Gatlinburg vs Savannah

Tennessee Legal with Permit | Georgia Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

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
Savannah, Georgia
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $400 initial application; $250/year renewal
Tax Rate 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Gatlinburg charges $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom for STR licensing, while Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal. Gatlinburg renewal is annual, and Savannah renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."

Tax Obligations

In Gatlinburg, hosts pay 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax. In Savannah, hosts pay 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax. Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Gatlinburg face penalties including $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible. In Savannah, violations can result in Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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.

Contact: Building & Planning Department — (865) 436-7792

Full Gatlinburg guide →

Savannah Overview

STVRs permitted within Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar historic district overlay zones, plus select commercial/agriculture zones. 20% per-ward cap applies to non-owner-occupied parcels in historic districts.

Contact: Savannah Planning & Urban Design — (912) 525-2783

Full Savannah guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Gatlinburg or Savannah?
Gatlinburg is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." Gatlinburg's permit fee is $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Gatlinburg or Savannah?
Gatlinburg charges 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax, while Savannah charges 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Gatlinburg: $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Gatlinburg and Savannah have day limits for Airbnb?
Gatlinburg has no annual day limit. Savannah has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Gatlinburg or Savannah?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Gatlinburg charges $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom for permits with 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax in taxes. Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal with 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax. Automatic tax collection in Gatlinburg and Savannah makes compliance easier for beginners.