In cabin country, bigger can seem better: more beds, more guests, more revenue. In Sevier County, though, one threshold shapes everything else: 12 guests.
What the county says
- The permit fee: Sevier County's short-term rental operating permit is $250 a year for an occupancy of 12 or fewer. Each occupant above 12 adds $25 (SCFMO).
- The building thresholds: rentals built after February 1, 2016 that are more than 3 stories above grade, more than 5,000 sq ft, or sleep 13 or more people, and that exceed their certificate-of-occupancy load limits, must contact the Building Department for a change of occupancy. The added requirements may include a sprinkler system, emergency lighting and additional exits (SCFMO).
- What counts as a sleeping area: any space with a bed, sofa bed, bunk, futon or other sleeping surface. If an inspection finds more sleeping space, or the listing advertises more guests than the application shows, the owner is billed the difference (SCFMO).
What that means for your plan
- Pick the guest count first. Write it at the top of the plan and count every sleeper sofa and bunk against it.
- Watch the story count on steep lots. A walk-out basement plus two floors plus a loft adds up fast.
- Match the listing to the permit. The number on Airbnb should match the number on the application.
Small can be the smart play
Small cabins in the 4-to-6-guest range sit well inside every threshold: a couples' studio, a one-bedroom porch cabin, a two-suite design. They're simpler to permit, inspect, clean and furnish.
Every STR-Ready plan lists its guest count and story count up front. The 20×30 Porch Cabin sleeps 4, and the 24×36 Two-Suite sleeps 6.
The county's rules can change, and properties built or remodeled at different times may be treated differently. Confirm your situation with the Sevier County Fire Marshal's Office and Building Department.