Overview: Short-Term Rentals Are Allowed in Sevierville, TN

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in both Sevierville city limits and Sevier County (outside city limits), but they are subject to specific regulations and mandatory permit requirements. All short-term rental units must obtain annual permits and pass safety inspections before operating legally.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Sevierville

Starting a short-term rental business in Sevierville requires following different processes depending on whether your property is located within city limits or in the unincorporated county area:

Step 1: Determine Your Property Location

First, verify whether your property is within Sevierville city limits using the Sevierville City Limits Verification Map.

Step 2: Apply for Required Permits

• County Properties: Apply through Sevier County's Short-Term Rental Unit (STRU) Permit Program
• City Properties: Apply for Sevierville's Short-Term Rental Operational Permit

Step 3: Obtain Business License

All properties must obtain a business license from the City of Sevierville.

Step 4: Schedule Safety Inspection

Both jurisdictions require mandatory annual safety inspections by fire department officials.

Step 5: Register for Hospitality Tax

Register to file required hospitality tax returns with the city.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

For Properties in Sevier County (Outside City Limits):

Required Documents:

• Completed STRU Permit Application
• Property ownership documentation
• Occupancy determination documents
• Owner's Acknowledgement Form (if applicable)

Key Forms Available:

• SCFMO Short-Term Rental Permit Application
• Change of Information Application
• New Build Application
• Residence to Short-Term Rental Unit Application
• Purchasing/Selling Short-Term Rental forms
• Increasing Occupancy Steps documentation

Safety Requirements for Inspection:

• Working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
• 2A10BC Fire Extinguisher on each level
• Clear escape routes without obstructions
• Proper electrical wiring and outlets
• Functioning heating and cooling systems
• Fire safety compliance
• Proper escape route signage

For Properties Within Sevierville City Limits:

Required Documents:

• Short-Term Rental Operational Permit application
• Life-safety inspection documentation
• Property compliance certification
• Business license application

Additional Requirements:

• Annual permit renewal
• Life-safety inspection by Sevierville Fire Department
• Compliance with city planning and fire department standards

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Sevier County Regulations (Outside City Limits):

Permit Program Details:

• Program effective date: January 1, 2024
• Annual permit required for all short-term rental units
• Permits issued following successful annual inspection
• Program administered by Sevier County Fire Marshal's Office

Fee Structure:

• $250 per year for units sleeping 12 or fewer occupants
• Additional $25 per occupant for units sleeping 13 or more
• Re-inspection fees: $25 for third and subsequent inspections
• Payments are non-refundable

Application Process:

1. Visit https://www.communityconnect.io/info/tn-seviercounty
2. Select "Business Owners" and register for account
3. Complete separate application for each rental property
4. Select appropriate permit type based on occupancy
5. Download, complete, and upload application PDF
6. Submit payment online or mail check

Inspection Coverage:

• Fire safety systems
• Smoke alarm functionality
• Emergency escape routes
• Carbon monoxide detector compliance
• Electrical safety standards
• General life safety requirements

Sevierville City Regulations (Within City Limits):

Operational Permit System:

• Created in August 2021
• Joint project between city planning and fire departments
• Annual permit with yearly renewal requirement
• Focus on life safety requirements and code compliance

Benefits:

• Reduces liability claims
• Potentially lowers insurance rates
• Ensures compliance with city codes and ordinances
• Monitors rental locations for safety

Inspection Requirements:

• Mandatory life-safety inspection by Sevierville Fire Department
• Annual renewal inspections
• Focus on unfamiliar occupant safety considerations

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Sevier County (Outside City Limits):

Sevier County Fire Marshal's Office

• Address: 149 Industrial Park Drive, Sevierville, TN 37862
• Phone: (865) 774-3603
• Email: firecodequestions@seviercountytn.org
• Permit-specific Email: firepermits@seviercountytn.gov
• Inspection Scheduling: Sevier County STRU Inspection Scheduling Link
• Online Portal: https://www.communityconnect.io/info/tn-seviercounty

Sevierville City (Within City Limits):

Fire Prevention Bureau

• Address: 1162 Dolly Parton Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862
• Main Phone: (865) 868-1710
• Fax: (865) 453.5518
• Fire Marshal: JC Green - (865) 868-1709
• Email: jcgreen@seviervilletn.org
• Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Planning & Development Department

• Address: 120 Gary Wade Blvd., Sevierville, TN 37862
• Phone: (865) 453-5504
• Development Director: Corey Divel - cdivel@seviervilletn.org
• Planner: Wendy Toral - wtoral@seviervilletn.org

Inspection Scheduling:

• Fire Marshal Inspections
• Fire Inspectors

Source Links

• Sevier County STRU Program: www.seviercountytn.gov/news_detail_T2_R68.php
• Sevierville STR Information: www.seviervilletn.org/index.php/i-want-to/start-a-short-term-rental-in-sevierville.html
• Sevierville Fire Prevention STR Page: www.seviervilletn.org/index.php/fire-prevention-bureau/fire-prevention-str.html
• Start a Short-Term Rental Guide: arcg.is/1GfmmS1
• Business License Application: sevierville.forms.govos.com/f/l8rcyt8mmuyg

Important Compliance Notes

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

• Fines or other penalties may be issued for non-compliance
• Potential prohibition from renting until compliance is achieved
• Loss of grandfathered exemptions to current building codes
• Possible requirement to upgrade to 2016 Tennessee Building Code standards

Key Deadlines:

• County permit renewals occur in the month your original application was processed
• City permits require annual renewal
• Inspections must be scheduled promptly after permit application

Ongoing Requirements:

• Annual permit renewals for both jurisdictions
• Annual safety inspections
• Hospitality tax filing obligations
• Business license maintenance
• Compliance with occupancy limits and safety standards

This comprehensive regulatory framework ensures that short-term rentals in Sevierville and Sevier County operate safely while supporting the local tourism economy. Property owners should carefully review all requirements and maintain ongoing compliance to avoid penalties and ensure successful rental operations.