Build Notes

Block crawlspace foundation
Building a Rental Cabin in Sevier County: Permits and Inspections, Step by Step
The order of permits and inspections for building a new rental cabin in unincorporated Sevier County, from septic approval to the STR permit. Read more...
Cabin living room
Why 12 Guests Is the Number to Design Around in Sevier County
How guest count, stories and square footage affect Sevier County short-term rental permits, and why to set your sleeping count before your floor plan. Read more...
Cabin framing during construction
Do You Need an Architect to Build a Cabin in Tennessee?
When Tennessee requires a registered architect or engineer for a cabin, and when a residential plan set designed to the IRC is enough. Read more...
Fire pit in front of a rental cabin
Fire Pits, Grills and Hot Tubs: Clearance Rules for Smoky Mountain Rental Cabins
How far a fire pit and grill must be from a rental cabin in Sevier County, and the window and railing rules around hot tubs. Read more...
Sample emergency evacuation map
How to Design a Rental Cabin That Passes the Sevier County STR Inspection
Smoke and CO alarms, evacuation maps, extinguishers and outdoor clearances: what to draw into a Smoky Mountain rental cabin before you build. Read more...