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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Rockwood, Tennessee. However, there are no city-specific short-term rental ordinances, regulations, or licensing requirements explicitly identified in the Rockwood Municipal Code. This means that short-term rental operations in Rockwood must comply with general business licensing requirements, zoning regulations, and Tennessee state laws governing transient accommodations.

The absence of specific STR regulations means the industry operates under the standard municipal framework for business operations, building codes, and zoning compliance, along with applicable state requirements for transient occupancy and taxation.

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

1. Property Acquisition and Zoning Verification

• Verify Zoning Compliance: Before purchasing property, confirm that short-term rental use is permitted under current zoning classifications. Contact the City Planning Commission (Title 14, Chapter 1) to verify allowable uses in specific zoning districts.
• Review Building Codes: Ensure the property meets all residential building codes (Title 12) and property maintenance standards (Title 13).
• Utility Services: Verify that electric, water, sewer, and gas services can be provided. Note that utility service providers require building permits or certificates of occupancy before supplying services (Section 2-307).

2. Business Registration and Licensing

• Business License: Register as a business with the city and obtain applicable business licenses through the city recorder's office.
• Tax Registration: Register for state and local tax obligations, including sales tax and any applicable business taxes.

3. Operational Setup

• Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with fire codes (Title 7) and building safety requirements.
• Parking and Access: Verify adequate parking and emergency access as required by municipal codes.
• Waste Management: Arrange for refuse disposal services (Title 17).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City-Level Requirements

• Business License: Required through the city recorder's office
• Building Permit/Certificate of Occupancy: Required before utility services can be supplied (Section 2-307)
• Zoning Compliance Verification: Confirm STR use is permitted in the specific zoning district
• Fire Safety Compliance: Meet fire district requirements (Chapter 7-1)

State-Level Requirements

• Tennessee Sales Tax Permit: Required for collecting and remitting sales tax on transient accommodations
• Transient Occupancy Tax Registration: Register for TOT collection and remittance
• Business Registration: Tennessee Secretary of State registration if operating as an LLC or corporation

Documentation Requirements

• Property Insurance: Comprehensive liability and property coverage
• Guest Agreements: Rental agreements compliant with Tennessee landlord-tenant laws
• Safety Plans: Emergency procedures and contact information for guests
• Tax Records: Documentation for sales tax and transient occupancy tax remittance

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

City of Rockwood Regulations

Business Operations (Title 9)

• General business licensing requirements apply to STR operators
• Special events regulations (Chapter 9-5) may apply for larger gatherings
• Peddler and solicitor regulations (Chapter 9-1) don't directly apply to STRs but establish general business conduct standards

Building and Safety (Title 12)

• Building Code (Chapter 12-1) applies to all construction and renovation
• Residential Code (Chapter 12-5) governs living space requirements
• Existing Building Code (Chapter 12-8) applies to properties being converted to STR use
• Energy Conservation Code (Chapter 12-6) may apply to efficiency standards

Fire Protection (Title 7)

• Fire District regulations (Chapter 7-1) establish emergency response parameters
• Fire Code compliance (Chapter 7-2) requires proper safety equipment and egress
• Fire service outside city limits (Chapter 7-5) may apply depending on property location

Property Maintenance (Title 13)

• Miscellaneous property standards (Chapter 13-1) establish maintenance requirements
• Slum clearance provisions (Chapter 13-2) ensure properties remain in habitable condition

Zoning and Land Use (Title 14)

• Municipal Planning Commission (Chapter 14-1) oversees zoning compliance
• Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 14-2) governs land use classifications
• Flood Plain Zoning (Chapter 14-5) may apply depending on property location

Roane County Regulations

The municipal code document does not contain county-specific STR regulations. County-level requirements would apply to unincorporated areas and may include:

• County zoning regulations
• County business licenses
• County taxation requirements

Tennessee State Regulations

Transient Occupancy Tax

Tennessee municipalities are authorized to levy transient occupancy taxes on short-term rentals. Contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue for current rates and registration requirements.

Sales Tax

Short-term rentals are subject to Tennessee sales tax (currently 7%). Operators must collect and remit this tax.

Business Registration

• Sole proprietors: Register with county clerk
• LLCs/Corporations: Register with Tennessee Secretary of State

Landlord-Tenant Laws

Tennessee Code Annotated governs:

• Guest rights and responsibilities
• Property maintenance standards
• Discrimination protections
• Eviction procedures for extended stays

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Rockwood Government

Mayor Jason Jolly

• Address: 110 S. Chamberlain Ave, Rockwood, TN 37854
• Phone: (865) 354-0637
• Email: Available through city hall

City Council Meetings

• Schedule: 4th Monday of each month at 7:00 PM
• Location: City Hall, 110 S. Chamberlain Ave, Rockwood, TN 37854

City Recorder Becky Ruppe

• Address: 110 S. Chamberlain Ave, Rockwood, TN 37854
• Phone: (865) 354-0637
• Responsible for business licenses and permits

Municipal Administrator

• Contact through city hall for administrative inquiries
• Phone: (865) 354-0637

Department Contacts

Building Inspector Harold Ishman

• Phone: (865) 354-0637
• Responsible for building permits and inspections

Fire Chief Matthew Crabtree

• Phone: (865) 354-0637
• Fire safety and code compliance

Planning Commission

• Contact through city hall
• Zoning and land use questions

State-Level Contacts

Tennessee Department of Revenue

• Website: tn.gov/revenue
• Phone: (615) 253-0600
• Sales tax and business tax questions

Tennessee Secretary of State

• Website: sos.tn.gov
• Phone: (615) 741-2816
• Business registration and filing

Source References

Primary Source Document:

• Rockwood Municipal Code (Latest Update: January 27, 2025)
• Available at: www.mtas.tennessee.edu/system/files/codes/combined/Rockwood-code.pdf
• Prepared by: Municipal Technical Advisory Service, Institute for Public Service, University of Tennessee

Key Municipal Code Sections Referenced:

• Title 9: Business, Peddlers, Solicitors, etc.
• Title 12: Building, Utility, etc. Codes
• Title 13: Property Maintenance Regulations
• Title 14: Zoning and Land Use Control
• Title 7: Fire Protection and Fireworks
• Section 2-307: Building permit or certificate of occupancy required before service is supplied

Note on Currency: The municipal code was last updated on January 27, 2025. Operators should verify current requirements as city ordinances may have been passed since this update. Contact the city recorder's office at (865) 354-0637 for the most current information on business licensing and zoning requirements.

Important Disclaimer: This guide is based on the available municipal code document. Given the absence of specific STR regulations, operators should consult directly with city officials to confirm current requirements and verify that no new ordinances have been adopted since the last code update.