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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Gatlinburg, TN

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (Tourist Residences) are allowed in specific zones like R-1 but strictly prohibited in others such as R-1A. Operations require an annual permit, compliance with off-street parking standards (minimum 2 spaces for most units), and a safety inspection to verify building and fire code compliance.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Verify property zoning with the Building and Planning Department (865-436-7792). 2) Submit a completed Tourist Residency Permit application with the required fee ($200 for 2 bedrooms or less, plus $75 per additional bedroom) to the Customer Service Center. 3) Schedule and pass a mandatory fire and building safety inspection.

Regulatory Updates — Gatlinburg

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2022

Sevier County STR Permit Requirement — Implemented 2022

Sevier County implemented a mandatory permit requirement for all short-term rentals in unincorporated county areas beginning in 2022. Properties operating prior to the requirement were given a transition period to obtain permits. The permit requires proof of property ownership, compliance with safety standards (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, egress windows), and payment of annual fees. Unpermitted operations are subject to fines.

Official source
PassedJune 2023

Gatlinburg Noise Ordinance Tightening — 2023

The City of Gatlinburg updated its noise ordinance in 2023 to specifically address complaints about STR guests. The updated ordinance lowered the decibel threshold for nighttime violations and introduced a three-strike enforcement system for STR properties: a warning on the first complaint, a fine on the second, and potential permit suspension on the third. The ordinance reflects growing tension between cabin owners and year-round residents.

FailedApril 2025

Tennessee STR Preemption Bill — Failed in 2025 Session

The Tennessee General Assembly considered a state preemption bill (HB 1774) in the 2025 session that would have prevented local governments from banning STRs and restricted their ability to impose permit caps. The bill failed to advance, partly due to opposition from Gatlinburg-area residents and local officials who argued that state preemption would prevent necessary regulation of the Smoky Mountains cabin market. Industry groups plan to reintroduce the bill in 2026.

Official Resources

Official Gatlinburg STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Tennessee Short-Term Rental Association (TNSTRA)Statewide

Statewide Tennessee STR advocacy organization that represents Smoky Mountains cabin operators among its members. Led the 2025 state preemption bill effort and plans to reintroduce legislation in 2026.

Smoky Mountains Cabin Owners AssociationLocal

Regional association representing cabin owners in the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevier County area. Engages with county commissioners and city officials on permit requirements, fee structures, and noise ordinance enforcement.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association with Tennessee chapter members including many professional cabin management companies operating in the Smoky Mountains area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Gatlinburg, TN?
Short-term rentals (Tourist Residences) are allowed in specific zones like R-1 but strictly prohibited in others such as R-1A. Operations require an annual permit, compliance with off-street parking standards (minimum 2 spaces for most units), and a safety inspection to verify building and fire code compliance.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Gatlinburg?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Gatlinburg. 1) Verify property zoning with the Building and Planning Department (865-436-7792). 2) Submit a completed Tourist Residency Permit application with the required fee ($200 for 2 bedrooms or less, plus $75 per additional bedroom) to the Customer Service Center. 3) Schedule and pass a mandatory fire and building safety inspection.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Gatlinburg?
1) Verify property zoning with the Building and Planning Department (865-436-7792). 2) Submit a completed Tourist Residency Permit application with the required fee ($200 for 2 bedrooms or less, plus $75 per additional bedroom) to the Customer Service Center. 3) Schedule and pass a mandatory fire and building safety inspection.
Do I need a permit to rent a cabin near Gatlinburg?
Yes. If your cabin is in unincorporated Sevier County, you need a Sevier County STR permit, which has been required since 2022. If your property is within the city limits of Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, city-specific permit requirements apply in addition to (or in lieu of) county requirements. All permits require compliance with health and safety standards including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and adequate egress. Operating without a permit exposes you to fines and potential forced closure.
What is the difference between Gatlinburg city limits and Sevier County STR rules?
The City of Gatlinburg and Sevier County are distinct jurisdictions with separate STR rules. Properties within Gatlinburg city limits are governed by city ordinances, including the updated noise ordinance. Properties in unincorporated Sevier County — which includes most rural cabins and chalets outside city limits — are governed by county permit requirements. Many operators in the broader Smoky Mountains area are in unincorporated Sevier County, subject to county rules. Always verify your property's specific jurisdiction before assuming which permits apply.
How did the 2016 wildfires affect STR regulations in the Gatlinburg area?
The November 2016 Chimney Tops 2 fire destroyed over 2,400 structures in and around Gatlinburg, including hundreds of cabins used as vacation rentals. The recovery period led to a large-scale rebuild of the STR inventory, and post-fire permitting processes introduced new safety requirements — particularly egress and fire suppression standards — that now apply to new construction STRs. The fire also heightened community awareness of wildfire risk in densely-developed cabin areas, contributing to stricter occupancy and evacuation plan requirements for STRs in hillside and forested zones.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction