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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Georgetown, DE

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

All rental units must be registered and licensed annually (March 1 – Feb 28). Properties must pass a pre-license inspection and biennial safety inspections. The license must be displayed on-site and include the owner/manager contact info and maximum occupancy limits.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a Residential Rental License Application to the Planning Department with the $175 pre-rental inspection fee and $65 annual license fee. 2. Pass a required pre-license safety inspection conducted by the Town Code Enforcement Officer. 3. Receive the annual license (valid March 1 – Feb 28) and display it on-site; licenses must be renewed annually and properties undergo biennial inspections.

Regulatory Updates — Georgetown

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2024

Biennial Safety Inspection Schedule Confirmed

Georgetown confirmed that all rental properties must pass a full safety inspection at pre-license and then every two years at renewal, with inspections covering fire safety, electrical, plumbing, and egress standards.

PassedMay 2024

On-Site License Display Requirement Enforced

Georgetown issued compliance notices to rental property owners whose licenses were not visibly displayed on-site as required, specifying that the license must include the owner and manager contact information and be accessible to guests.

PassedJanuary 2024

Annual Renewal Deadline Reminder System Added

Georgetown implemented automated renewal reminders 60 days before the February 28 annual renewal deadline, reducing the number of properties that lapsed into unlicensed status.

Official Resources

Official Georgetown STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals in Delaware and Sussex County markets.

Delaware Association of RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate organization monitoring STR licensing requirements across Delaware communities and advocating for reasonable inspection and renewal standards.

Sussex County TourismLocal

County tourism organization monitoring rental property availability in Georgetown and its contribution to Sussex County's visitor economy near Delaware beaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Georgetown, DE?
All rental units must be registered and licensed annually (March 1 – Feb 28). Properties must pass a pre-license inspection and biennial safety inspections. The license must be displayed on-site and include the owner/manager contact info and maximum occupancy limits.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Georgetown?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Georgetown. 1. Submit a Residential Rental License Application to the Planning Department with the $175 pre-rental inspection fee and $65 annual license fee. 2. Pass a required pre-license safety inspection conducted by the Town Code Enforcement Officer. 3. Receive the annual license (valid March 1 – Feb 28) and display it on-site; licenses must be renewed annually and properties undergo biennial inspections.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Georgetown?
1. Submit a Residential Rental License Application to the Planning Department with the $175 pre-rental inspection fee and $65 annual license fee. 2. Pass a required pre-license safety inspection conducted by the Town Code Enforcement Officer. 3. Receive the annual license (valid March 1 – Feb 28) and display it on-site; licenses must be renewed annually and properties undergo biennial inspections.
When does my Georgetown rental license expire and how do I renew?
Georgetown rental licenses run from March 1 through February 28. You must renew annually before the February 28 deadline. The city sends automated renewal reminders 60 days in advance. Properties operating without a current license after February 28 are in violation.
How often does my Georgetown rental need a safety inspection?
A pre-license inspection is required before your first license is issued. After that, a full safety inspection is required every two years at renewal. Inspections cover fire safety, electrical, plumbing, and egress. Schedule well in advance — inspection slots fill during the late winter renewal rush.
What must be on the license displayed inside my Georgetown rental?
The on-site license must include owner and manager contact information in addition to the license number and dates. It must be accessible to guests — posted inside the unit where guests can easily see it, not stored in a drawer or owner's files.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction