Chattanooga divides short-term rentals into Type 1 (owner-occupied primary residence) and Type 2 (non-primary). Type 1 is permitted broadly in residential zones; Type 2 faces stricter zoning limits citywide under Chapter 38.
Under Chattanooga City Code Chapter 38, a Type 1 STR must be the owner or operator's primary residence, occupied at least 185 days per year. Type 1 permits are allowed by right in most residential zones, while Type 2 (non-owner-occupied whole-home rentals) require special permits and are restricted to specific zoning districts. Tennessee's Short Term Rental Unit Act (TCA 13-7-602) preempts cities from banning STRs that operated lawfully before 2018, but Chattanooga's two-tier framework remains enforceable. Hosts must provide proof of primary residency such as a driver license or utility bills.
Operating a non-primary residence as Type 1 risks permit revocation, fines starting at 50 dollars per day, and reclassification as illegal Type 2.
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See how Chattanooga's primary-residence-only rule rules stack up against other locations.
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