Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Kodak, TN?

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Kodak, Tennessee, subject to specific regulatory requirements that vary depending on whether the property is located within Sevierville city limits or in the unincorporated areas of Sevier County. Both jurisdictions have established comprehensive permit programs that require annual permits and mandatory safety inspections before operations can legally commence.

Critical Location Determination: Investors must first verify whether their Kodak property falls within Sevierville city limits or remains in unincorporated Sevier County, as this determines which regulatory framework applies. Use the Sevierville City Limits Verification Map to confirm your property's jurisdiction.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Kodak Market

Phase 1: Property Location Verification

1. Verify Jurisdiction: Confirm whether your property is within Sevierville city limits or unincorporated Sevier County using the city's verification map
2. Zoning Compliance Check: Ensure the property is located in a zoning district that permits short-term rentals (consult with local planning departments)

Phase 2: Permit Acquisition Process

For Properties in Unincorporated Sevier County:

1. Create Account: Register at CommunityConnect.io Sevier County Portal
2. Select Permit Type: Choose "Short-Term Rental Unit with 12 or less occupants" or appropriate occupancy level
3. Complete Application: Download, fill out, and submit the SCFMO Short-Term Rental Permit Application
4. Payment Processing: Pay $250 for 12 or fewer occupants, plus $25 per additional occupant for larger units
5. Inspection Scheduling: Schedule mandatory annual safety inspection through the provided Calendly link
6. Approval: Receive permit following successful inspection

For Properties Within Sevierville City Limits:

1. Operational Permit Application: Submit Sevierville Short-Term Rental Operational Permit application
2. Business License: Obtain City of Sevierville business license
3. Life-Safety Inspection: Schedule and complete mandatory inspection with Fire Prevention Bureau
4. Annual Renewal: Establish renewal schedule aligned with permit issuance date

Phase 3: Business Setup Requirements

1. Hospitality Tax Registration: Register for required tax filings with appropriate jurisdiction
2. Insurance Verification: Ensure liability coverage meets state minimum requirements ($500,000)
3. Safety Equipment Installation: Install required smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

For Sevier County (Unincorporated Areas):

Core Permits and Applications:

• STRU Permit Application: Complete application with detailed property information
• Life Safety Compliance Verification Form: Certifying operational safety equipment
• Owner's Acknowledgement Form: Required for third-party applications
• Change of Information Application: For ownership or management changes

Supporting Documentation:

• Property ownership verification documents
• Occupancy determination documentation
• Certificate of Occupancy (CO) information for maximum occupancy limits
• Professional chimney inspection certificates (if applicable)
• Fire protection system inspection reports (if applicable)

For Sevierville City Limits:

Required Permits:

• Short-Term Rental Operational Permit: Annual permit with life-safety inspection
• City Business License: Required for all commercial operations
• Life Safety Compliance Verification: Fire department inspection documentation

Additional Documentation:

• Property compliance certification
• Site plans showing rental unit boundaries
• Management company agreements (if applicable)
• Emergency contact information

State-Level Requirements (All Properties):

• Tennessee Business License: Both county and city licenses required
• Liability Insurance: Minimum $500,000 coverage unless marketplace provides equivalent
• Sales Tax Registration: State and local sales tax collection capabilities
• Hotel Occupancy Tax Registration: County lodging tax compliance

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Sevier County Regulations (Unincorporated Areas):

Permit Program Framework:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2024
• Application Deadline: Original deadline was June 30, 2024 (for existing operations)
• Annual Renewal: Required in the same month as original permit issuance
• Fee Structure: $250 base fee for 12 or fewer occupants, additional $25 per occupant above 12

Operational Requirements:

• Safety Equipment:
  • 2A10BC fire extinguisher on each level
  • Smoke alarms in all sleeping areas and common areas (UL 217 compliant)
  • Carbon monoxide detectors within 15 feet of bedroom doors
  • Address identification: Minimum 4-inch numbers visible from street

Safety Standards:

• Fire Safety: Annual chimney inspections by certified professionals
• Exit Requirements: Clear evacuation routes with floor evacuation plans on each level
• Grill Regulations:
  • Charcoal grills prohibited on structure surfaces; must be 10+ feet from structure
  • Natural gas/propane grills require 60-minute shut-off timer, non-combustible mat, and 18-inch clearance
• Pool Safety: Comprehensive requirements including barriers, door alarms, and splash alarms

Compliance Enforcement:

• Operating Without Permit: $50 per day penalty
• Inspection Failures: Re-inspection fee of $25 for third and subsequent inspections
• Code Upgrades: Properties without permits for 6+ months must meet current adopted fire and life safety codes

