Gatlinburg vs Sacramento
Tennessee Legal with Permit | California Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Gatlinburg, Tennessee | Sacramento, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom | $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax |
| Tax Rate | 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax | 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible | Contact city for current details |
| 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
Sacramento, California
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax
Tax Rate 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details
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 →Sacramento Overview
Host must reside in the property at least 184 nights/year (primary residence requirement); non-primary-residence rentals capped at 90 days/year. Maximum 6 guests at any time.
Full Sacramento guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Gatlinburg or Sacramento?
Gatlinburg is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Sacramento is "Legal with Permit." Gatlinburg's permit fee is $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom compared to $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax in Sacramento.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Gatlinburg or Sacramento?
Gatlinburg charges 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax, while Sacramento charges 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments. 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. Sacramento: Contact city for current details.