Peace and Quiet Shattered: The Push for Short-Term Rental Regulations in Knox County

Remote Knox County Neighborhood Disrupted by Airbnb Party

In the wooded hills of Knox County, Tennessee, neighbors once enjoyed the quiet solitude of their remote community. That changed this summer when Airbnb guests hosted a raucous late-night party just down the road.

Julie Clark and her husband built their dream home about ten years ago on a secluded mile-long gravel driveway in East Knox County. Surrounded by nature and far from the noise of the city, it was their personal sanctuary.

That peace was shattered in early July when a short-term rental property just a block away hosted a massive party advertised on Snapchat. Young people roared up and down the steep driveway in cars, getting stuck in the gravel. They roamed up and down on foot, hollering and shouting until 3 a.m.

Clark was shocked to hear of an Airbnb rental on their road, let alone one hosting huge parties. She recalled the sleepless night and its aftermath: "Vandalism occurred at the unit, and we feel our safety was also put at risk."

Calls for Rental Regulations After Fed-Up Neighbors Reach Breaking Point

This was the final straw for many Knox County residents who have dealt with similar issues. They are now pushing county leaders to regulate short-term rentals that are causing public disturbances and nuisances.

The Knox County Commission recently proposed a resolution to have the county Planning Commission explore zoning ordinance amendments to regulate rentals. The resolution states that such regulation "is necessary in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public."

Peace and safety are a top concern for remote neighborhoods like Clark's. But residents also worry about these rentals impacting the character of local communities.

Balancing Property Rights and Neighborhood Priorities

Knoxville has seen its housing prices spike as remote workers move in and investors buy up properties to turn into short-term rentals. Some fear that the overproliferation of transient renters could erode community ties in local neighborhoods.

Conversely, realtor associations have cautioned against excessive regulation that could infringe on property rights. The ability to rent one's home out on a short-term basis can provide vital income for many homeowners.

It's a balancing act for local policymakers. Clark believes "the neighbors should have some say and be able to be proactive in their community." But realtors want to ensure "good actors" aren't penalized alongside any "bad actors."

Next Steps: Planning Commission to Explore Zoning Changes

For now, the county commission's resolution is merely a first step. If approved, the county planning commission would further study potential regulatory changes to zoning rules.

Any new regulations would need to withstand legal scrutiny on property rights issues. But it's clear Knox County residents want some better rules to maintain neighborhood living standards.

The party promoter who hosted the July event at the Airbnb near Clark's home has been banned from the platform. But the calls for regulation continue.

Peaceful communities like Clark's remote neighborhood deserve protection. She hopes reasonable short-term rental rules can help preserve the character of Knox County's diverse communities.

At the same time, regulators must seek a fair balance between neighborhood priorities, property rights, and the flexibility of short-term rentals. The planning commission can likely find the regulatory sweet spot with careful deliberation.