Overview

Short-term rentals ARE allowed in Lebanon, TN, but they are subject to specific county-level regulations in Wilson County. The regulations define short-term rentals broadly as "Bed and Breakfast/Inn or any other form of short-term rental" and establish clear requirements for operation within residential and commercial zoning districts.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Lebanon, TN

Business Model Options

Wilson County allows short-term rentals in several zoning districts:

• Rural Residential (R-1) - Bed and breakfast facilities permitted on appeal
• Agricultural (A-1) - Bed and breakfast facilities permitted on appeal
• Neighborhood Commercial (C-1) - Bed and breakfast facilities permitted on appeal
• General Commercial (C-2) - Bed and breakfast facilities permitted on appeal

Key Requirements for All STRs

1. Caretaker Requirement: Must have an onsite caretaker who either lives on premises or within 10 miles of the facility
2. Property Size: Minimum 2 acres required in R-1 districts
3. Zoning Approval: Must obtain approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals
4. Contact Information: Must provide detailed contact information to multiple county agencies

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Zoning and Operational Permits

• Board of Zoning Appeals Approval (for use on appeal)
• Contact Information Registration with:
  • County Sheriff's Office
  • County Zoning Office
  • Wilson Emergency Management Agency

Required Contact Information

For both caretaker and property owner:

• Full legal name
• Valid mailing address
• Phone number
• Email address

Health and Safety Compliance

• Tennessee Department of Health compliance (Chapter 1200-23-2 for bed and breakfast establishments)
• Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation approval for sewer/septic systems
• Distance Requirements: Must not be located within 1,000 feet of schools, daycares, public parks, or playgrounds (as referenced in TCA 40-39-211)

Property Requirements

• Minimum 2 acres (in R-1 districts)
• Viable sewer or septic system
• Onsite caretaker living on premises or within 10 miles

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

Wilson County Zoning Regulations (Primary Authority)

• Definition: Short-term rentals defined as transient guest accommodations for less than 30 days
• Caretaker Requirement: Mandatory for all operations, including outside traditional business hours
• Approval Process: Board of Zoning Appeals approval required
• Renewal: Operations approved in increments with renewal options available
• Existing Use Protection: Pre-existing STR operations are protected under Tennessee Code Annotated 13-7-601 through 606

State-Level Tennessee Regulations

• Tennessee Department of Health bed and breakfast establishment rules
• Tennessee Code Annotated provisions for short-term rental operations
• Distance requirements from protected facilities (schools, daycares, parks)

Municipal Considerations

Lebanon operates under Wilson County zoning jurisdiction for STR regulations. The city has acknowledged the need for visitor accommodations, with officials noting "there are few hotels in the city for visitors to stay at."

Contact Information for Local Authority

Wilson County Development Services/Planning Division

Primary Contact for STR Zoning Questions:

• Address: 228 East Main Street, Room 5 Courthouse, Lebanon, TN 37087
• Phone: (615) 449-2836
• Fax: (615) 443-6190
• Hours: Contact for current operating hours

Additional Required Contacts

Must provide contact information to:

• Wilson County Sheriff's Office
• Wilson County Zoning Office
• Wilson Emergency Management Agency

Related Agencies

• Tennessee Department of Health: Food and Sanitation Division
• Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation: Sewer/septic approvals

Important Compliance Notes

Operating Restrictions

• Maximum stay: Less than 30 days for transient guests
• Guest restrictions: Cannot rent to non-related persons without proper registration
• Location restrictions: 1,000-foot buffer from schools, daycares, parks, playgrounds

Approval Process

1. Submit application to Board of Zoning Appeals
2. Provide all required contact information
3. Demonstrate compliance with health and safety requirements
4. Obtain approval before commencing operations
5. Maintain current registration with all required agencies

Enforcement

• Violations can result in zoning enforcement actions
• Must maintain compliance with all health and safety regulations
• Failure to comply with caretaker requirements results in violation of single-family residence definitions

Source Links

1. Wilson County Zoning Ordinance Amendments (2024) - Complete zoning regulations and short-term rental provisions
2. Lebanon City STR Regulations Article - Context for Lebanon area STR discussion

Note: This guide is based on current Wilson County, Tennessee regulations. Investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before proceeding, as zoning regulations can change and individual property circumstances may require additional approvals.