Overview: STR Status in Livingston, TN

Short-term rentals are allowed in Livingston, Tennessee, but only within a specific regulatory framework that has been recently established. As of September 2021, the city was actively preparing an ordinance to officially allow and regulate Airbnb and similar lodging platforms. While STRs were operating in the city without formal approval (approximately 6 were identified), the city was moving toward a comprehensive regulatory approach that would require proper licensing, inspections, and tax compliance.

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

Step 1: Understand the Regulatory Framework

Livingston's STR regulations are designed to balance the benefits of short-term rentals with community safety and neighborhood protection. The city modeled its approach after similar ordinances in Cookeville, Algood, and Sparta, Tennessee.

Step 2: Navigate Zoning and Location Requirements

The Livingston Planning Commission will determine specific zoning areas where STRs are permitted. Prospective operators should:

• Verify that the property is located in an area zoned for STR operations
• Ensure compliance with residential zoning requirements
• Consider potential impacts on neighboring properties

Step 3: Complete Required Inspections and Safety Measures

All STR operators must undergo:

• Fire inspections
• Egress inspections
• Annual safety inspections to ensure tenant safety

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Business License

A city business license is mandatory for all STR operations in Livingston. This license enables the city to:

• Track who is operating in the community
• Ensure compliance with safety standards
• Facilitate revenue collection

Annual Inspections

• Fire safety inspection: Required to ensure proper fire safety measures
• Egress inspection: Required to verify safe exit routes
• Annual inspection: Mandatory ongoing compliance check

Tax Registration and Collection

• Hotel/Motel Tax: 4% of annual gross revenue must be paid to the city
• Tax collection applies to all lodging providers, including STRs
• The tax is assessed on gross revenue, not profit

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Livingston)

Safety Requirements

• Fire inspections are mandatory for all STR properties
• Egress inspections are required to verify emergency exit adequacy
• Properties must meet building code safety standards

Licensing and Oversight

• Business license required from the city
• Annual fee structure applies
• City maintains registry of all STR operators for accountability

Grandfathering Provisions

Existing STR operators at the time of ordinance adoption are subject to "grandfathering" provisions:

• Not required to fully retrofit properties to current building codes
• Still required to pay annual fees
• Must comply with ongoing safety standards and inspections

Zoning Restrictions

• Final zoning restrictions determined by Livingston Planning Commission
• STRs may be limited to specific residential zones
• Commercial and industrial zoning restrictions may apply

County-Level Regulations (Overton County)

Based on available information, Overton County implemented hotel/motel tax regulations several years before Livingston, providing precedent for municipal tax authority over lodging facilities. No additional county-specific STR regulations were identified in the provided sources.

State-Level Regulations (Tennessee)

Tennessee state law has been amended to allow municipalities to collect hotel/motel taxes from short-term rental operations. This legislative change enables cities like Livingston to:

• Tax STR revenue at the municipal level
• Regulate STR operations within city limits
• Ensure compliance with state lodging standards

Contact Information for Local STR Authorities

Primary Contact - City of Livingston

Building and Codes Official: Kristian Mansell

• Role: Primary authority for STR safety inspections and building compliance
• Responsibilities: Fire inspections, egress inspections, annual compliance checks

Office: Livingston City Hall

• Address: Livingston, Tennessee (specific address not provided in sources)
• Phone: [Not available in provided sources]
• Email: [Not available in provided sources]

Secondary Contacts

Mayor: Curtis Hayes

• Role: Executive oversight of STR policy implementation
• Responsibilities: Policy direction, ordinance enforcement authority

Livingston Municipal Planning Commission

• Role: Determines zoning locations where STRs are permitted
• Responsibilities: Land use planning, zoning compliance for STR locations

Important Notes for STR Investors

Regulatory Status

The STR regulatory framework in Livingston is still relatively new, with the formal ordinance process beginning in September 2021. Prospective investors should:

• Confirm current status of specific zoning regulations with the Planning Commission
• Verify any updates to licensing requirements and fees
• Stay informed about ongoing policy developments

Market Considerations

• Approximately 6 STRs were operating in Livingston as of September 2021
• Limited competition may indicate market opportunity
• Grandfathering provisions provide transition period for existing operators

Compliance Costs

• Business license fees (amount not specified in sources)
• Annual inspection fees (amount not specified in sources)
• 4% hotel/motel tax on gross revenue
• Potential retrofits for safety compliance (varies by grandfathering status)

Source References

1. UC Now News Report: "Livingston Preparing Ordinance Allowing Air BnB Lodging" - September 14, 2021

   • URL: theucnow.com/2021/09/14/livingston-preparing-ordinance-allowing-air-bnb-lodging/
   • Content: Official city announcements regarding STR policy development

2. Livingston Municipal Zoning Ordinance: Comprehensive zoning regulations for the City of Livingston

   • URL: static1.squarespace.com/static/666c884ca705b277b33b195f/t/66ff1835e7acaa1def82e79a/1727993909962/Livingston+TN+Municipal+Zoning+Ordinances.pdf
   • Content: General zoning framework and permitted uses (Note: Specific STR provisions not detailed in provided sections)

Important Disclaimer: This guide is based on information available as of September 2021. STR regulations in Livingston may have evolved since this time. Investors should verify current requirements, fees, and zoning restrictions with local authorities before making investment decisions.