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Chattanooga, TN Short-Term Rentals: Extended Home Share (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
City Code § 38-83
Allowed zones
Hotel-permitting mixed-use/commercial zones
Alternate path
20+ acre common-ownership parcel
Contrast
Homestay allowed in residential zones

Summary

Non-owner-occupied 'absentee' short-term rentals are confined to Chattanooga's mixed-use and commercial zones that allow hotels, or to large parcels of 20+ acres under common residential ownership: unlike owner-occupied homestays.

New non-owner occupied/absentee properties are only allowed throughout the City in the mixed-use and commercial zones that allow a hotel. They are also allowed within any parcel of at least 20 acres or more with common ownership that allows for residential uses.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 38-83 restricts new absentee (non-owner-occupied) short-term vacation rentals to mixed-use and commercial zones that permit hotels citywide, or to any parcel of at least 20 acres under common ownership that allows residential use. Section 38-86(d) reinforces this: if a zoning condition narrows a commercial zone's permitted uses, an absentee rental is allowed only where a hotel or motel remains an allowable use, and the Building Code must be met through permitting. Owner-occupied homestays, by contrast, are allowed in any residential zone within the overlay district.

Violations & Fines

Operating an absentee rental outside an eligible zone without City review is a zoning violation, and the Development Review and Permitting Division can deny or revoke the certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a non-owner-occupied rental in a Chattanooga residential neighborhood?
Generally no: absentee rentals are limited to mixed-use/commercial zones that allow hotels, unless the property sits on a 20+ acre commonly owned parcel, per Sec. 38-83.
What's the difference from a homestay rental?
Homestay rentals must be the owner's primary residence and are allowed in residential zones; absentee rentals have no residency requirement but face tighter zoning limits.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chattanooga

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental PermitsSignificant RestrictionsPrimary-Residence-Only RuleSignificant RestrictionsNoise RulesSome RestrictionsOccupancy LimitsSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental Parking RulesSome RestrictionsHost Presence RuleSome RestrictionsTaxes & FeesSome RestrictionsRepeat Violator StrikesSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Chattanooga rules

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