What are the key requirements for Macon hosts?

The STVR permit is free, but you must have a paid business license (Occupational Tax).

What are the permit fees in Macon?

Stays between 7-30 days may have different local fee structures in the future (Jan 2026).

What should Macon hosts know about every separate listing/unit requires its?

Every separate listing/unit requires its own individual STVR permit.

What are the permit fees in Macon?

A $5 state-wide per-night transportation fee applies to all stays in addition to percentage taxes.

Macon, GA Short-Term Rental Rules &...

Summary

Macon-Bibb County requires all short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) to obtain an STVR permit and a business tax certificate while complying with specific zoning and tax collection rules.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 8 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Macon, you must register your property with the city-county government, obtain a business license, and collect a 7% local hotel-motel tax plus state taxes. While the STVR permit itself is free, you must provide proof of insurance specifically covering short-term rentals and ensure the property meets all safety codes.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Max Fine

$1,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Macon allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Condo, Townhouse, Apartment, Residential Dwelling Unit.
•Macon prohibits STRs in the following property types: Group personal care homes, Tourist Accommodations with DPH permits.
•Macon does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(11)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Macon: 1. The STVR permit is free, but you must have a paid business license (Occupational Tax). 2. Stays between 7-30 days may have different local fee structures in the future (Jan 2026). 3. Every separate listing/unit requires its own individual STVR permit. 4. A $5 state-wide per-night transportation fee applies to all stays in addition to percentage taxes.

Application Process(7)

•Macon STR permit - Step 2: Register for Hotel-Motel Tax. Register with the Macon-Bibb County Tax Commissioner to receive a Certificate of Authority to collect occupancy taxes. Required documents: Application for Hotel-Motel Tax Registration. Time: 1 week.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Macon: Stays between 7-30 days may have different local fee structures in the future (Jan 2026).

Taxes(3)

•Macon charges a Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax of 0.07%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO may collect/remit, but hosts must still file monthly reports to the Tax Commissioner.
•Macon: The STVR permit is free, but you must have a paid business license (Occupational Tax).

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Macon limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Macon occupancy calculation: Subject to Life Safety and Building Code occupancy limits. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Macon enforces quiet hours: Subject to general noise ordinance.
•Macon: A $5 state-wide per-night transportation fee applies to all stays in addition to percentage taxes.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Macon requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Code Compliance Verification Form, Regular owner inspections required.

Penalties(3)

•Macon: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Macon: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.

Exemptions(2)

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

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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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.

Macon

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(5)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Macon

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 Macon?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Macon?

3Are there rental night limits in Macon?

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

Related Content

Other Georgia Markets

Dahlonega

Athens

Augusta

Roswell