Sevierville City Regulations (Within City Limits):

Permit System:

• Operational Permit: Annual permit created August 2021
• Joint Administration: Managed by city planning and fire departments
• Focus: Life safety requirements and code compliance monitoring

Inspection Requirements:

• Life-Safety Inspection: Mandatory Fire Department inspection before permit issuance
• Annual Renewal: Required renewal inspections each year
• Specialized Focus: Safety considerations for unfamiliar occupants

Benefits for Compliant Operators:

• Insurance Advantages: Reduced liability claims may lower insurance rates
• Compliance Assurance: Verified adherence to city codes and ordinances
• Professional Monitoring: Regular safety oversight by fire professionals

Statewide Tennessee Requirements (All Properties):

Minimum Safety Standards:

• Liability Insurance: $500,000 minimum coverage
• Fire Safety Systems: Sprinklers, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms required
• Maximum Occupancy: Generally limited to two guests per bedroom, maximum 12 persons per property

Tax Obligations:

• Hotel Occupancy Tax: County rate (Sevier County: 3%)
• Sales Tax: Combined state and local rate (approximately 9.25-9.75%)
• Income Tax: Federal and state income tax on rental income

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Sevier County Fire Marshal's Office (Unincorporated Areas):

Primary Contact Information:

• Address: 149 Industrial Park Drive, Sevierville, TN 37862
• Phone: (865) 774-3603
• General Email: firecodequestions@seviercountytn.org
• Permit-Specific Email: firepermits@seviercountytn.gov

Staff Contacts:

• Brad Cannon - Director: BCannon@seviercountytn.org, (865) 774-3627
• Additional Contacts: apreat@seviercountytn.org, amiller@seviercountytn.org

Online Resources:

• Permit Portal: CommunityConnect.io Sevier County
• Inspection Scheduling: Sevier County STRU Inspection Scheduling
• Public Records Requests: Sevier County Archives

Sevierville Fire Prevention Bureau (City Limits):

Fire Prevention Contacts:

• Main Office: (865) 868-1710
• Fire Marshal: JC Green - (865) 868-1709, jcgreen@seviervilletn.org
• Fire Inspectors Email: fireinspectors@seviervilletn.org
• General Department Email: sfd@seviervilletn.org

Physical Address:

• Fire Department: 1162 Dolly Parton Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862
• Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Emergency Response: 24/7 availability

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

Sevier County Property Assessor:

• Phone: (865) 453-3242
• Purpose: Verify zoning compliance and property tax assessments

Source Pages and Reference Links

Primary Regulatory Sources:

• Sevier County STRU Program: https://www.seviercountytn.gov/news_detail_T2_R68.php
• Sevierville STR Information: https://www.seviervilletn.org/467/Short-Term-Rentals
• STR Regulations Overview: https://www.strprofitmap.com/regulations/TN/sevierville

Application and Form Links:

• CommunityConnect Permit Portal: https://www.communityconnect.io/info/tn-seviercounty
• City Limits Verification Map: https://mdib.seviervilletn.org/arcgis/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=75e5acd29f0f456c9d25e398bf70fdc3

Inspection and Scheduling:

• County Inspection Scheduling: https://calendly.com/d/cn3b-b88-f6j
• City Fire Inspections: Available through Fire Prevention Bureau scheduling system

Educational Resources:

• Step-by-Step Application Video: https://youtu.be/fT0gHMUW9Fw
• STR Permit Program Presentation: Available through Sevier County website
• Inspection Preparation Guide: Available on county website

Business Licensing:

• Sevierville Business License Application: Available through city website
• State Business Registration: Tennessee Secretary of State website

Critical Compliance Notes and Investment Considerations

Regulatory Timeline: The Sevier County STRU program became effective January 1, 2024, with original compliance deadline of June 30, 2024. New investors entering the market must obtain permits before operating.

Financial Investment Requirements: Budget $250-500+ annually for permit fees, plus potential inspection costs, safety equipment installation, and compliance upgrades. Properties requiring third inspections face additional $25 fees.

Market Positioning: Sevier County, including the Kodak area, represents one of Tennessee's strongest short-term rental markets due to proximity to Dollywood, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and multiple tourist attractions.

Risk Mitigation: Properties operating without permits face daily penalties of $50, potential code enforcement actions, and may be required to upgrade to current building standards if found non-compliant for extended periods.

Ongoing Compliance: Both jurisdictions require annual permit renewals, annual safety inspections, and continued tax compliance. Successful operators maintain detailed records and proactive communication with local authorities.

This comprehensive regulatory framework ensures that short-term rental operations in the Kodak area maintain high safety standards while supporting the robust tourism economy that characterizes this region of Tennessee.