Short-Term Rental Unit Inspection Program Information

Beginning January 1, 2024, all short-term rental units in Sevier County outside of city limits will be required to have an annual permit issued, followed by a yearly inspection. The Sevier County Short-Term Rental Unit Inspection Program is designed to ensure that all short-term rental units in Sevier County meet minimum safety standards.

When does the STRU Inspection Program begin?
The program will go into effect on January 1, 2024. Resolutions to adopt the codes (2023-06-09) and fee schedule (2023-06-10) were passed by the Sevier County Board of Commissioners on June 26, 2023.

How Do I Complete a STRU Inspection Program Application?

  1. Open this link [https://www.communityconnect.io/info/tn-seviercounty]
  2. Select “Business Owners” 
  3. Register for an Account
  4. Please note, that if you own multiple rental addresses, please follow the steps in the video to add additional addresses. You will have to complete a Permit Application for each address.
  5. Once logged in, select “Permits” and click “Apply for a Permit”
  6. Under Permit Type, for those with rental units that sleep 12 or less, select “Short-Term Rental Unit with 12 or less occupants”. If your rental unit sleeps more than 12, select the appropriate number you wish to submit an application for.
  7. Download the application PDF and fill it out. Then save the PDF and add it as an attachment. 
  8. Click “Pay and Submit” 
  9. Fill out payment information and click “Pay Now”

Watch this video for a step-by-step tutorial on creating an account and submitting an application. 

https://youtu.be/fT0gHMUW9Fw

Note: If you wish to pay by check, please do not continue submitting for a permit online, download the application and fill it out. Applications and check made out to "Sevier County Fire Prevention" can be mailed to Sevier County Fire Marshal’s Office at 149 Industrial Park Dr, Sevierville, TN 37862.

Payments are non-refundable

What does the application look like?
Click HERE to download an application.

Why is this program important?
There are currently over 6,500 STRUs operating in Sevier County. Those rental units are often occupied by people who are unfamiliar with the property and the surrounding area. The Short-Term Rental Unit Inspection Program helps to identify and correct fire and safety hazards in short-term rental units, making them safer for occupants and the community.

What does the inspection cover?
Inspections cover a variety of safety items, including but not limited to:

  • Fire Safety
  • Smoke Alarms
  • Escape routes
  • Carbon Monoxide Detectors
  • Electrical Safety

View all of the inspection items HERE

How Much Does the Short-Term Rental Unit Inspection Program Cost?
Permits will cost $250.00 per year for any STRU that sleeps 12 or less. For STRUs that sleep 13 or more, the permit costs $250.00 plus $25.00 additional per occupant.

How do I pay for my Short-Term Rental Inspection Permit?

  1. Open this link [https://www.communityconnect.io/info/tn-seviercounty]
  2. Select “Business Owners” 
  3. Register for an Account
  4. Please note, that if you own multiple rental addresses, please follow the steps in the video to add additional addresses. You will have to complete a Permit Application for each address.
  5. Once logged in, select “Permits” and click “Apply for a Permit”
  6. Under Permit Type, for those with rental units that sleep 12 or less, select “Short-Term Rental Unit with 12 or less occupants”. If your rental unit sleeps more than 12, select the appropriate number you wish to submit an application for.
  7. Download the application PDF and fill it out. Then save the PDF and add it as an attachment. 
  8. Click “Pay and Submit” 
  9. Fill out payment information and click “Pay Now”

Watch this video for a step-by-step tutorial on creating an account and submitting an application. 

https://youtu.be/fT0gHMUW9Fw

Note: If you wish to pay by check, please do not continue submitting for a permit online, download the application and fill it out. Applications and check made out to "Sevier County Fire Prevention" can be mailed to Sevier County Fire Marshal’s Office at 149 Industrial Park Dr, Sevierville, TN 37862.

Payments are non-refundable

How do I schedule an inspection?
As the initial applications are received between January 1, 2024, and March 31, 2024, inspections will be scheduled for the remainder of 2024.

Once your initial inspection is completed, follow-up inspections will occur on an annual basis during the month that you are issued the initial permit.

Who will conduct the inspections?
Sevier County Fire & Rescue has hired 5 full-time fire inspectors to conduct the inspections. The County has been divided into districts and each fire inspector will be assigned a district.

What happens if my unit fails the inspection?
If your short-term rental unit fails the inspection, you will be given a list of the items that need to be corrected. Once you have made the repairs and improvements, you can schedule a re-inspection.

If your STRU requires a third inspection, that inspection and additional follow-up inspections will cost $25 each.

Benefits of the Inspection Program
There are a number of benefits to the Short-Term Rental Unit Inspection Program, including:

  • Increased safety for occupants and the community
  • Compliance with all applicable building and fire codes
  • Increased protection of your investment

How to prepare for your inspection
There are a few things you can do to prepare for your short-term rental unit inspection:

  • Make sure all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
  • Install a 2A10BC Fire Extinguisher on each level
  • Clear all escape routes of any obstructions.
  • Check all electrical wiring and outlets.
  • Make sure all heating and cooling systems are in good working order.
  • Make any necessary repairs and improvements.
  • Review the inspection checklist
View all of the inspection items HERE

What happens to those who don’t comply with the inspection program?
For those who own a STRU in Sevier County outside of city limits and fail to comply with the program, fines or other penalties may be issued.

When will I receive my permit?
Permits will be issued following your annual inspection.

What if I own a STRU inside of city limits?
This program is designed for short-term rental units in Sevier County outside of city limits. If you own a short-term rental unit within city limits, please contact your local municipality. 

Where are the proceeds of the applications going?
All money generated by the program will be utilized to help offset the cost of the advancement of the program and any additional funds will go towards the fire service of Sevier County (Outside the City Limits). Currently, the fire service outside the city limits in the county is majority all volunteer.

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Additionally, here is a presentation that was shared at the STRU Inspection Program Public Information Sessions held on December 12th and 14th at the Sevier County Courthouse. 

View the Presentation HERE

If you have further questions about the Short-Term Rental Unit Inspection Program or your permit, please call (865) 774-3603 or email firecodequestions@seviercountytn.org.