College Grove, Tennessee Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: STR Status in College Grove, TN

Short-term rentals ARE explicitly allowed in College Grove, TN, subject to City of Franklin regulations as College Grove falls within Franklin's municipal jurisdiction. The City of Franklin defines short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) as residential dwelling units rented in their entirety for time periods less than 21 days. This definition provides the legal framework for STR operations in the College Grove area.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in College Grove?

College Grove hosts earn a median $35,156/year with $263 ADR and 50% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $48,749+ per year.

See the full College Grove market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in College Grove, TN

Step 1: Application Process

Submit electronic application to the Building and Neighborhood Services department
No paper applications accepted since November 7, 2022
Applications must be filed through the City's online portal: franklin.idtplans.com/secure/
Review the provided how-to document for detailed submittal guidance

Step 2: Application Requirements

The application process requires comprehensive documentation including:

Property ownership verification
Detailed property information
Contact information for local emergency response
Compliance with all applicable building and safety codes
Proof of insurance coverage
Payment of applicable fees

Step 3: Review and Approval Process

Applications undergo review by the Building and Neighborhood Services department to ensure compliance with all municipal requirements before approval is granted.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Requirements

Electronic Application submitted through City portal
Business Tax and License Applications (linked document available)
Property Inspection (if required by building codes)
Insurance Verification meeting City requirements
Compliance with Municipal Code governing STVRs

Supporting Documentation

Property ownership documentation
Emergency contact information
Building safety compliance certificates
Local contact person information for guest assistance

Reference Materials

Municipal Code Text (available as linked document)
STVR Checklist (comprehensive requirements list)
Business Tax and License Applications (separate forms)
STVR FAQs (frequently asked questions document)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Municipal Level (City of Franklin)

Definition: Residential dwelling units rented in their entirety for periods less than 21 days
Application Process: Electronic submission only through designated portal
Approval Required: Must receive Building and Neighborhood Services approval before operation
Compliance Required: Must adhere to all provisions of Municipal Code governing STVRs

County Level (Williamson County)

The provided content does not specify county-level regulations specific to College Grove. STR operations would primarily be governed by City of Franklin municipal regulations.

State Level (Tennessee)

The National League of Cities guide provides context for typical state-level considerations that may apply:

Common State-Level Regulations

Transient Occupancy Tax: Usually remitted by hosts or platforms
Health and Safety Standards: State building and fire codes
Business Registration: General business license requirements
Zoning Compliance: Adherence to state zoning law frameworks

Regulatory Best Practices

The NLC guide identifies common regulatory approaches including:

Permit Requirements: Most cities require permits for STR operation
Health and Safety Standards: Fire safety equipment, carbon monoxide detectors
Occupancy Limits: Maximum guests per stay (typically 2 per bedroom)
Noise and Nuisance Controls: Compliance with existing noise and disturbance ordinances
Primary Residence Requirements: Some jurisdictions require owner-occupancy

Contact Information

Primary STR Authority

Ben Onisa
City of Franklin
Neighborhood Resources Supervisor
Franklin, TN 37064
Email: ben.onisa@franklintn.gov
Office: 615-550-6727

City Departments

Building and Neighborhood Services
General Information: 615-791-3217

Office Locations

Community Development:
120 9th Ave South, Franklin, TN

Billing & Licensing and Technology:
204 9th Ave South, Franklin, TN

Administration:
740 Columbia Avenue, Franklin, TN

Fire Administration:
507 New Highway 96 West, Franklin, TN

Mailing Address

City of Franklin
109 3rd Ave South
Franklin, TN 37064

Online Resources

STR Application Portal: franklin.idtplans.com/secure/
How-to Document: Available through City website
Additional Resources: Available through Building and Neighborhood Services department

Key Source Links

Important Note: This guide is based on the provided content from City of Franklin official sources. For the most current information and specific regulatory questions, contact Ben Onisa directly or visit the official City of Franklin website. Regulations may be updated, and investors should verify current requirements before beginning operations.

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Ask the AI Advisor about College Grove

College Grove is a small unincorporated community in Williamson County, Tennessee, situated in the rolling countryside south of Nashville. With a population of just a few thousand residents spread across the surrounding rural area, the community has retained a quiet, pastoral feel despite being within easy reach of one of the South's most dynamic metropolitan regions. The area is best known for its luxury rural estates, equestrian properties, and its proximity to some of Middle Tennessee's most celebrated natural and cultural attractions. College Grove sits roughly 35 to 40 miles south of downtown Nashville, and approximately 15 miles south of the historic city of Franklin, making it a convenient countryside escape that still feels connected to the amenities of the city.

One of the most notable nearby destinations is Arrington Vineyards, a scenic winery located only a few miles northwest of College Grove along the historic Hillsboro Road corridor. Co-owned by country music artist Kix Brooks, the vineyard offers tastings, live music events, and picnic-style grounds where visitors can relax among the rolling rows of grapevines. The drive from College Grove is short, typically under fifteen minutes, and the winery has become one of the most popular agritourism stops in the Nashville region, drawing both weekenders and wedding parties throughout the year.

Just to the south of College Grove runs the Natchez Trace Parkway, the 444-mile scenic byway administered by the National Park Service that links Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi. The Trace, as locals call it, offers miles of paved cycling routes, hiking trails, historic Native American and early American sites, and pull-offs with sweeping views of the Tennessee countryside. Several access points lie within a short drive of College Grove, making it a favorite route for cyclists, road-trippers, and anyone interested in the Deep South's natural and pioneer history.

A short drive north brings visitors to the historic downtown square of Franklin, where preserved antebellum architecture, locally owned boutiques, and a thriving restaurant scene have earned the town recognition as one of the most charming small cities in the Southeast. Evenings in Franklin often center around the square, with live music spilling from patios and families strolling past Civil War-era landmarks.

For short-term rental investors and travelers alike, College Grove offers an appealing combination of rural tranquility and regional access. Its location places guests within easy reach of Nashville's music and dining scene, Franklin's historic charm, the wine country of Arrington, and the natural beauty of the Natchez Trace, all while providing the kind of open-space, countryside setting that is increasingly rare in the greater Nashville area. This balance of seclusion and convenience makes the community a quietly compelling base for exploring Middle Tennessee.