Pigeon Forge has its own STR registration program for properties inside city limits. Properties near Pigeon Forge with a city mailing address may actually be in unincorporated Sevier County and need the county STRU permit instead.
The City of Pigeon Forge requires a short-term rental registration for all properties operating within city limits. This is completely separate from the Sevier County STRU permit — the two programs are administered by different offices, have different fees, and cover different geographic areas.
The most critical first step: confirm your property's actual jurisdiction. Many properties with "Pigeon Forge, TN" mailing addresses are physically located in unincorporated Sevier County and need the county permit, not the city registration. A cabin three miles from Pigeon Forge's commercial strip may still be outside city limits.
Use the Sevier County GIS parcel viewer to look up your property address. If your parcel falls inside the Pigeon Forge municipal boundary, you need the city registration. If it's outside all municipal boundaries, you need the Sevier County STRU permit.
Look up your parcel in the Sevier County GIS system to verify you're inside Pigeon Forge city limits.
Call the City of Pigeon Forge at (865) 453-9061 for the current STR registration application and fee schedule. Requirements have been updated as the program has evolved.
Standard requirements: proof of ownership, insurance certificate for short-term rental use, maximum occupancy declaration.
A fire or life-safety inspection is required. Contact the city for current inspection scheduling procedures.
Separately from the city registration, ensure you're registered for Tennessee sales tax and the applicable local occupancy tax on rental income.
This guide is informational only. Requirements in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with the local planning or code enforcement office before applying.