🌱 Short-Term Rental Buffer Zone + Study Doubles Downtown Residents

Hello, neighbors! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Chattanooga Patch newsletter.

Also, FYI: I wanted to let you know that Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Chattanooga Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Chattanooga long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy, brief showers; mild. High: 69 Low: 63.

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Here are the top four stories today in Chattanooga:

1. In a 6-3 vote Tuesday, Chattanooga City Council, on initial reading, approved new rules for short-term vacation rentals, including an amendment that expands the buffer zone for new absentee rentals to 1,000 feet. Absentee rentals are those in which a homeowner does not live on the premises. The ordinance would also increase the cost of new short-term rental permits, set density requirements on absentee permits in multifamily dwellings, allow the city to impose stiffer penalties for illegally operated properties, and create a designated citizen board that would hear appeals and moderate disputes. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
2. This weekend's Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon has announced major enhancements for the racecourse, which runs along the Tennessee River downtown. Local arts and culture activities, live music, and a live DJ at the finish line are just some of the things attendees can experience. The race has also partnered with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Brainwaves Project to learn how to improve future races. (Chattanooga Pulse)
3. A recent market analysis assessment ordered by The River City Company determined there is strong demand and potential for a near doubling of residents in the downtown and surrounding areas. The study suggested development opportunities are strong in rental housing, most notably affordable housing. Conversion and reuse of office spaces to residential living spaces, such as condos, were among the suggestions. (Chattanooga Pulse)
4. Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod introduced a resolution that would change when the city holds an election and also introduce term limits for city council members. Coonrod's legislation would put mayoral and council elections alongside state elections and limit council members to four consecutive four-year terms. Coonrod suggested that changing when elections were held may lead to greater turnout for both Black and young voters. The council voted 7-2 in favor of discussing the resolution at a future meeting. (WDEF)

Today in Chattanooga:

• Throwback Thursday At Hunter Museum Of American Art (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• As of Wednesday, parking is no longer free at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you're heading out to hike and plan to park for longer than 15 minutes you'll need to buy and display a valid parking tag, which starts from $5 daily up to $40 for an annual pass. (WLOS)
• If you've ever wanted to be a storm spotter, today is your chance to get some free training from the pros at the National Weather Service. In this two-hour course, you'll learn how thunderstorms develop, how to identify weather features, the specific information to report and how to report it, and much more. (Skywarn Events Page)
• Curious about acting in film and television? Caroline Locorriere, owner, and teacher at Nashville Acting Studio holding a discussion about the ins and outs of working as an actor in the Southeast. (The Chattery)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you soon for another update.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.