Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Nolensville, TN?

EXPLICIT ANSWER: Short-term rentals are NOT explicitly allowed in Nolensville, Tennessee. The town currently operates under a default prohibition where any use not specifically listed in zoning ordinances is considered prohibited. As Planning Director Sarah Sitterle stated, "Because it's not listed, it's not allowed." This means short-term rentals (rentals for less than 3 months) are effectively banned under current municipal code, despite no specific ordinance explicitly addressing them.

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

Given Nolensville's current regulatory environment, starting an STR business presents significant legal challenges:

Option 1: Pursue Legal Authorization

• Engage with Town Planning Department: Contact the Planning Director to discuss potential zoning amendments or variances
• Attend Town Commission Meetings: Monitor discussions about STR regulations, as the town is actively researching this issue
• Consider Rezoning Applications: Explore if your property could be rezoned to allow commercial STR operations
• Legal Consultation: Hire local real estate or zoning attorneys familiar with Tennessee municipal law

Option 2: Wait for Regulatory Clarity

• Monitor Legislative Development: The town manager is researching state law and other municipalities' approaches
• Prepare for Potential Changes: Should the town adopt STR regulations, be ready to quickly comply
• Network with Local Officials: Build relationships with commissioners and planning staff

Option 3: Explore Alternative Markets

• Consider Nearby Areas: Look at Franklin, Brentwood, or Nashville where STR regulations are established
• Long-term Rental Conversion: Consider traditional leasing if STR operations remain prohibited

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Current Requirements (Minimal)

Since no city-specific STR regulations exist, requirements are limited to:

State-Level Requirements:

• Tennessee business license (if operating as commercial entity)
• State sales tax registration for collecting/remitting sales tax
• Tennessee Department of Revenue compliance for occupancy taxes

Recommended Documentation:

• Property ownership documentation
• General liability insurance
• Safety certifications (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors)
• Fire extinguisher placement documentation

Potential Future Requirements (Speculative)

Based on regional trends, future Nolensville regulations might include:

• Business License: Municipal STR permit
• Zoning Compliance: Verification that property is in approved zone
• Safety Inspections: Fire, health, and building safety checks
• Occupancy Limits: Maximum guest numbers
• Parking Requirements: Designated parking for guests
• Noise Ordinances: Compliance with quiet hours
• Reporting Requirements: Guest registration with local authorities

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Nolensville (Current Status)

Prohibition Status: As established through the 2018 board decision rejecting explicit bans, STRs remain prohibited by omission in the zoning code.

Key Points from Board Discussion:

• The rejected ordinance would have banned rentals "for a period of less than three months"
• Board members expressed concerns about enforcement difficulties
• No timeline established for revisiting the issue
• Town maintaining "wait and see" approach

Williamson County

No County-Level STR Regulations: County government defers to municipal jurisdictions for zoning and land use matters.

State of Tennessee

Tennessee STR Framework:

• Sales Tax: 7% state sales tax on accommodation charges
• Local Occupancy Tax: Additional local taxes (varies by jurisdiction)
• Business Registration: Required for commercial operations
• Sales Tax Collection: Hosts must collect and remit taxes
• Insurance Requirements: Standard property and liability coverage recommended

State Preemption: Tennessee law allows municipalities significant autonomy in regulating STRs, giving Nolensville broad authority to regulate, permit, or prohibit short-term rentals.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Town of Nolensville - Primary Contacts

Town Manager: Victor Lay

• Research Focus: Currently studying STR regulations and state municipal authority
• Next Steps: Expect STR discussion at Town Commission Work Sessions

Planning Department: Sarah Sitterle, Planning Director

• Role: Interprets current zoning code and would lead any regulatory changes
• Key Position: "Because it's not listed, it's not allowed"

Town Commission

Board of Mayor and Aldermen (3-2 vote against explicit STR ban in 2018):

• Mayor Jimmy Alexander (supported STR ban)
• Alderman Larry Felts (supported STR ban)
• Alderman Brian Snyder (voted against ban)
• Alderman Tommy Dugger (voted against ban)
• Vice Mayor Jason Patrick (voted against ban)

Meeting Schedule: Town Commission Work Sessions (monitor for STR discussions)

Contact Information

Town Hall: Contact through main municipal channels

• Meeting Location: Town Hall (specific address not provided in sources)
• Commission Meetings: Regular schedule (verify current times/locations)

Williamson County Contacts

County Administration: For issues outside municipal jurisdiction Planning Department: For broader regional planning context

Links to Source Pages

1. NewsChannel 5 - STR Exploration Article: www.newschannel5.com/news/on-the-rise/nolensville-exploring-possible-regulations-for-short-term-rentals

2. Williamson Scene - Board Rejects Ban: www.williamsonscene.com/business_williamson/nolensville-board-rejects-ordinance-explicitly-banning-short-term-rentals/article_8ca0fbdf-ae8f-5738-853f-8ad17305fc8a.html

3. Checkmate Rentals - Market Analysis: www.checkmaterentals.com/airbnb-management/nolensville-tennessee

4. Town of Nolensville Official Website (forms/regulations page - technical issues): www.nolensvilletn.gov/forms/hotelmotel-tax-application

5. Nolensville Municipal Code (general reference): www.nolensvilletn.gov/article/1836090

Investment Recommendations

For Immediate Action

1. Legal Due Diligence: Consult with Tennessee municipal law attorney
2. Zoning Verification: Confirm property's current zoning status
3. Monitor Municipal Development: Track Town Commission work sessions
4. Network with Local Officials: Establish relationships with key decision-makers

For Long-term Strategy

1. Alternative Market Analysis: Evaluate nearby municipalities with clear STR frameworks
2. Property Hold Strategy: If owning STR-capable property, consider traditional leasing until regulations clarify
3. Regional Investment: Consider broader Nashville MSA exposure with clearer regulatory environments

Risk Assessment

High Risk Factors:

• Current prohibition status creates immediate legal exposure
• Uncertain regulatory timeline creates investment ambiguity
• Enforcement mechanisms not clearly defined

Opportunity Factors:

• Proximity to Nashville provides market demand potential
• Small-town character appeals to certain guest segments
• Board rejection of explicit ban suggests openness to future regulation rather than permanent prohibition

This market requires careful legal navigation and significant monitoring of municipal development before pursuing STR operations in Nolensville, Tennessee.