Overview: Are Short‑Term Rentals Allowed in Cookeville?

Short‑term rentals (STRs) such as Airbnb and VRBO are explicitly allowed in Cookeville, TN, but only on properties located within specific zoning districts. The City Council adopted an ordinance regulating Short‑Term Rental Units in December 2017. STRs are permitted only in the following zones: RM8, RM14, PRD, CBD, CN, CL, CG, MS, and UNV. Properties outside these zones are not eligible for an STR permit within city limits. Investors should first confirm zoning and city-limit status before proceeding.

How to Start a STR Business in Cookeville

The city provides a structured checklist for obtaining an STR permit. Follow these steps in order:

1. Confirm zoning and city-limit status: STRs are allowed only in RM8, RM14, PRD, CBD, CN, CL, CG, MS, and UNV. If your parcel is in a different zone, STR use is not permitted.
2. Obtain a Short‑Term Rental Permit application from the Codes Division and complete all required fields.
3. Schedule and pass a fire inspection for the STR unit.
4. Obtain both a city business license and a county business license (Putnam County).
5. Secure appropriate insurance for the STR operation as required by city guidelines.
6. Submit the completed STRP permit application and all required documents to the Codes Department.
7. Pay applicable permit fees.
8. Upon approval, your Short‑Term Rental Permit will be issued.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Short‑Term Rental Property (STRP) Permit Application
• Evidence of zoning eligibility (RM8, RM14, PRD, CBD, CN, CL, CG, MS, UNV)
• Completed fire inspection approval
• City of Cookeville business license
• Putnam County business license
• Proof of appropriate insurance coverage
• Any additional documentation specified in the city’s STRP application or checklist

Investors should use the city’s Short‑Term Rental Checklist as the definitive application guide.

Specific Regulations for STRs in Cookeville

• Permitted zones only: RM8, RM14, PRD, CBD, CN, CL, CG, MS, UNV. Use outside these districts is prohibited.
• STR permit is mandatory for all STR operations within city limits.
• Fire inspection is required prior to permit issuance.
• A business license from both the city and the county is required.
• Insurance coverage is required.
• The application is submitted to the Codes Department; permits are issued by the city following review and fee payment.

County and State Level Notes

The city materials emphasize county licensing but do not detail Putnam County’s STR licensing procedures or county-level restrictions. At the state level, Tennessee requires business registration/tax licensing for most business activities conducted within the state. Investors should obtain the appropriate state-level registrations and consult the Tennessee Department of Revenue for any applicable excise or gross receipts taxes related to STR operations.

Contact Information for Local Authority in Charge of STRs

• City of Cookeville General Contact
  • Phone: 931‑526‑9591
  • Address: 45 E Broad Street, Cookeville, TN 38501
• Planning Department (zoning verification and zoning map)
  • Phone: 931‑520‑5271
• Codes Department (STR permit intake and inspections)
  • Phone: 931‑520‑5233
• Building Official (general permit and code questions)
  • Phone: 931‑520‑5268
• Fire Inspector (fire inspection scheduling)
  • Phone: 931‑520‑5269

Links to Source Pages

• Short‑Term Rental Property (city STR information)
  • www.cookeville-tn.gov/604/Short-Term-Rental-Property
• Short‑Term Rental Checklist
  • www.cookeville-tn.gov/605/Short-Term-Rental-Checklist
• STRP Ordinance (PDF)
  • www.cookeville-tn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2026/STRP-Ordinance
• STRP Permit Application (PDF)
  • www.cookeville-tn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2025/STRP_Permit_
• Zoning Map
  • www.cookeville-tn.gov/320/Zoning-Map
• Cookeville Municipal Code
  • library.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/Tennessee/cookeville_tn/thecookevillemunicipalcode?f=templates$fn=default.htm$3.0$vid=amlegal:cookeville_tn

Practical Tips for Investors

• Before purchasing a property for STR use, verify zoning and whether the parcel lies inside city limits. The Planning Department can confirm zoning; use the zoning map to cross-check.
• Plan for the fire inspection early in the process to avoid permit delays.
• Budget time for both city and county business licensing, as both are required.
• Keep all documentation organized—permit applications, inspection reports, and licenses—on file for ongoing compliance and renewals.
• If your intended property is not in a permitted zone, consider alternative zones (RM8, RM14, PRD, CBD, CN, CL, CG, MS, UNV) or alternative properties within permitted districts.