Memphis Ordinance 5894 splits short-term rentals into Type A (owner-occupied primary residence) and Type B (non-primary). Type A operators must use the dwelling as their primary residence at least 185 days per calendar year.
Adopted in 2020, Ord. 5894 created two STR permit classes. Type A requires the owner to occupy the property as their bona fide primary residence, evidenced by driver's license, voter registration, or tax records. Type B (non-owner-occupied) is restricted to limited zones and faces stricter density caps. Type A applicants submit proof of residency annually with permit renewal. Misrepresenting primary residence is grounds for permit revocation. Operators caught running unlisted Type B properties as Type A face escalating penalties. The split favors owner-hosts over investor-buyers in residential neighborhoods.
Operating without proof of primary residence, falsifying residency documents, or converting a Type A unit to a non-owner-occupied rental triggers permit revocation, fines, and a one-year reapplication ban.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Memphis's primary-residence-only rule rules stack up against other locations.
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