Primary-Residence-Only Rule: Charlotte vs Nashville
How do primary-residence-only rule rules compare between Charlotte, NC and Nashville, TN?
Charlotte has fewer restrictions than Nashville.
Charlotte, NC
Mecklenburg County
Charlotte cannot legally restrict short-term rentals to primary residences only. NC appellate rulings, particularly Schroeder v. City of Wilmington, hold that registration-tied residency requirements amount to prohibited zoning by registration.
View full Charlotte rules →Nashville, TN
Davidson County
Non-owner-occupied (Type 2) STRs are barred from Nashville residential zones; only commercial, mixed-use, and a closed grandfathered list remain eligible, with non-transferable permits expiring on sale under Metro Code 17.16.250.C.
View full Nashville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Charlotte | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Primary-residence rule | Preempted by NC law | - |
| Statute reference | NCGS 160D-1207 | - |
| Court ruling | Schroeder v. Wilmington (2021) | - |
| Investor STRs | Permitted in zones | - |
| Type 2 residential | - | Prohibited prospectively |
| Grandfather transfer | - | Lapses on sale |
| Allowed zones | - | Commercial, mixed-use |
| Authority | - | BL2017-608, TCA 13-7-602 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Charlotte FAQ
Can Charlotte limit STRs to my main home?
No. NC court rulings preempt cities from tying STR registration to primary residency, so investor-owned STRs are permitted in zones that allow lodging.
Does my HOA still apply?
Yes. HOA CCRs are private and can ban or limit STRs to primary residences regardless of city or state law.
Nashville FAQ
If I buy a grandfathered Type 2, can I keep operating?
No. Grandfathered Type 2 permits are tied to the original owner and cannot be transferred. The new owner must operate as Type 1 if eligible.
Did state law override Nashville's rules?
Tennessee's STR Unit Act provides partial preemption but explicitly preserves local registration and zoning frameworks adopted before the cutoff date in TCA 13-7-602.
Compare other topics
See how Charlotte and Nashville compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool