Overview: STR Status in Newport, TN

Short-term rentals are permitted in Newport, Tennessee under specific conditions outlined in the city's zoning ordinance. However, Newport, TN does not have the comprehensive, dedicated short-term rental regulations that many other jurisdictions have implemented. Instead, STR operations fall under existing zoning classifications for lodging facilities, particularly as "Boarding or Rooming House, Tourist Home, or Bed and Breakfast Inn" uses.

This guide provides essential information for investors considering STR opportunities in Newport, TN, based on available municipal regulations and Tennessee state requirements.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Newport, TN

Step 1: Zoning Compliance Verification

1. Determine your property's zoning district using the Newport zoning map (available at the Newport Municipal Building)
2. Verify allowable uses for your specific zoning classification
3. Confirm compliance with setback, height, and density requirements

Step 2: Property Classification

Under Newport's zoning ordinance, STR operations are likely categorized as:

• Boarding or Rooming House, Tourist Home, or Bed and Breakfast Inn: "A building containing a single dwelling unit and not more than five (5) guest rooms where lodging is provided with or without meals for compensation"

Step 3: Permitting Process

1. Building Permit (if modifications needed)
2. Business License from Newport City Hall
3. Fire Marshal inspection for safety compliance
4. Health Department approval if serving food

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

City-Level Requirements

• Building Permit (if applicable to renovations)
• Business License from Newport City Hall
• Certificate of Occupancy confirming residential/commercial use compliance
• Fire Safety Inspection approval
• Parking Plan demonstrating compliance with off-street parking requirements

State-Level Requirements (Tennessee)

• Tennessee Sales Tax Registration (for collecting/remitting state sales tax)
• Business Tax Registration ( Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-4-701 et seq.)
• Professional Privilege Tax ($100-400 annually depending on gross receipts)

Documentation Needed

• Property deed or lease agreement
• Site plan showing building layout and parking
• Floor plans for all guest areas
• Emergency contact information
• Property insurance documentation
• Business plan detailing operations

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Newport, TN Municipal Regulations

Permitted Zoning Districts:

• STR uses must comply with the zoning district where the property is located
• "Boarding or Rooming House, Tourist Home, or Bed and Breakfast Inn" uses are subject to underlying zoning requirements
• Properties must maintain single dwelling unit status with maximum 5 guest rooms

Parking Requirements:

• Off-street parking requirements apply (specific ratios per zoning district)
• Parking spaces must be designated on-site or through approved lease agreements
• Accessory parking structures must comply with setback requirements

Operational Requirements:

• Maximum of 5 guest rooms per property
• Single dwelling unit structure maintained
• Compliance with noise, nuisance, and occupancy standards
• Building must meet all safety codes and inspections

Cocke County (Where Newport is Located)

• County-level regulations may apply for properties outside city limits
• No specific STR regulations identified at county level
• Standard county health and safety codes apply

Tennessee State Regulations

Business Registration Requirements:

• Register business with Tennessee Secretary of State
• Obtain Tennessee Department of Revenue business tax account
• Collect and remit state sales tax (7% state rate plus local option sales tax)

Tax Obligations:

• State sales tax on all short-term rental income
• Business tax based on gross receipts
• Professional privilege tax annually
• Local option sales tax (varies by county)

Health and Safety:

• Compliance with Tennessee Fire Prevention Code
• Tennessee Department of Health lodging facility standards
• Americans with Disabilities Act compliance if applicable

Contact Information

Newport, TN Municipal Authorities

Newport City Hall

• Address: 230 East Church Street, Newport, TN 37821
• Phone: (423) 623-1113
• Fax: (423) 625-8791
• Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Newport Planning & Zoning Department

• Contact through City Hall -负责: Zoning compliance and permits

Newport Fire Department

• Address: 120 West Broadway, Newport, TN 37821
• Phone: (423) 623-1365 -负责: Fire safety inspections

Newport Police Department

• Address: 215 East Church Street, Newport, TN 37821
• Phone: (423) 623-1452 -负责: Enforcement and public safety

State-Level Contacts

Tennessee Department of Revenue

• Phone: (615) 253-0600
• Website: www.tn.gov/revenue.html -负责: Business tax and sales tax registration

Tennessee Secretary of State

• Phone: (615) 741-2811
• Website: sos.tn.gov -负责: Business entity registration

Tennessee Department of Health

• Phone: (615) 532-4800
• Website: www.tn.gov/health.html -负责: Health permits and inspections

Important Notes and Limitations

Regulatory Environment: Newport, TN operates under a traditional zoning framework rather than the dedicated STR ordinances found in many other jurisdictions. This means investors should expect more ambiguity and case-by-case interpretations.

Enforcement: Enforcement appears to be complaint-driven rather than proactive, with primary focus on zoning compliance, safety standards, and tax obligations.

Investment Considerations: The lack of specific STR regulations may present both opportunities and risks for investors, requiring thorough due diligence and ongoing compliance monitoring.

Source Documentation

Primary Sources:

• Newport, TN Zoning Ordinance (Adopted January 13, 1994; Re-adopted August 14, 2007)
• Tennessee Code Annotated (Business and Tax Requirements)

Disclaimer: This guide is based on available municipal documents and state requirements as of the information provided. Prospective investors should verify current regulations with local authorities, as zoning and business requirements may have been updated since the documents were published.

For the most current information, contact the Newport Planning Department directly at (423) 623-1113 or visit Newport City Hall during regular business hours.