Spring Hill, TN Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Chapter 5 of Title 20 of the Spring Hill Municipal Code defines a short-term rental as a residential dwelling unit rented wholly or partially for a fee for fewer than 30 continuous days. Hotels as defined in Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-14-302 and bed and breakfast establishments or homestays as defined in Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-14-502 are carved out of the definition.

Section 20-503 bars operation until a permit has been obtained on a form provided by the city. The posted copy must carry seven items: owner and agent contact details, the business license number, any hotel-motel tax certification number, the maximum occupancy, the maximum number of vehicles, the permit number, and an emergency evacuation plan.

Applicants file a complete, sworn application with the City Development Services Department under § 20-505. It must include proof the applicant is the owner or agent, a dimensioned site plan showing parking and guest access, a floor plan with an emergency evacuation plan, a narrative on trash handling and cleaning, and proof of insurance on the dwelling. The fee is $150 for an owner-occupied rental and $300 for any other. The Development Director and the Fire Marshal are notified, and the city issues the permit within 30 days of a complete application when every requirement is met. The decision is final and reviewable only by writ of certiorari to the Chancery Court of Maury County.

Under § 20-506 the permit is tied to one site or address, cannot be transferred to another site, property, agent, or owner, and its number must appear on every listing or platform used to advertise the unit. Owners whose rental already operated as a non-conforming use must still apply within 90 days under § 20-509(B). Section 20-510 adds that the chapter does not override private covenants or homeowner association restrictions.