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  1. Home
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  3. Regulations
  4. ·
  5. Georgia
  6. ·
  7. Marietta

Marietta

Permissive
GeorgiaUpdated Apr 4, 2026
Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 10, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

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.

Restriction level

Severity 0
Classification
Permissive
0
Severity

Why this classification

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

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an STR in Marietta, you must obtain a city business license and a separate rental license for each property. You are required to collect and remit an 8% city occupancy tax plus state-level taxes and a $5 per night fee. Properties must also meet basic safety standards and are subject to inspection by the city's rental housing inspector.

At a glance

Key numbers
Permit requiredYes
Night limitNone
Primary residenceNot required
Total tax rate0.1%
Permit fee$150
Processing time2-4 weeks
Max fine$1,000

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps
  1. 1Marietta charges an 8% tax which is higher than many surrounding jurisdictions.
  2. 2The State of Georgia imposes an additional $5.00 per night fee on all stays of 30 days or less.
  3. 3Property owners may lose their 'Floating Homestead Exemption' (property tax assessment freeze) if the home is no longer used as their primary residence.
  4. 4Unincorporated Cobb County (outside city limits) has a different $55 permit and stricter occupancy limits (1 person per 390 sq ft).

Regulation details

Sourced from official code
Eligibility5 rules
  • Marietta allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Requires written consent from the property owner/landlord.
  • Marietta allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Condo, Townhouse, Apartment.
  • Marietta: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
  • Marietta: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Requirements10 rules
  • Marietta: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
Application process8 rules
  • Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Marietta: Step 1: Apply for City Business License - Submit a General Business License application to the Business License Division. You must include a Home-Based Business Acknowledgement form if operating from a residence. Documents needed: Affidavit Verifying Status, Private Employer Affidavit, Photo ID. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 150. More info: https://www.mariettaga.gov/173/Business-License-Division Step 2: Obtain Rental License - Apply for a separate Rental License for each property as required by Marietta Code Section 8-12-28-040. Documents needed: Property Details, Ownership Proof. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. More info: https://library.municode.com/ga/marietta/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TIT8BURE_CH8-12BUPRREGE_ART8-12-28REDWUNLI Step 3: Register for Occupancy Tax - Register with the Finance Department to collect and remit the 8% Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax. Estimated time: Instant. More info: https://www.mariettaga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1154/Hotel-Motel-Occupancy-Tax-Reporting-Form-PDF Step 4: Pass Housing Inspection - The city's rental housing inspector may conduct an inspection to ensure the property meets safety and health standards before issuing the final certificate of compliance. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://www.mariettaga.gov/563/Residential-Housing-Code
Fees & costs1 rule
  • Marietta charges a registration fee of $150 (annual).
Taxes3 rules
  • Marietta: Marietta charges an 8% tax which is higher than many surrounding jurisdictions.
  • Marietta charges a Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax of 0.08%. This applies to stays under 90 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect and remit the tax, but hosts must still file monthly zero-returns or verification forms.
Limits & restrictions5 rules
  • Marietta: The State of Georgia imposes an additional $5.00 per night fee on all stays of 30 days or less.
  • Marietta occupancy calculation: Subject to Marietta Housing Code safety standards. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
  • Marietta: Unincorporated Cobb County (outside city limits) has a different $55 permit and stricter occupancy limits (1 person per 390 sq ft).
Safety requirements1 rule
  • Marietta requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted emergency contact, Certificate of Compliance required after inspection, Must meet basic minimum housing standards for safe and healthful living.
Penalties2 rules
  • Marietta: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
  • Marietta enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500 fine. Second offense: $750 fine. Third offense: $1000 fine. Maximum fine: 1000. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Exemptions3 rules
  • Marietta: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
  • Marietta exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Federal or state government-owned units.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Marietta

0/4
steps completed
Step 1

Apply for City Business License

Submit a General Business License application to the Business License Division. You must include a Home-Based Business Acknowledgement form if operating from a residence.

1-2 weeks$150
Documents needed
  • Affidavit Verifying Status
  • Private Employer Affidavit
  • Photo ID
Official resource
Step 2

Obtain Rental License

Apply for a separate Rental License for each property as required by Marietta Code Section 8-12-28-040.

1-2 weeksFree
Documents needed
  • Property Details
  • Ownership Proof
Official resource
Step 3

Register for Occupancy Tax

Register with the Finance Department to collect and remit the 8% Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax.

InstantFree
Official resource
Step 4

Pass Housing Inspection

The city's rental housing inspector may conduct an inspection to ensure the property meets safety and health standards before issuing the final certificate of compliance.

1 weekFree
Official resource

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

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