Gatlinburg vs Kansas City
Tennessee Legal with Permit | Missouri Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Gatlinburg, Tennessee | Kansas City, Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom | $250/year permit fee |
| Tax Rate | 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax | 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible | $500/offense for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Kansas City, Missouri
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year permit fee
Tax Rate 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $500/offense for operating without permit
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →Kansas City Overview
Short-term rental permits required for all listings. Both owner-occupied and investor-owned properties are eligible. Must maintain guest registry and provide local emergency contact within 30 minutes.
Full Kansas City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Gatlinburg or Kansas City?
Gatlinburg is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Kansas City is "Legal with Permit." Gatlinburg's permit fee is $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom compared to $250/year permit fee in Kansas City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Gatlinburg or Kansas City?
Gatlinburg charges 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax, while Kansas City charges 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Gatlinburg: $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible. Kansas City: $500/offense for operating without permit.