How to get a short-term rental permit in Sevier County, TN (2026)
Sevier County requires Sevier County Short-Term Rental Unit (STRU) Annual Operational Permit — the fee is $250, renewed annual. Here's how to get and keep it.
Permit at a glance
| Permit required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Permit name | Sevier County Short-Term Rental Unit (STRU) Annual Operational Permit |
| Permit fee | $250 |
| Renewal | Annual |
Step by step
- 1
Confirm your property is eligible
Confirm the property's zoning allows short-term rentals. Unincorporated Sevier County is zoned under the Sevier County Zoning Resolution (amended Dec. 15, 2025) with districts A-1, R-1, R-2M, R-2, C-1, C-2, I-1, and CS. The resolution contains no STR-specific district prohibition and expressly recognizes 'Single Family, Two Family Dwelling (Transient, over-night rentals)' as a residential use (requiring 1 parking space per bedroom), so overnight rental cabins operate throughout the county's residential and agricultural districts. The county's STRU permit program applies uniformly to all STRs outside city limits; properties inside Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, or Pittman Center city limits are governed by those cities' separate STR ordinances and taxes.
- 2
Apply for the Sevier County Short-Term Rental Unit (STRU) Annual Operational Permit
Submit the Sevier County Short-Term Rental Unit (STRU) Annual Operational Permit application to Sevier County and pay the $250 fee. $250.00 per year for any STRU that sleeps 12 or fewer; $250.00 plus $25.00 per additional occupant for STRUs that sleep 13 or more. Third and subsequent inspections cost $25 each. Fees are paid to 'Sevier County Fire Prevention' (online via communityconnect.io or by check) and are non-refundable. Fee schedule adopted by Resolution 2023-06-10.
- 3
Register for occupancy taxes
Register to collect and remit the applicable lodging/occupancy taxes for Sevier County. 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 Sevier County changes its short-term rental rules — plus renewal reminders before your permit expires.
Watch Sevier County for changes →Free monthly digest · same-day alerts from $5/mo · cancel anytime
Keep going
Verified July 12, 2026. Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Permit requirements and fees change; confirm current requirements with Sevier County before applying.