News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
A Cookeville man would like to see changes to Putnam County’s short-term rental regulations.
Chad Gilbert owns several short-term rental properties and said he’s most concerned about a rule requiring operators to comply with the state fire marshal’s code.
“I’ve check with the fire marshal’s office. They don’t issue life safety compliance for single-family anything,” Gilbert said. “You [county commission] voted on a resolution. How do I get a certificate that you require that’s not possible? Just tell me how to do that and I’ll go to work.”
The new rules adopted by the county commission last week require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit and pay a $50 fee. Owners must also show proof of insurance and notify nearby property owners about the operation.
Gilbert said many of the rules bear more discussion by the commission before taking effect.
“Are we not allowed to self-insure? Are there other businesses that this requirement is demanded from?” Gilbert asked. “Notification to other owners. The word adjacent is nebulous at best and ambiguous in some instances. Does everyone within 500 feet have to notified? If we are already entitled to have that use, then why do we have to tell anyone. Are there other uses that have this imposition placed on them?”
Gilbert also questioned rules that limit length of stay and require owners to keep a guest log.
“Is there a prejudice against someone who wants to stay some place less that 18-hours? Why is it not permissible to rent to someone for that period of time? Gilbert asked. “This guest log, is there just a curiosity of who is staying there? Why to we have to keep a log for the commission’s benefit?”
The county’s Short-Term Rental Committee has the ability to propose changes to the rules at anytime.
