What are the key requirements for Roswell hosts?

Local agent must be physically available to respond to the property within 2 hours of contact.

What should Roswell hosts know about on-site signage promoting the property?

On-site signage promoting the property as a short-term rental is strictly prohibited.

What are the permit fees in Roswell?

A $5 per night Georgia State Hotel-Motel Fee applies to all stays of 30 days or less.

What should Roswell hosts know about the new ordinance enforcement starts?

The new ordinance enforcement starts Jan 31, 2026, but registration opens in late 2025.

Roswell, GA Short-Term Rental Rules...

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

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

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Low permit fee
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host an STR in Roswell, you must register your business with the Finance Department and pass an annual safety inspection by the Fire Marshal. You must also designate a local agent who can respond to issues within two hours and ensure your listing follows strict guest limits and parking rules.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.2%

Permit Fee

$35

Processing Time

4-6 weeks

Max Fine

$1,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Roswell allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family Home, Townhouse, Condo.
•Roswell: On-site signage promoting the property as a short-term rental is strictly prohibited.
•Roswell does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Roswell: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(13)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Roswell: 1. Local agent must be physically available to respond to the property within 2 hours of contact. 2. On-site signage promoting the property as a short-term rental is strictly prohibited. 3. A $5 per night Georgia State Hotel-Motel Fee applies to all stays of 30 days or less. 4. The new ordinance enforcement starts Jan 31, 2026, but registration opens in late 2025.

Application Process(8)

•Roswell: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Business Registration Application, Proof of General Commercial Liability Insurance, Local Agent Contact Information, Affidavit of Compliance.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Roswell charges a registration fee of $35 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Roswell 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 8% Hotel-Motel tax and state sales tax directly.
•Georgia has a state sales tax of 0.04% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Roswell limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests
•Roswell occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Roswell limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Roswell enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Roswell: A $5 per night Georgia State Hotel-Motel Fee applies to all stays of 30 days or less.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Roswell requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Unobstructed egress, Emergency lighting, Fire marshal inspection must be passed annually.

Penalties(2)

•Roswell: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Roswell enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by code section. Second offense: Increased fines. Third offense: Permit revocation. Maximum fine: 1000. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

•Roswell: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Roswell exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Bed and Breakfasts in Historic Districts.

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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

Athens

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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

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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

Sandy Springs

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Short-term rentals in Sandy Springs are strictly regulated, requiring an annual business license, mandatory property inspections, and a primary residence/owner-occupancy requirement.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

Dahlonega

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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

Roswell

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(13)

Application Process(8)

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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Other Georgia Markets

Athens

Augusta

Sandy Springs

Dahlonega

Roswell

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 Roswell?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Roswell?

3Are there specific guest limits in Roswell?

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

Related Content

Other Georgia Markets

Athens

Augusta

Sandy Springs

Dahlonega