Asheville vs Gatlinburg
North Carolina Restricted | Tennessee Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Asheville, North Carolina | Gatlinburg, Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $200 homestay permit fee | $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom |
| Tax Rate | ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy) | 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for violations | $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible |
| Verdict | Gatlinburg has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Asheville, North Carolina
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $200 homestay permit fee
Tax Rate ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for violations
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom
Tax Rate 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible
Gatlinburg has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Asheville Overview
Whole-dwelling STRs banned in most zones since 2018; only allowed in resort zoning districts. Owner-occupied homestays (max 2 guest rooms, host must live on-site) are permitted in residential zones with a permit.
Full Asheville guide →Gatlinburg Overview
Tourist Residency Permit required with annual inspection. STRs prohibited in R-1A and R-2A zones. Properties over 3 stories or 12+ occupants require sprinkler systems.
Full Gatlinburg guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Asheville or Gatlinburg?
Asheville is classified as "Restricted" while Gatlinburg is "Legal with Permit." Asheville's permit fee is $200 homestay permit fee compared to $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom in Gatlinburg.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Asheville or Gatlinburg?
Asheville charges ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy), while Gatlinburg charges 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Asheville: $500/day for violations. Gatlinburg: $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible.