Most cabin plans are drawn for the listing photos. In Sevier County, a rental cabin also has to pass a short-term rental inspection, and the cheapest time to pass it is on paper, before framing starts.
Since January 1, 2024, a short-term rental permit has been required to run overnight rentals in unincorporated Sevier County. The permit is valid for 12 months and renews with an on-site inspection (SCFMO). Here's what to design in.
1. Smoke alarms in every sleeping area, all interconnected
Smoke alarms must meet UL 217. They go inside sleeping rooms, outside sleeping rooms near the bedrooms, and on every story, including basements. They are also required in corridors and living areas (SCFMO).
Two details trip people up:
- Sleeping area means any bed. The county counts any space with a bed, sofa bed, bunk, futon or other sleeping surface. A living room with a sleeper sofa is a sleeping area.
- Interconnected means all of them sound. If one alarm goes off, they all must. That can be hardwired by a licensed electrician or done with UL-listed wireless units programmed together (SCFMO).
Design move: put alarm locations on the electrical plan, so the electrician wires interconnection during rough-in instead of after drywall.
2. CO alarms near bedroom doors
Carbon monoxide alarms are required within 15 feet of the door of every bedroom, and within 10 feet of every fuel-burning, natural gas or propane appliance (SCFMO). An all-electric cabin still needs to plan for the bedroom-door rule.
3. An extinguisher and an evacuation map on every level
Every level needs at least one fire extinguisher rated 2A:10BC, inspected and tagged yearly by a certified company. If it sits behind a cabinet or closet door, that door needs a "Fire Extinguisher Inside" label (SCFMO).
Every level also needs a floor evacuation plan posted where guests will see it. It shows the sleeping areas and exit routes, with "YOU ARE HERE" marked and directions out from that spot (SCFMO). A loft counts as a level.
Design move: pick a wall spot for the map and the extinguisher on each level while you are still drawing, near the main path to the exit.
4. Keep exits clear in the furniture plan
Exits may not be obstructed at any time (SCFMO). That sounds obvious until a sectional sofa lands in front of the back door. Draw a furniture plan with the floor plan, not after move-in.
5. Plan the porch, grill and fire pit together
- Charcoal grills and open flames: not on the structure, and at least 10 feet from it.
- Gas grills on a deck: need a non-combustible mat, a 60-minute shut-off timer, a secured grill, and 18 inches of clearance from railings and walls.
- Wood fire pits: at least 15 feet from the structure and any combustible surface. Decks count as the structure.
- Hot tubs: windows within 60 inches must be tempered glass or have ANSI 97.1 safety film.
All of these come from the county list (SCFMO).
6. Mark the address
Address numbers at least 4 inches tall must be visible from the street or driveway, plus direction numbers at any driveway split (SCFMO).
The short version
Decide your guest count, then draw alarms, extinguishers, maps, exits and outdoor clearances into the plan from the start. Every STR-Ready plan set includes these sheets. Download the free 25-item checklist.
The county notes that its list covers the most commonly found issues, not every inspection item, and that it may change. Confirm with the Fire Marshal's Office before you build.