How to get a short-term rental permit in Pigeon Forge, TN (2026)
Pigeon Forge requires Short-Term Rental Unit Operating Permit — the fee is $300, renewed annual. Here's how to get and keep it.
Permit at a glance
| Permit required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Permit name | Short-Term Rental Unit Operating Permit |
| Permit fee | $300 |
| Renewal | Annual |
Step by step
- 1
Confirm your property is eligible
Confirm the property's zoning allows short-term rentals. STRs ('tourist residences,' defined as any dwelling unit used for overnight and/or weekly rental to tourists) are a permitted use in R-2 High Density Residential (subject to planning commission site-plan approval) and in commercial districts; the city Building Department states overnight rentals are permitted in 'Zoning classification R-2 and higher.' In R-1 Low Density Residential, tourist-residence use is prohibited; only owners who used the property as an STR on or before August 13, 2018 and remitted sales taxes for at least 6 of the preceding 12 months may operate, with an STRU Operating Permit. R-1 STRUs are capped at 2 transients per bedroom plus 2, maximum 12 persons. Citywide, plans for buildings intended for overnight/short-term rental must bear a Tennessee-registered architect's or engineer's seal, and larger cabins (more than 5 sleeping rooms, sleeping more than 12, over 5,000 sq ft, or over 3 stories) must meet hotel/motel (IBC R-1 occupancy) standards including sprinklers.
- 2
Apply for the Short-Term Rental Unit Operating Permit
Submit the Short-Term Rental Unit Operating Permit application to Pigeon Forge and pay the $300 fee. The $300 application fee (plus $100 annual renewal) applies to the Short-Term Rental Unit Operating Permit required ONLY in the R-1 Low Density Residential district, and only grandfathered properties (operating on or before 2018-08-13) are eligible. Outside R-1 there is no STR-specific operating permit: operators need a City of Pigeon Forge business license ($15 application fee), a Sevier County business license, and tax registrations. A citywide annual fire-safety inspection requirement with separate fees passed first reading in April 2025; the ordinance lets the commission set fees by resolution (an industry source from March 2026 reports $75 initial inspection / $50 annual re-inspection, not confirmed officially). Permits are non-transferable and become void when the property is sold.
- 3
Register for occupancy taxes
Register to collect and remit the applicable lodging/occupancy taxes for Pigeon Forge. Some are collected automatically by the booking platform and some you may need to remit yourself.
- 4
Renew on schedule
The permit renews annual — set a reminder so it never lapses, since operating on an expired permit typically triggers fines.
STR rules change without warning.
Get an email the moment Pigeon Forge changes its short-term rental rules — plus renewal reminders before your permit expires.
Watch Pigeon Forge for changes →Free monthly digest · same-day alerts from $5/mo · cancel anytime
Keep going
Verified July 10, 2026. Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Permit requirements and fees change; confirm current requirements with Pigeon Forge before applying.