Knoxville
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STR Regulations for Knoxville, Tennessee
Short-Term Rental Regulations in Knoxville, TN
Overview
Short-term rentals (STRs) are properties rented for less than 30 consecutive days through platforms like Airbnb and HomeAway. As of 2018, Knoxville requires a permit to operate STRs.
Legality and Permitting
- STRs are legal in Knoxville with proper permitting
- Operators must obtain an annual permit and business license
- Estimated 200 STR listings in the city as of the document's writing
Permit Requirements
- Annual Permit Fee: $150
- Business License Fee: $15
- Must have functioning smoke alarms
- Restrictions on property size:
- Maximum 3 stories
- Maximum 5,000 square feet
- Maximum 12 occupants
Zoning and Ownership Restrictions
Residential Zones:
- Only resident-owners can obtain permits
- One permit per person
- No corporate entities permitted
- Rental tenants cannot obtain permits
Non-Residential Zones:
- More flexible ownership rules
- Potential for multiple permits per owner
Tax Obligations
- Responsible for collecting and remitting sales and occupancy taxes
- Can delegate to listing services or third parties
Enforcement
- City exploring technological monitoring solutions
- Effective enforcement is a key priority
Contact Information
Business License/Tax Office Phone: 865-215-2083
Application Process
- Submit Short-Term Rental Unit Application
- Renewal required annually
- Compliance with all local regulations
Recommended Next Steps for Potential STR Operators
- Review current ordinances
- Verify zoning restrictions
- Obtain necessary permits
- Ensure tax compliance
- Follow safety regulations
Source Links
- Short-Term Rental Unit Application
- Short-Term Rental Unit Renewal Application
- Short-Term Rental FAQs
Note: Regulations may have changed since this document was written. Always verify current requirements with the Knoxville Business License/Tax Office.
Knoxville
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Overview of Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee is a vibrant city situated in the eastern part of the state. As of the 2020 Census, the city boasts a population of approximately 190,000 residents. Knoxville is strategically located about 180 miles northeast of Nashville, Tennessee, and approximately 113 miles southwest of Asheville, North Carolina. The city's proximity to these larger metropolitan areas makes it an attractive destination for short-term rentals.
Knoxville is home to several notable landmarks and attractions that draw visitors year-round. The campus of the University of Tennessee (https://www.utk.edu/) is a major hub of activity, bringing in students, families, and sports enthusiasts primarily for its renowned football games at Neyland Stadium (https://utsports.com/sports/football/stadium). Visitors can also explore Market Square (https://www.visitknoxville.com/blog/post/market-square/) in downtown Knoxville, which offers a mix of restaurants, shops, and events.
The city boasts rich cultural offerings such as the Knoxville Museum of Art (https://knoxart.org/) and the historic Tennessee Theatre (https://www.tennesseetheatre.com/), providing a well-rounded visitor experience. For nature enthusiasts, the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park (https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm) offers extensive outdoor activities and is only about an hour's drive from the city.
Furthermore, Knoxville's proximity to other attractions like Dollywood (https://www.dollywood.com/) in Pigeon Forge, TN, which is about 40 miles away, and its location along the Tennessee River make it a compelling option for those seeking short-term rental accommodations. This diverse array of landmarks and activities contributes to the city's strong appeal for short-term visitors.