Gatlinburg vs Salt Lake City
Tennessee Legal with Permit | Utah Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Gatlinburg, Tennessee | Salt Lake City, Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom | Contact city for current details |
| Tax Rate | 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax | ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| 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; violations may incur daily fines |
| Verdict | Gatlinburg has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Salt Lake City, Utah
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Contact city for current details
Tax Rate ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines
Gatlinburg has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →Salt Lake City Overview
Traditional STRs (Airbnb-style) are prohibited in all residential zones. Short-term lodging is only permitted in downtown and mixed-use zoning districts, where operators must meet hotel/motel-class licensing and building standards.
Full Salt Lake City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Gatlinburg or Salt Lake City?
Gatlinburg is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Salt Lake City is "Effectively Banned." Gatlinburg's permit fee is $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom compared to Contact city for current details in Salt Lake City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Gatlinburg or Salt Lake City?
Gatlinburg charges 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax, while Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). 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. Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines.