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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Pigeon Forge, TN

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Which rules apply

Regulation layers for Pigeon Forge

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are restricted by zoning (e.g., R-1 District) and require an Operating Permit. Occupancy is limited to two transients per bedroom plus two, with a maximum of 12 persons total. Operators must designate a local contact available 24/7 who can physically respond to complaints within 45 minutes.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit an application for an Operating Permit to the Community Development Director including an Affidavit of Life Safety Compliance (UL smoke alarms), site/floor plans, and proof of business license/tax remittance. 2. Designate a 24/7 local contact. 3. Pay the annual renewal fee ($100 for city; county fees may also apply via communityconnect.io).

Regulatory Updates — Pigeon Forge

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2023

Sevier County STR Permit Program Active

All vacation rental properties in Sevier County, including those in Pigeon Forge, must hold a Sevier County STR permit requiring a safety inspection and local contact designation. Annual renewal includes re-inspection. Properties outside city limits need only the county permit; those within Pigeon Forge city limits also need a city business license.

PassedJuly 2024

City of Pigeon Forge Commercial STR Enforcement

Pigeon Forge increased enforcement efforts targeting commercial-scale vacation rental operations — particularly large cabin properties operating as party venues. The city worked with Sevier County to share code enforcement resources and identify properties generating repeat nuisance complaints.

PassedJuly 2023

Tennessee Occupancy Tax Platform Collection Active

Airbnb, Vrbo, and other major booking platforms collect and remit Tennessee state sales tax and Sevier County occupancy taxes on behalf of hosts, simplifying the tax compliance process for Pigeon Forge operators.

Official source

Official Resources

Official Pigeon Forge STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Sevier County Chamber of CommerceLocal

Represents the tourism and hospitality industry across Sevier County, including vacation rental operators in Pigeon Forge. Tracks local regulatory developments and provides permit compliance resources.

Smoky Mountain Tourism Development AuthorityLocal

County-level body promoting the Smokies region as a tourism destination and engaging with operators on responsible STR practices and regulatory compliance.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association supporting vacation rental managers in Appalachian mountain tourist markets including the Pigeon Forge/Sevierville/Gatlinburg corridor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Pigeon Forge, TN?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Pigeon Forge, TN, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are restricted by zoning (e.g., R-1 District) and require an Operating Permit. Occupancy is limited to two transients per bedroom plus two, with a maximum of 12 persons total. Operators must designate a local contact available 24/7 who can physically respond to complaints within 45 minutes. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Pigeon Forge, TN?
Short-term rentals are restricted by zoning (e.g., R-1 District) and require an Operating Permit. Occupancy is limited to two transients per bedroom plus two, with a maximum of 12 persons total. Operators must designate a local contact available 24/7 who can physically respond to complaints within 45 minutes.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Pigeon Forge?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Pigeon Forge. 1. Submit an application for an Operating Permit to the Community Development Director including an Affidavit of Life Safety Compliance (UL smoke alarms), site/floor plans, and proof of business license/tax remittance. 2. Designate a 24/7 local contact. 3. Pay the annual renewal fee ($100 for city; county fees may also apply via communityconnect.io).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Pigeon Forge?
1. Submit an application for an Operating Permit to the Community Development Director including an Affidavit of Life Safety Compliance (UL smoke alarms), site/floor plans, and proof of business license/tax remittance. 2. Designate a 24/7 local contact. 3. Pay the annual renewal fee ($100 for city; county fees may also apply via communityconnect.io).
Is Vrbo legal in Pigeon Forge, TN?
Vrbo is permitted in Pigeon Forge, TN under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Pigeon Forge?
Short-term rental hosts in Pigeon Forge are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Pigeon Forge?
The most recent tracked change in Pigeon Forge is "Sevier County STR Permit Program Active" (2023-01-01, status: passed). All vacation rental properties in Sevier County, including those in Pigeon Forge, must hold a Sevier County STR permit requiring a safety inspection and local contact designation. Annual renewal includes re-inspection. Properties outside city limits need only the county permit; those within Pigeon Forge city limits also need a city business license. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
What permits are required for a Pigeon Forge vacation rental?
Properties within Pigeon Forge city limits need both a Sevier County STR permit (safety inspection, local contact designation, annual renewal) and a City of Pigeon Forge business license. Properties in the unincorporated county surrounding Pigeon Forge need only the Sevier County permit. All operators must collect Tennessee state sales tax and Sevier County occupancy tax; major platforms handle this automatically for most bookings.
How does Pigeon Forge compare to Gatlinburg for STR regulations?
Both cities are in Sevier County and share the county's base STR permit requirement. Pigeon Forge's regulatory focus has been on commercial-scale party cabin operations and general nuisance enforcement. Gatlinburg has additional fire safety requirements for hillside properties following the 2016 Chimney Tops wildfire. Both require a city business license in addition to the Sevier County permit for properties within their respective city limits.
What tax rates apply to Pigeon Forge vacation rentals?
Pigeon Forge vacation rental operators are subject to Tennessee state sales tax (7%), Sevier County occupancy tax (approximately 3%), and City of Pigeon Forge privilege tax. The combined effective rate on rental income is typically 10–12%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit state and most local taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators booking directly should register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue and Sevier County separately.

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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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction