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Pigeon Forge

Tennessee · United States
Restricted
Last updated: 2026-06-23  ·  Last verified: 2026-06-23  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Pigeon Forge Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusRestricted — rules apply
Permit / License RequiredYes — Short-Term Rental Unit (STRU) permit required for all vacation rentals; three permit categories including Owner-Occupied (one per person, owner
Tax RateCity hotel occupancy (privilege) tax 2.50%; total sales tax 9.75%.
Night / Day CapNone / Unknown
Minimum StaySTRs defined as rentals of residential units/dwellings for less than 30 consecutive days. No specified minimum-night floor identified. Unknown.
Permit FeeApplication, annual licensing, and possible inspection fees apply; exact amounts vary — verify with the Pigeon Forge Community Development Office. Unk
PenaltiesUnknown — enforcement via inspection/permit denial and code compliance; specific fine schedule not sourced.
Primary Residence RequiredNo general mandate — owner-occupied is only one of three permit types; non-owner-occupied permits available subject to zoning.
Occupancy LimitMaximum of two guests per bed and two beds per room, capped at no more than 12 persons per property.
Browse all 9 STR regulations in Tennessee → Browse all 535 STR regulations in United States →

Pigeon Forge Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Pigeon Forge Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rentals in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — Short-Term Rental Unit (STRU) permit required for all vacation rentals; three permit categories including Owner-Occupied (one per person, owner need not be present). Permits valid one year, non-. The associated permit fees are Application, annual licensing, and possible inspection fees apply; exact amounts vary — verify with .

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Pigeon Forge

Short-term rental operators in Pigeon Forge should be aware of these tax obligations: City hotel occupancy (privilege) tax 2.50%; total sales tax 9.75%.. Yes — Tennessee Sales Tax Certificate and Hotel Occupancy Tax registration required; city/county business licenses also required..

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Pigeon Forge

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Pigeon Forge include: Primary residence requirement: No general mandate — owner-occupied is only one of three permit types; non-owner-occupied permits available subject to z. Rental day cap: None / Unknown. Occupancy limit: Maximum of two guests per bed and two beds per room, capped at no more than 12 persons per property.. Minimum stay: STRs defined as rentals of residential units/dwellings for less than 30 consecutive days. No specified minimum-night flo.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Pigeon Forge

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Pigeon Forge: Significant — STRs limited to certain zoning districts. In the R-1 District (Ordinance No. 1065), residences may operate as STRs only if they were operating as such on or before August 13, 2018. New S. Density rules: Effective limits via zoning (R-1 grandfathering). No explicit numeric cap on permits per owner identified.. Insurance: Insurance coverage to protect against liability and property damage is required per city guidance; e.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Pigeon Forge

Hosts who fail to comply with Pigeon Forge's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Unknown — enforcement via inspection/permit denial and code compliance; specific fine schedule not sourced..

Platform Obligations in Pigeon Forge

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Pigeon Forge: Platforms like Airbnb/VRBO may remit certain taxes, but hosts remain responsible for ensuring all applicable taxes are paid..

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Restricted
License / Registration
Yes — Short-Term Rental Unit (STRU) permit required for all vacation rentals; three permit categories including Owner-Occupied (one per person, owner need not be present). Permits valid one year, non-transferable.
Tax Registration
Yes — Tennessee Sales Tax Certificate and Hotel Occupancy Tax registration required; city/county business licenses also required.
Permit Fee
Application, annual licensing, and possible inspection fees apply; exact amounts vary — verify with the Pigeon Forge Community Development Office. Unknown specific figure.
Primary Residence Rule
No general mandate — owner-occupied is only one of three permit types; non-owner-occupied permits available subject to zoning.
Night / Day Cap
None / Unknown
Occupancy Limit
Maximum of two guests per bed and two beds per room, capped at no more than 12 persons per property.
Tax Rate
City hotel occupancy (privilege) tax 2.50%; total sales tax 9.75%.
Zoning Restrictions
Significant — STRs limited to certain zoning districts. In the R-1 District (Ordinance No. 1065), residences may operate as STRs only if they were operating as such on or before August 13, 2018. New STR development restricted in many residential neighborhoods; overnight rentals generally allowed in R-2 and higher zones.
Minimum Stay
STRs defined as rentals of residential units/dwellings for less than 30 consecutive days. No specified minimum-night floor identified. Unknown.
Density Rules
Effective limits via zoning (R-1 grandfathering). No explicit numeric cap on permits per owner identified.
Insurance Required
Insurance coverage to protect against liability and property damage is required per city guidance; exact limits Unknown. Property insurance documentation expected.
Platform Obligations
Platforms like Airbnb/VRBO may remit certain taxes, but hosts remain responsible for ensuring all applicable taxes are paid.
Compliance Notes
Pre-issuance/renewal inspection required for compliance with building, fire safety, and health codes (smoke alarms, CO detectors, fire extinguishers). Must designate a responsible local agent. Structures over 5 sleeping rooms, sleeping accommodations for >12 occupants, >5,000 sq ft, or >3 stories must meet R-1 (hotel/motel) occupancy requirements (sprinklers, exits, guardrails).
Effective Date
Ordinance No. 1065 (R-1 provisions reference August 13, 2018 cutoff). Sevier County (outside city limits) annual permit + inspection program effective January 1, 2024.
Key Notes
Good Neighbor Policy (noise minimization, quiet hours) applies; adequate guest parking required. Permits are property-specific and non-transferable.
Penalties
Unknown — enforcement via inspection/permit denial and code compliance; specific fine schedule not sourced.
Additional Context
Premier Smoky Mountains tourist market (Dollywood, The Island). STRs outside city limits in Sevier County require an annual permit and yearly safety inspection.
Sources
https://www.cityofpigeonforgetn.gov/226/Building-Department
City of Pigeon Forge (cityofpigeonforgetn.gov Building Department)
Sevier County (seviercountytn.gov)
gosummer.com
theoffersheet.com
airbtics.com
getchalet.com
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Pigeon Forge?

Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Pigeon Forge but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Pre-issuance/renewal inspection required for compliance with building, fire safety, and health codes (smoke alarms, CO detectors, fire extinguishers). Must designate a responsible local agent. Structu

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Pigeon Forge?

Yes. Pigeon Forge requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — Short-Term Rental Unit (STRU) permit required for all vacation rentals; three permit categories including Owner-Occupied (one per person, owner need not be present). Permits valid one year, non-transferable..

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Pigeon Forge?

Short-term rental hosts in Pigeon Forge are subject to the following tax obligations: City hotel occupancy (privilege) tax 2.50%; total sales tax 9.75%..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Pigeon Forge?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Pigeon Forge may face enforcement. Unknown — enforcement via inspection/permit denial and code compliance; specific fine schedule not sourced..

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Pigeon Forge?

Good Neighbor Policy (noise minimization, quiet hours) applies; adequate guest parking required. Permits are property-specific and non-transferable.

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