Short-Term Rental Unit Permit Program Information

As of January 1, 2024, all short-term rental units in Sevier County outside of city limits are required to have an annual permit issued, followed by a yearly inspection. The Short-Term Rental Unit Permit Program is designed to ensure that all short-term rental units in Sevier County meet minimum safety standards.

2025 Renewal Updates- STRU Annual Operational Permit: Our office has been working to send out renewal notifications for the Sevier County Short -Term Rental Unit Annual Operational Permit by email.
Please note that renewals will be completed in the month that your application was originally received/processed. If you have not received a renewal email, please click the link below for renewal information.

Click here for Renewal Updates and Invoicing

Check payments can be mailed to the office:

Sevier County Fire Marshal’s Office
149 Industrial Park Drive
Sevierville, TN 37862

Make checks payable to: Sevier County Fire Prevention

Schedule Inspection: NEW LINK FOR SCHEDULING
If you have applied for your permit and have not scheduled your initial inspection, please use the self-service link below to schedule the inspection for a time that your unit has availability:

Click here for scheduling Sevier County STRU Inspection Scheduling Link

When did the Short-Term Rental Unit Permit Program begin?
The program went into effect on January 1, 2024. Resolutions to adopt the codes (2023-06-09) and fee schedule (2023-06-10) were passed by the Sevier County Board of Commissioners on June 26, 2023.

How Do I Complete a Short-Term Rental Unit Permit Program Application?

Open this link [https://www.communityconnect.io/info/tn-seviercounty]
Select “Business Owners”
Register for an Account
Please note, that if you own multiple rental addresses, please follow the steps in the video to add additional addresses. You will have to complete a Permit Application for each address.
Once logged in, select “Permits” and click “Apply for a Permit”
Under Permit Type, for those with rental units that sleep 12 or less, select “Short-Term Rental Unit with 12 or less occupants”. If your rental unit sleeps more than 12, select the appropriate number you wish to submit an application for.
Download the application PDF and fill it out. Then save the PDF and add it as an attachment.
Click “Pay and Submit”
Fill out payment information and click “Pay Now”

Watch this video for a step-by-step tutorial on creating an account and submitting an application.

https://youtu.be/fT0gHMUW9Fw

Note: If you wish to pay by check, please do not continue submitting for a permit online, download the application and fill it out. Applications and check made out to "Sevier County Fire Prevention" can be mailed to Sevier County Fire Marshal’s Office at 149 Industrial Park Dr, Sevierville, TN 37862.

Payments are non-refundable

Short-Term Rental Unit Permit Program Forms

SCFMO Short-Term Rental Permit Application

Change of Information Steps and Application

No Longer Short-Term Rental Unit

Previous Owner Did Not Apply

New Build Application

Residence to Short-Term Rental Unit

Owner's Acknowledgement Form

Purchasing a Short-Term Rental

Selling a Short-Term Rental

Realtor Information for Short-Term Rentals

Steps for Increasing Occupancy

What does the application look like?
Download an application.

What if I change management or owners?
Download a Change of Information form.

Why is this program important?
There are currently over 6,500 STRUs operating in Sevier County. Those rental units are often occupied by people who are unfamiliar with the property and the surrounding area. The Short-Term Rental Unit Permit Program helps to identify and correct fire and safety hazards in short-term rental units, making them safer for occupants and the community.

What does the inspection cover?
Inspections cover a variety of safety items, including but not limited to:

Fire Safety
Smoke Alarms
Escape routes
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Electrical Safety

Guide Prior to Inspection

How Much Does the Short-Term Rental Unit Permit Program Cost?
Permits will cost $250.00 per year for any STRU that sleeps 12 or less. For STRUs that sleep 13 or more, the permit costs $250.00 plus $25.00 additional per occupant.

How do I pay for my Short-Term Rental Inspection Permit?

Open this link [https://www.communityconnect.io/info/tn-seviercounty]
Select “Business Owners”
Register for an Account
Please note, that if you own multiple rental addresses, please follow the steps in the video to add additional addresses. You will have to complete a Permit Application for each address.
Once logged in, select “Permits” and click “Apply for a Permit”
Under Permit Type, for those with rental units that sleep 12 or less, select “Short-Term Rental Unit with 12 or less occupants”. If your rental unit sleeps more than 12, select the appropriate number you wish to submit an application for.
Download the application PDF and fill it out. Then save the PDF and add it as an attachment.
Click “Pay and Submit”
Fill out payment information and click “Pay Now”

Watch this video for a step-by-step tutorial on creating an account and submitting an application.

https://youtu.be/fT0gHMUW9Fw

Payments are non-refundable

How do I schedule an inspection?
As the initial applications are received between January 1, 2024, and June 30, 2024, inspections will be scheduled for the remainder of 2024.

Once your initial inspection is completed, follow-up inspections will occur on an annual basis during the month that you are issued the initial permit.

Who will conduct the inspections?
Sevier County Fire & Rescue has hired 8 full-time fire inspectors to conduct the inspections. The County has been divided into districts and each fire inspector will be assigned a district.

What happens if my unit fails the inspection?
If your short-term rental unit fails the inspection, you will be given a list of the items that need to be corrected. Once you have made the repairs and improvements, you can schedule a re-inspection.

If your STRU requires a third inspection, that inspection and additional follow-up inspections will cost $25 each.

Benefits of the Permit Program
There are a number of benefits to the Short-Term Rental Unit Permit Program, including:

Increased safety for occupants and the community
Compliance with all applicable building and fire codes
Increased protection of your investment

How to prepare for your inspection
There are a few things you can do to prepare for your short-term rental unit inspection:

Make sure all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
Install a 2A10BC Fire Extinguisher on each level
Clear all escape routes of any obstructions.
Check all electrical wiring and outlets.
Make sure all heating and cooling systems are in good working order.
Make any necessary repairs and improvements.
Review the inspection checklist

Guide Prior to Inspection

What happens to those who don’t comply with the permit program?
For those who own a STRU in Sevier County outside of city limits and fail to comply with the program, fines or other penalties may be issued.

When will I receive my permit?
Permits will be issued following your annual inspection.

What if I own a STRU inside of city limits?
This program is designed for short-term rental units in Sevier County outside of city limits. If you own a short-term rental unit within city limits, please contact your local municipality.

Where are the proceeds of the applications going?
All money generated by the program will be utilized to help offset the cost of the advancement of the program and any additional funds will go towards the fire service of Sevier County (Outside the City Limits). Currently, the fire service outside the city limits in the county is majority all volunteer.

How do I reduce occupancy to 12 or less?
To reduce occupancy to 12 or less until change of occupancy and fire protection system is corrected, please fill out this LETTER and email it to firepermits@seviercountytn.gov.

How can I make an open records request?
To make an open records request, visit the Sevier County Archives page and fill out the request form.

Additionally, here is a presentation that was shared at the STRU Permit Program Public Information Sessions held on December 12th and 14th, 2024, at the Sevier County Courthouse.

View the Presentation HERE

If you have further questions about the Short-Term Rental Unit Permit Program or your permit, please call (865) 774-3603 or email firecodequestions@seviercountytn.org.