Georgia Short-Term Rental Regulations by City

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

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

The City of Atlanta requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain an annual license for a fee of $150. Regulations restrict hosts to a maximum of two properties, one of which must be their primary residence.

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.

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.

Glynn County (unincorporated) requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain a Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Certificate and an Occupation Tax Certificate. Regulations include strict occupancy limits based on bedroom count and a requirement for a local contact person reachable 24/7.

The City of Tybee Island strictly regulates short-term rentals through a mandatory annual regulatory permit and a 7% local excise tax. Occupancy is capped at 2 adults per bedroom plus two, and hosts must maintain a local property manager available 24/7.

Short-term rentals on Jekyll Island are governed by the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) rather than a traditional city government. Hosts are required to register annually for a $350 fee and remit a total of 10% in local excise taxes (shared between the JIA and Glynn County) in addition to Georgia state sales tax.

Short-term rentals in Valdosta are permitted but regulated through general business licensing and zoning ordinances rather than a dedicated short-term rental code.

Short-term rentals in the City of Carrollton require a standard Occupational Tax Certificate (business license) and must collect an 8% local hotel-motel tax plus a $5 per night state fee.

The City of Savannah strictly regulates Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) through a mandatory certification process and geographic overlay zones. Stays are defined as 30 days or fewer, and properties must be located within specific STVR-eligible zoning districts to receive a permit.

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.

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

Alpharetta permits short-term rentals subject to a strict 5% neighborhood density cap and an annual $500 licensing requirement.

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

Short-term rentals in the City of Marietta are governed by general business license requirements and a specific rental property license code, alongside an 8% local occupancy tax.

Short-term rentals in Milledgeville require a general business license and tax registration, while unincorporated Baldwin County requires a specific $500 annual STVR certificate.

Rome, GA does not have a specific short-term rental ordinance; instead, STRs are regulated under general business licensing and a local 8% hotel/motel tax.