Greene Co. Commission adopts resolution to regulate short-term rental properties

GREENE COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Greene County Commission voted on Monday to regulate short-term rentals, such as Airbnbs, in the county. This means the county will issue permits to rental property owners and be able to enforce regular code inspections and parking regulations at the property.

The resolution to “regulate short-term rentals within the unincorporated territory of Greene County” passed with a 13-7 vote with one commissioner abstaining.

The subject was brought about after town and county leaders learned that there were at least 200 short-term rental properties actively hosting in the greater Greeneville/Greene County area. The regulation, however, will only apply to short-term rentals in the county and not within municipal/town limits.

County Mayor Kevin Morrison told News Channel 11 that the regulation aims to take safety factors into account. He said when individuals rent out their properties or rooms of a home, it makes their property a liability, in terms of safety.

“The commission decided that they would regulate, or affirm at least, the Planning Commission’s decision to regulate short-term rentals like Airbnbs, other short-term rentals like private [booking],” he said. “It takes into account the safety factors with regard to opening your home for liability as a business, as well as the county being able, again, to apply fundamental fairness to the capture of revenue, versus another citizen that’s doing something else or having another business.”

Also voted in was a six-month moratorium (hold) on new campground and RV park developments so the Greene County Planning Department has more time to update its zoning regulations.

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