term-rental units offered locally and throughout the state, the City of Collegedale recognized the growing utilization of short-term rentals as an additional lodging option in addition to traditional hotels and motels,” Martin wrote.
Around 110,000 users generated about $11 million in income for operators in 2018, according to an industry report released in January. The area served included Hamilton, Bradley, Grundy, Marion, Polk, Rhea, Sequatchie, McMinn, Bledsoe and Meigs counties.
Rentals in Hamilton County generated $9.7 million in revenue.
For more information on how to register for a short-term rental unit operation permit from the city of Collegedale, contact Britney Hutto at 468-1967 or bhutto@collegedaletn.gov.
Email Davis Lundy at davislundy@aol.com