Are there rental limits in Columbus?

Occupancy is strictly limited to 2 per bedroom + 2 guests.

What are the key requirements for Columbus hosts?

A local contact person must be available to respond to complaints 24/7 within 2 hours.

What should Columbus hosts know about the 8% hotel-motel tax is?

The 8% Hotel-Motel tax is in addition to the 8% combined state and local sales tax.

What are the key requirements for Columbus hosts?

Rentals must be at least 24 hours in duration (no hourly rentals).

Columbus, GA Short-Term Rental Regulations: A Host's Guide

Summary

Columbus requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual permit, a business license, and collect an 8% local hotel-motel tax.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 11 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $150
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Columbus, you must apply for a specific STR permit and an Occupational Tax Certificate (business license). You are required to have $500,000 in liability insurance and designate a local contact person who can respond to issues within 24 hours. The city limits occupancy to two adults per bedroom plus two additional guests.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.2%

Permit Fee

$150

Processing Time

2-3 weeks

Max Fine

$1,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Columbus: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Columbus prohibits STRs in the following property types: Recreational Vehicles (RVs), Tents, Temporary structures, Commercial lodging in unauthorized zones.
•Columbus allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwelling, Townhouse, Condominium, Apartment, Multi-family unit.

Requirements(12)

•Columbus requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental Permit". Apply through Planning Department. Processing time: 2-3 weeks. Renewal is required.
•Columbus: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.

Application Process(8)

•Columbus STR permit - Step 2: Designate a Local Contact. Ensure you have a local contact person available 24/7 who lives within 50 miles of the property and can respond within 2 hours. Required documents: Contact name, phone, and address. Time: 1 day.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Columbus charges a registration fee of $150 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•Columbus: The 8% Hotel-Motel tax is in addition to the 8% combined state and local sales tax.
•Georgia has a state sales tax of 0.04% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Columbus enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Columbus limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Columbus limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 adults per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 12 total.
•Columbus: Occupancy is strictly limited to 2 per bedroom + 2 guests.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Columbus requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Functioning interconnected smoke alarms, Carbon monoxide detectors if gas is present, Evacuation plan posted.

Penalties(2)

•Columbus: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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.

Columbus

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(6)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

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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Columbus

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 Columbus, GA?

2What is the short-term rental tax rate in Columbus?

3Are there occupancy limits for rentals in Columbus?

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

Related Content

Other Georgia Markets

Dahlonega

Athens

Augusta

Roswell