Commission votes against Hamilton County vacation rental ban

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Hamilton County Commission finally voted on a topic of much controversy Wednesday morning: vacation rentals. 

The debate over vacation rentals has been contentious for months.

However, by a six to five margin, the commission voted not to change the current ordinances that would ban vacation rentals in unincorporated Hamilton County.

Those against vacation rentals said they feel their concerns were unheard Wednesday. 

Some of these concerns included safety and rising housing costs.

“I don’t know if there are sex offenders. I don’t know anything about them. So, I can’t promise the people that come hang out with me that they will be safe in my house,” said Eden Furr, a resident near vacation rentals.

“To pass it up to the state level, that’s not taking care of the Chattanoogans,” Mellissa Whittaker added. “I believe that Chattanoogans need our commissioners to stand up and say, “Hey! We don’t have to be like the rest of Tennessee. Nashville and Knoxville may develop something similar to what we are doing, but we need to take care of our Chattanoogans. We’re going to stand up for them regardless of what other people do.”

Meanwhile, on the other side, property owners say this is a win for their personal freedoms.

Vacation rental owner Tony Dahlberg said, “I think that the information for them has been valuable and substantial, and I believe that information is what caused the decision today.”

Several commissioners who voted against this resolution echoed this sentiment. Though they understand the concerns with vacation rentals, this resolution was beyond their power. 

“We’re going to have to find some middle ground,” said Commissioner Lee Helton. “This can’t be an all-or-nothing thing; this is not a binary solution. I understand what we are trying to do, I think it goes too far. We have to do a little better.”

Chairman Jeff Eversole had a message for those unhappy with today’s ruling. He said, “Go to your state legislators. The state of Tennessee has the authority to put things in place, in General Sessions … that can make a difference. Not only for Hamilton County, but for the state of Tennessee. This issue is not going; this issue is here to stay. This issue is beyond Hamilton County.”

For the time being, there will be no changes to Hamilton County’s vacation rental policies.

However, there is no indication whether officials will take any action in the future.