Metro v. Kallie Kay Dreher: Metro’s Attack on a STRP owner

On March 19th, Judge Allegra Walker presided over a hearing where Metro tried to prove that Ms. Dreher did not reside at her property and operated a non-owner occupied Short Term Rental Property (STRP) without the proper permit. Judge Walker reviewed the evidence and ruled that Metro failed to provide adequate proof. She found that Ms. Dreher did not violate Metro Code Section 17.16.070.U.1.a and dismissed all allegations against her.

Metro didn’t accept the outcome. Just thirteen days later, on April 1, 2019, Metro filed a Notice of Appeal, seeking to overturn Judge Walker’s decision in Circuit Court.

Metro continued to escalate. On July 30, 2019, Metro filed a Motion to Amend Civil Warrant with an Amended Complaint. Collins Legal responded on August 20, 2019, urging the Court to deny Metro’s motion, limit the standard of review, or dismiss the case entirely as the appeal violated both the United States and Tennessee constitutions.

On September 20, 2019, the Eighth Circuit Court heard arguments. Judge Jones denied Metro’s Motion to Amend, emphasizing that the case had already been adjudicated and that Metro’s request went beyond legislative intent.

The legal battle didn’t end there. On March 27, 2020, Judge Jones entered an Order that set aside a previous order, dismissed Metro’s appeal, and held that the Eighth Circuit Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the appeal except as a new trial. The Court determined the action was quasi-criminal, the fine was punitive, and jeopardy had attached in General Sessions Court when Judge Walker ruled in Ms. Dreher’s favor.

Metro appealed again. On April 24, 2020, Metro challenged the dismissal in the Court of Appeals.

Collins Legal stands firm. We fight for our clients—no matter how many times Metro tries to rewrite the rules.