What's the issue? 

Previous zoning regulations restrict Short-term rentals (STRs) to just a few areas in the City, but the City Council has expanded STRs city-wide. (See the sidebar for a history and links to important documents.) 

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The New City-Wide Proposal removes most restrictions on STRs and allows them citywide. Short-term rentals  are allowed in any residential area as a special exception, meaning that a public hearing must be held before the Zoning Board of Adjustment at which citizens could express their opinions. However, the regulations set no limitations on  the number of occupants, no set limits on the number of nights, and no parking requirements.  Neighborhood  and homeowner associations do not have to be notified. No actions have been taken to improve enforcement.  In fact the ordinance makes most neighborhood protections discretionary:

• Amount of parking - discretionary

• Number of people in the unit - discretionary

• Rent every bedroom to a separate person or group - discretionary

• Rent every night of the year – discretionary

• Detrimental to the neighborhood – discretionary

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The Zoning Board of Adjustment heard the first STR cases since passing the new regulations on June 24 and 26, 2019. Across the two nights, 18 applications were heard and of these, 17 were approved and one was continued.  Although some applicants had previously operated in  violation of the previous STR regulations, there were no penalties. Objections  from residents who spoke in opposition to the application made no difference in the conditions for approval. TNT will be tracking the STR approval process as well as operators' compliance with the regulations.  Look to this page for more information in the future.

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Why TNT is Concerned

The consequences for expanding short term rentals throughout the city will be felt by every resident, whether homeowner or renter. Our homes are not only our greatest financial investment, they are where we have put down roots, raise children, share time with neighbors, grow a garden, plant a tree, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon. The city must consider the value of maintaining neighborhood communities in Tuscaloosa where residents make long-term commitments as homeowners or renters against the value of cash-flows from short-term rentals desired by a minority of owners. Without adequate protections in place, neighborhoods will be harmed by the growth of STRs:  

• STRs bring instability to neighborhoods because they introduce a steady stream of strangers and disrupt the sense of community.

• Familiarity with neighbors, their cars, and their routines creates a feeling of safety and security, which is disrupted by the STR guests.

• STRs may increase neighborhood nuisances, including traffic, parking congestion, and noise, reducing the intrinsic value of all nearby homes as traditional residences.

• STRs reduce workforce housing stock, which, according to the City Master Plan consultants, is  insufficient to meet future demands in Tuscaloosa.