How long does it take to get an Airbnb permit in Nashville?

A clean application with no zoning issues, complete documents, and a passing inspection typically takes 6 to 10 weeks from submission to active permit. Applications with missing documents, failed inspections, or zoning questions can take 4+ months.

How much does a Nashville STR permit cost?

The new STRP application fee is $313 (verify current pricing on the Metro Codes site). Annual renewal is roughly the same. Add inspection re-do fees ($50 to $100 per inspection) and any required upgrades to meet safety code.

Can I operate without a permit?

No. Operating an unpermitted STR in Nashville carries fines starting at $50/day and escalating, plus removal from Airbnb and VRBO when reported. Metro actively monitors listings and matches them to the permit database.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 STR permits in Nashville?

Type 1 is owner-occupied: you must live on the property as your primary residence. Available in most residential zones. Type 2 is non-owner-occupied (you do not live there), restricted to specific commercial, mixed-use, and downtown zones, with permit caps in many areas.

My application was rejected, can I appeal?

Yes. The most common rejection reasons are zoning ineligibility (no appeal, the zoning is what it is) or document deficiencies (fixable on resubmit). If denied for code violations, fix the issues and reapply. Misfit Homes maintains a 95% approval rate on permits we manage.

How to Get an Airbnb Permit in Nashville

Step-by-step guide to Metro Nashville's STRP application, from zoning lookup to active permit.

Determine your permit type

Nashville has two STR permit types. Type 1 (owner-occupied) is for properties where the owner lives on-site at least 9 months/year, issued in most residential zones. Type 2 (non-owner-occupied) is restricted to specific commercial and mixed-use zones. Type 2 permits are capped and often unavailable in popular residential neighborhoods like 12 South or East Nashville interior streets.

Verify zoning eligibility

Look up your parcel on the Metro Nashville Maps zoning portal. Confirm your zoning district allows the permit type you need. If your parcel is in a residential district and you do not live on-site, you cannot legally operate as Type 2, period. This is the #1 reason applications get rejected.

Gather required documents

You will need: proof of property ownership (deed or tax record), driver's license (Type 1 must show the property as primary address), liability insurance with minimum $1M coverage naming the property, a site plan showing parking, and HOA approval letter if applicable.

Submit the STRP application

File through the Metro Codes Department's online STRP portal. Application fee is $313 for new applications (subject to change). Applications are reviewed by Codes; expect 4 to 8 weeks to a decision in normal periods.

Pass inspections

Codes will schedule a safety inspection covering smoke/CO detectors in every bedroom and on every floor, fire extinguisher, posted emergency contacts and exit map, and parking compliance. Failures are common and result in 30+ day delays.

Register for hotel/occupancy tax

Before your first booking, register with Metro Nashville for hotel occupancy tax (currently 6%) and the Tennessee Department of Revenue for state sales tax (7%) and local option (2.25%). Airbnb collects most of these automatically; VRBO and direct bookings may require manual remittance.

Heads up: Metro Nashville's STR rules change frequently. Always verify current fees, zoning, and process at the Metro Nashville Codes Department before submitting. For the broader regulatory landscape see our Nashville STR regulations guide.

Nashville Airbnb Permit FAQ

Want us to handle the permit?

Our permit compliance team has a 95% approval rate on Nashville STRP applications.