What should Decatur hosts know about primary residence is strictly required?

Primary residence is strictly required via notarized affidavit

What are the key requirements for Decatur hosts?

Local manager must be able to travel to the property within one hour

What should Decatur hosts know about only one unit per building?

Only one unit per building can be used as an STR in multi-family structures

What should Decatur hosts know about outdoor amplified sound (except household?

Outdoor amplified sound (except household speakers) is strictly prohibited

What are the key requirements for Decatur hosts?

Registration requirements officially began in 2026

Decatur, GA Short-Term Rental Regulation Guide

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Verified: Feb 8, 2026

Summary

The City of Decatur requires an annual short-term rental permit, primary residency for hosts, and a local property manager available 24/7.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 88 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap

In Plain English

To host an STR in Decatur, you must live in the property as your primary residence and obtain a $125 annual permit. You are required to designate a local contact person who can respond to issues within one hour, and only one unit in a duplex or multi-family building can be used for short-term rentals.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$125

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•Decatur does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Decatur: Outdoor amplified sound (except household speakers) is strictly prohibited
•Decatur requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Owner must attest that the property is their primary residence via a notarized affidavit.

Requirements(15)

•Decatur STR warning: Outdoor amplified sound (except household speakers) is strictly prohibited
•Decatur: Local manager must be able to travel to the property within one hour
•Decatur: Only one unit per building can be used as an STR in multi-family structures
•Decatur: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.

Application Process(7)

•Decatur STR permit - Step 4: Fire Marshal Inspection. Schedule and pass a safety inspection with the City Fire Marshal. Time: 1-2 weeks.
•Decatur STR permit - Step 3: Public Notification Period. The city requires a 15-day public notification period following the application submission before a license is issued. Time: 15 days.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Decatur charges a registration fee of $125 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Decatur charges a Hotel-Motel Tax of 0.08%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit the local 8% tax and $5/night state fee.
•Georgia has a state sales tax of 0.04% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Decatur limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: 2 per guest room + 2 additional people, not to exceed 10 total
•Decatur: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Decatur limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Decatur requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Signage for pools/spas, Screened refuse and recycling storage, No amplified outdoor sound.

Penalties(2)

•Decatur enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by code enforcement citation. Second offense: Possible permit suspension. Third offense: Permit revocation for 12 months. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Decatur: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Decatur exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Decatur: 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.

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Dahlonega

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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.

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

Permit requiredPrimary residence

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Augusta

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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.

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Roswell

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

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Decatur

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

Requirements(15)

Application Process(7)

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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Decatur

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

5 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 Decatur?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Decatur?

3Are there residency requirements for hosts in Decatur?

4What are the property management requirements in Decatur?

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