Gatlinburg vs Scottsdale

Tennessee Legal with Permit | Arizona 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
Scottsdale, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year
Tax Rate ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Gatlinburg charges $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom for STR licensing, while Scottsdale charges $250/year. Gatlinburg renewal is annual, and Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale, hosts pay ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city). 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 Scottsdale, violations can result in $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months. 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 →

Scottsdale Overview

Ordinance 4566 caps occupancy at 6 adults plus dependent children, requires 1 off-street parking space per bedroom, $500K liability insurance, and neighbor notification within 30 days. Special events and commercial uses prohibited.

Contact: Scottsdale Code Enforcement — (480) 312-2546

Full Scottsdale guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Gatlinburg or Scottsdale?
Gatlinburg is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Scottsdale is "Legal with Permit." Gatlinburg's permit fee is $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom compared to $250/year in Scottsdale. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Gatlinburg or Scottsdale?
Gatlinburg charges 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax, while Scottsdale charges ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Gatlinburg: $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible. Scottsdale: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Gatlinburg and Scottsdale have day limits for Airbnb?
Gatlinburg has no annual day limit. Scottsdale has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Gatlinburg or Scottsdale?
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. Scottsdale charges $250/year with ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city). Automatic tax collection in Gatlinburg and Scottsdale makes compliance easier for beginners.