Some City Council Members Remain Adamant About Keeping STVRs Out Of Their Districts

  • Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Some City Council members remain adamant that they don't want short term vacation rentals (STVRs) in their districts.

In a rewriting of the STVR code, planning staff had recommended that the current overlay zone be done away with in place of citywide rentals with certain restrictions such as density caps.

With the current overlay, STVRs are not suppose to be operating in City Council Districts 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Chris Anderson, senior advisor to the mayor, said there are multiple "illegal" rentals operating in all the nine council districts, including 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Councilman Ken Smith said he remains opposed to rentals in his District 3. He said he might be open to the idea of allowing them in a commercial zone, but not single-family.

Councilwoman Carol Berz of District 6, said residents there "definitely oppose" STVRs. She said one problem is that "there is a terrible record of enforcement."

She said, "We turn them in (illegals), but they're still there."

Councilwoman Berz mentioned fears of "the absentee ones turning into party houses." She said the rentals "get rid of the neighborliness. That's not what they signed up for." 

Marvene Noel of District 8 said, "We've got a slew of them. It's a clear concern of residents. They do not want them."

The council will discuss the topic again on Nov. 1 at 12:30 p.m.

Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 7/12/2025

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report. (If your case is dismissed, just email us your name and date we ran it and we will promptly take off. Email to news@chattanoogan.com ) ADKIRSON,JAMES ... more

Bridge Inspections Prompt Lane Closures On I-75 In Bradley County
  • 7/11/2025

Drivers traveling on I-75 in Bradley County should be aware of an upcoming bridge inspection that will temporarily impact traffic. Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time, Tennessee Department ... more

Work Replacing Drainpipe Prompts Closure Of Section Of Highway 41 In Marion County On Monday
  • 7/11/2025

Drivers traveling on Highway 41 (Cummings Highway) in Marion County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will temporarily impact traffic. On Monday from 6 a.m. to ... more