Atlanta vs Gatlinburg
Georgia Legal with Permit | Tennessee Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Atlanta, Georgia | Gatlinburg, Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $150/year | $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom |
| Tax Rate | 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax | 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 | $1,000/day for operating without permit | $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Atlanta, Georgia
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $150/year
Tax Rate 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for operating without permit
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
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Atlanta Overview
Owner-occupied and investor-owned units both allowed with a Short-Term Rental License. Must pass fire inspection and provide 24/7 local contact.
Full Atlanta 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 Atlanta or Gatlinburg?
Atlanta is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Gatlinburg is "Legal with Permit." Atlanta's permit fee is $150/year compared to $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom in Gatlinburg.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Atlanta or Gatlinburg?
Atlanta charges 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax, 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?
Atlanta: $1,000/day for operating without permit. Gatlinburg: $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible.