What zoning rules apply to STRs in Athens?

Non-owner-occupied STRs are prohibited in residential neighborhoods (RS zones).

What are the key requirements for Athens hosts?

Legal non-conforming STRs must cease operations by March 1, 2027, unless they become compliant.

What should Athens hosts know about only one structure (main house?

Only one structure (main house or ADU) on a parcel may be used as an STR for Home Occupations.

What should Athens hosts know about change in property ownership immediately?

Change in property ownership immediately terminates 'legal non-conforming' status.

Athens, GA Short-Term Rental Laws &...

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Verified: Feb 6, 2026

Summary

Athens-Clarke County strictly regulates short-term rentals by requiring primary residency in residential zones and limiting commercial rentals to non-residential districts.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 78 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To operate a short-term rental in Athens, you must obtain both a business license and a specific STR permit. If your property is in a single-family residential zone, it must be your primary residence; non-owner-occupied 'commercial' rentals are generally banned in these neighborhoods.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$50

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Max Fine

$1,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•Athens allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Requires written permission from the property owner and the tenant must be the primary resident.
•Athens: Non-owner-occupied STRs are prohibited in residential neighborhoods (RS zones).
•Athens allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Townhouse, Condo, Multi-Family.

Requirements(14)

•Athens requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $500,000. Short-term rental or commercial liability coverage recommended.
•Athens: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
•Athens STR warning: Non-owner-occupied STRs are prohibited in residential neighborhoods (RS zones).

Application Process(8)

•Athens STR permit - Step 2: Obtain Business Occupation Tax Certificate. Register your rental business with the Finance Department to receive your local business license. Required documents: Business License Application, Government ID. Time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 50.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Athens charges a registration fee of $50 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Georgia has a state sales tax of 0.04% that applies to STR rentals.
•Athens charges a Hotel-Motel Excise Tax of 0.07%. This applies to stays under 31 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and Vrbo remit the 7% local tax and 8% sales tax directly to the city/state.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Athens: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Athens occupancy calculation: Generally 2 per bedroom plus 2, not to exceed local fire code limits.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Athens enforces quiet hours: 11pm-7am.
•Athens limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Athens requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Fire Marshal review for Home Occupations, Local 24/7 contact required.

Penalties(2)

•Athens enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Warning or $250 fine. Second offense: $500 fine. Third offense: $1000 fine and permit revocation. Daily fine: $500. Maximum fine: 1000. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Athens: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Athens: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Athens exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Licensed Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels/Motels.

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Georgia Markets

Dahlonega

Georgia

Moderate

Short-term rentals in Dahlonega require both a city business license and an annual STR license, and are strictly prohibited in R-1 residential zones.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

Augusta

Georgia

Moderate

Augusta-Richmond County currently does not have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance or permit, though hosts must obtain a general business license and pay hotel-motel taxes.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Sandy Springs

Georgia

Prohibited

Short-term rentals in Sandy Springs are strictly regulated, requiring an annual business license, mandatory property inspections, and a primary residence/owner-occupancy requirement.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

Roswell

Georgia

Permissive

Roswell adopted a comprehensive short-term rental ordinance in June 2025 requiring business registration, annual fire inspections, and a local agent available 24/7.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

Athens

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

Requirements(14)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other Georgia Markets

Dahlonega

Augusta

Sandy Springs

Roswell

Athens

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Athens?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Athens?

3Are there rental night limits in Athens?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Athens?

Related Content

Other Georgia Markets

Dahlonega

Augusta

Sandy Springs

Roswell