Zoning Administrator enforces six-month wait for expired short-term rental permits

The Short Term Rental Appeals Board of Nashville convened on May 30, 2025, to address several key issues regarding the operation and regulation of short-term rental properties (STRPs) in Davidson County. The meeting focused on the review of permit renewals and compliance with local ordinances.

The first item on the agenda involved a discussion about the status of three documents staged in February and four in March, which pertained to various STRP permits. The board reviewed the implications of a recent determination by the zoning administrator regarding properties operating without renewed permits. According to the ordinance, if a property is found to be operating without a valid permit, a six-month waiting period is imposed before the property can reapply for an STRP permit.

A specific case was highlighted during the meeting involving Mr. Miller, who had reached out to inspector David Fredrick on April 1, 2025, to inquire about renewing his expired permit. Mr. Miller cited personal challenges that had distracted him from the renewal process. The board noted that while a 30-day grace period for renewal is allowed under certain conditions, this grace period does not apply once it has expired. The ordinance stipulates that the zoning administrator may grant this grace period if there are no documented complaints against the property during the previous permit period.

Further investigation revealed that Mr. Miller's property was listed on a monthly report from Granicus Host Compliance, indicating it was operating with an expired permit. On April 7, 2025, inspector John Phelps confirmed that the property was indeed being advertised online despite the lack of a valid STRP permit.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the importance of compliance with local regulations and the consequences of failing to renew permits in a timely manner. The board emphasized the need for property owners to remain vigilant about their permit status to avoid penalties and ensure continued operation of their rental properties.