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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Cheatham County, TN

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Cheatham County zoning does not use the term 'short-term rental'; transient lodging is regulated via use categories: 'Bed & Breakfast Homestay' (owner-occupied transient lodging allowed only by conditional use permit) and 'Transient Habitation' (hotels/motels). Accessory dwelling unit rules were amended to remove the prior ban on rental of ADUs. The code requires applicable Temporary Use Permits, zoning/building permits, and a Certificate of Occupancy for permitted uses; no occupancy limits, minimum-night stay, host-presence, caps, or platform-registration requirements are stated in the county ordinance.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a conditional-use (Board of Zoning Appeals) application in writing to the Building Department (use the county application form) for Bed & Breakfast/other transient lodging uses requiring conditional approval. 2) Participate in public notice and hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals; if approved, obtain required zoning/building permits and a Certificate of Occupancy. 3) Pay applicable fees as posted in the County fee schedule (set by County Commission); inspections or other building/health requirements apply as part of permit/occupancy processes where stated.

Official Resources

Official Cheatham County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Cheatham County, TN?
Cheatham County zoning does not use the term 'short-term rental'; transient lodging is regulated via use categories: 'Bed & Breakfast Homestay' (owner-occupied transient lodging allowed only by conditional use permit) and 'Transient Habitation' (hotels/motels). Accessory dwelling unit rules were amended to remove the prior ban on rental of ADUs. The code requires applicable Temporary Use Permits, zoning/building permits, and a Certificate of Occupancy for permitted uses; no occupancy limits, minimum-night stay, host-presence, caps, or platform-registration requirements are stated in the county ordinance.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Cheatham County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Cheatham County. 1) Submit a conditional-use (Board of Zoning Appeals) application in writing to the Building Department (use the county application form) for Bed & Breakfast/other transient lodging uses requiring conditional approval. 2) Participate in public notice and hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals; if approved, obtain required zoning/building permits and a Certificate of Occupancy. 3) Pay applicable fees as posted in the County fee schedule (set by County Commission); inspections or other building/health requirements apply as part of permit/occupancy processes where stated.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Cheatham County?
1) Submit a conditional-use (Board of Zoning Appeals) application in writing to the Building Department (use the county application form) for Bed & Breakfast/other transient lodging uses requiring conditional approval. 2) Participate in public notice and hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals; if approved, obtain required zoning/building permits and a Certificate of Occupancy. 3) Pay applicable fees as posted in the County fee schedule (set by County Commission); inspections or other building/health requirements apply as part of permit/occupancy processes where stated.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction