What zoning rules apply to STRs in Blue Ridge?

Most residential zones (R-1, R-2) are strictly prohibited for new STRs as of 2023.

What are the key requirements for Blue Ridge hosts?

The 8% City Hotel-Motel Tax must be filed monthly even if zero revenue was earned.

What are the key requirements for Blue Ridge hosts?

A local contact must be available 24/7 and able to respond to complaints within 1 hour.

What should Blue Ridge hosts know about grandfathered properties lose their status?

Grandfathered properties lose their status upon transfer of ownership.

Blue Ridge

Prohibited

STRs Allowed

GeorgiaLast updated: February 10, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 7, 2026

Summary

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Blue Ridge are highly restricted, generally limited to properties in the Central Business District (CBD) and requiring both a city business license and an STVR certificate.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Residential STRs prohibited
•Standard permit fee: $150
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an STR in Blue Ridge city limits, your property must be located in a specific commercial zone (primarily the CBD). You must obtain an annual business license and a specific rental certificate, and you are required to appoint a local contact who can respond to issues within one hour. New rentals are generally prohibited in most residential zones unless they were grandfathered in before 2019 or 2023 changes.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$150

Processing Time

2-3 weeks

Max Fine

$1,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Blue Ridge: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Blue Ridge: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Blue Ridge does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Blue Ridge: Most residential zones (R-1, R-2) are strictly prohibited for new STRs as of 2023.

Requirements(12)

•Blue Ridge: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
•Blue Ridge: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
•Blue Ridge requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $500,000. Commercial liability insurance for rental activity is required and proof must be available upon request.

Application Process(9)

•Blue Ridge STR permit - Step 5: Register for Tax Collection. Register with the City of Blue Ridge to collect and remit the 8% Hotel-Motel tax monthly. Required documents: STVR Certificate Number. Time: 1 week.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Blue Ridge charges a registration fee of $150 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $25 (Initial application fee is often cited as $25, with an annual certificate fee of $150.).

Taxes(3)

•Blue Ridge charges a Hotel-Motel Occupancy Tax of 0.08%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: While platforms collect state tax, hosts are often responsible for remitting the 8% city TOT directly to Blue Ridge.
•Blue Ridge: The 8% City Hotel-Motel Tax must be filed monthly even if zero revenue was earned.

Limits & Restrictions(3)

•Blue Ridge limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Blue Ridge occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Blue Ridge enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Blue Ridge requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Physical sign visible from the road with 911 address, Local contact responding within one hour.

Penalties(2)

•Blue Ridge: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Blue Ridge enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by code section; up to $1,000 fine. Second offense: Increased fines and potential permit suspension. Third offense: Permit revocation. Maximum fine: 1000. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

•Blue Ridge exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Rentals for less than 14 days per calendar year.
•Blue Ridge: 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.

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

Athens

Georgia

Strict

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

0.1% 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

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

Blue Ridge

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(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(3)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Georgia Markets

Dahlonega

Athens

Augusta

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Blue Ridge

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 Blue Ridge?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Blue Ridge?

3Are there zoning restrictions for Blue Ridge rentals?

4What are the local contact requirements in Blue Ridge?

Related Content

Other Georgia Markets

Dahlonega

Athens

Augusta

Roswell