Short-term rentals (STRs) are prohibited in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. In December 2018, the City adopted Ordinance 18-928, amending the municipal code to ban STRs in all residential zoning districts. Violations are enforced under state law at $50 per day plus court costs. This applies to properties operated less than thirty (30) days, and the city treats any such rentals in residential areas as impermissible transient habitation/“hotel-like” uses.

Key points:

• Ban: Yes, in residential zoning districts (e.g., R-15, R-25, R-40).
• Definition: STR defined as less than 1 month (30 days); only long-term residential tenancy (30+ days) is permitted in residential districts.
• Enforcement: Heavily enforced; $50/day plus court costs per state law.
• Definition source: The city’s zoning ordinance classifies short-term/transient habitation (<30 days) as “commercial activity” (e.g., hotel/motel types), which is prohibited in residential zones.
• Grandfathering: There is no evidence of a general “grandfather clause” for STRs in residential zones; a 2017 case at 510 Mason Lane (a legal nonconforming duplex) did not create a blanket exemption, and STR operation there was ordered to cease.

Given the prohibition, investors should not plan on operating a new STR in Goodlettsville. If a legacy use is claimed, consult an attorney and the city immediately.

References:

• Goodlettsville Ordinance 18-928: “banned all short term rentals in all residential zoning in December 2018. … Goodlettsville defines a short term rental as any period less than 1 month.” (external summary).
• City Code and 2017 Board of Zoning & Sign Appeals minutes: Residential zoning only allows permanent residential uses (≥30 days). Short-term rentals (<30 days) in residential districts are treated as transient habitation and are prohibited.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Because STRs are prohibited in residential zones in Goodlettsville, starting a new STR in the city is not viable. If you own a property elsewhere, do not rely on the address crossing into a nearby jurisdiction (e.g., Nashville, Hendersonville) without separate compliance in that jurisdiction.

Viable alternatives within reasonable distance include:

• Berry Hill (Davidson County): Allows both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied STRs in most districts (subject to caps and occupancy limits).
• Nashville: A complex, evolving framework that distinguishes owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied STRs with specific rules, caps, and licensing.
• Other nearby cities with non-owner STR access may also exist; always confirm current rules.

If you proceed with a property outside Goodlettsville:

• Verify zoning allows STRs in the exact district.
• Confirm you can obtain any required permits/registrations.
• Ensure HOA/Condo documents allow STRs.
• Build compliance into operations (taxes, licensing, occupancy limits, noise/parking rules).

Note: Property management companies in Middle Tennessee often refuse to manage prohibited STRs; ensure local acceptance before purchase or leasing.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

In Goodlettsville (residential zones):

• Permits/Licenses: None applicable; STRs are prohibited.
• Zoning compliance: Only permanent residential tenancy (≥30 days) is permitted; all rentals less than 30 days are considered transient and prohibited.
• Legacy/Nonconforming: No general authorization is evident. Properties claiming prior nonconforming use should seek legal counsel and city review; the 2017 case did not create a blanket exemption and ended with STR use disallowed in residential zones.

For reference only (non-Goodlettsville), typical nearby requirements include:

• Business license/registration (where required).
• Safety inspections (e.g., smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers).
• Posting requirements (owner contact, occupancy limits).
• Parking/nuisance compliance (quiet hours, trash, signage).
• Listing platform compliance (local registration numbers, tax remittances).

Specific Regulations (City, County, State)

City of Goodlettsville

• STRs prohibited in residential zoning (Ordinance 18-928, Dec 2018).
• STR defined as rental for less than 1 month.
• Violations: $50/day plus court costs per state law.
• Zoning ordinance classification: “Transient habitation” (<30 days) is considered a commercial activity (hotel/motel type) and is prohibited in residential districts.

County-level (Sumner County)

• Sumner County does not override municipal zoning bans.
• County-level STR requirements apply in unincorporated areas of the county; they do not permit STRs within Goodlettsville’s city limits if the city bans them.
• If you are in the county’s jurisdiction (outside Goodlettsville), you may still be subject to county regulations (zoning and any STR licensing); confirm details with county planning.

State of Tennessee

• STRs are governed locally; state law does not preempt a city’s zoning ban.
• Operators collecting occupancy taxes must register for and remit Tennessee sales tax and state hotel occupancy tax to the Tennessee Department of Revenue (TN DOR).
• Each STR stay under 90 days likely triggers hotel occupancy tax; confirm remittance rules and rates with TN DOR.
• County hotel occupancy taxes may also apply depending on county location; verify rates and requirements with the relevant county revenue office.

Taxes

Because STRs are prohibited in Goodlettsville, no local hotel tax is collected in the city for STRs. However, even prohibited operations are subject to state-level tax obligations if any transient lodging was provided, including:

• Tennessee sales tax.
• Tennessee state hotel occupancy tax (per TN DOR).
• Applicable county hotel occupancy tax (rates vary by county; verify with the county).

Additionally, under the 2015 Tennessee Attorney General opinion, short-term rentals are considered lodging establishments and must pay hotel/motel taxes.

Compliance note:

• Never attempt to evade tax reporting obligations due to zoning restrictions; consult a tax professional and the TN DOR for filings.

Enforcement and Appeals

• Enforcement: Code enforcement investigates complaints; violations are tied to state law at $50/day plus court costs.
• Appeals process: Decisions by the City may be appealed. For zoning interpretations, the Board of Zoning & Sign Appeals hears cases; further appeal is to Chancery Court, as reflected in the 2017 minutes.

Contact Information

City of Goodlettsville (primary)

• Planning and Development Services (zoning/ordinances and enforcement)
  • Phone: (615) 851-3200
  • Website: goodlettsville.gov
• City Hall (general information)
  • Address: 103 S. Main Street, Goodlettsville, TN 37072
  • Phone: (615) 851-3200
• City Attorney: (615) 851-3200 (general) or contact City Hall for direction

State of Tennessee

• Tennessee Department of Revenue (Hotel Occupancy and Sales Tax)
  • Phone: (615) 253-0604
  • Website: tn.gov/revenue

County-level (if relevant)

• Davidson County
  • Contact: Davidson County Trustee or Metro Nashville Revenue for hotel occupancy tax
  • Website: nashville.gov
• Sumner County
  • Contact: Sumner County Trustee or Tax Collector
  • Website: sumnercountytn.gov

Note: Because Goodlettsville spans two counties, confirm the exact county jurisdiction of your property before addressing county-level taxes.

Source Links

• City of Goodlettsville Ordinance 18-928 (Short-Term Rentals ban): www.cityofgoodlettsville.org/DocumentCenter/View/4545/18-928-AMEND-MUNICIPAL-CODE-SHORT-TERM-RENTALS
• Goodlettsville Zoning Ordinance (Municode): library.municode.com/tn/goodlettsville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT14ZOLAUSCO
• Minutes – Board of Zoning & Sign Appeals (Nov 7, 2017) – 510 Mason Lane case: goodlettsville.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=1925
• External Summary (no confirmation content beyond the city): Short Term Rental Laws in Middle Tennessee – “Goodlettsville: banned all short term rentals in all residential zoning in December 2018” – www.granthammond.com/short-term-rentals/short-term-rental-laws-in-middle-tennessee/
• STRProfitMap (Tennessee overview): www.strprofitmap.com/regulations/TN

Quick Take for Investors

• STRs are not allowed in Goodlettsville’s residential zones; assume no operating pathway.
• If you already own or claim a legacy operation, engage legal counsel and the City immediately; the 2017 case indicates STR use was disallowed even on a legal nonconforming duplex.
• Alternatives are limited to nearby cities like Berry Hill and Nashville; always confirm zoning and licensing before buying.
• Even if prohibited, state taxes and local enforcement still apply; do not ignore tax or enforcement risk.

Important disclaimer:

• City, county, and state rules may change. Always verify directly with the authorities above before any decision-making.