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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Athens, GA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as residential dwelling units rented for periods less than 31 consecutive days and are regulated by Athens-Clarke County Title 9. The ordinance creates two STR types: Home Occupation STRs (must be owner-occupied or occupied by a long-term tenant and only one structure per parcel may be used) and Commercial STRs (not subject to the owner-occupant/one-structure limits and allowed only in specified zones, often requiring a Special-Use Permit). A “Legal Non-Conforming STR List” identifies properties operating between Sept. 19, 2022 and Sept. 19, 2023 which may continue operation for up to 24 months from publication (final list posted March 1, 2025) and must come into compliance or lose non-conforming status upon change of ownership.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Determine STR type and zoning per the STR Ordinance and Permitted Use chart; 2) For Home Occupation STRs submit a Home Occupation STR application to the ACC Planning Department (includes site plan and coordination with ACC Fire Marshal) for staff review and issuance; for Commercial STRs submit a Construction Plans Review submittal and obtain any required Special-Use Permit prior to plans review; 3) Obtain a Business Occupation Tax Certificate and ensure collection/payment of the 7% hotel-motel excise tax (platforms may remit on operator’s behalf per state law).

Official Resources

Official Athens STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Athens, GA?
Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as residential dwelling units rented for periods less than 31 consecutive days and are regulated by Athens-Clarke County Title 9. The ordinance creates two STR types: Home Occupation STRs (must be owner-occupied or occupied by a long-term tenant and only one structure per parcel may be used) and Commercial STRs (not subject to the owner-occupant/one-structure limits and allowed only in specified zones, often requiring a Special-Use Permit). A “Legal Non-Conforming STR List” identifies properties operating between Sept. 19, 2022 and Sept. 19, 2023 which may continue operation for up to 24 months from publication (final list posted March 1, 2025) and must come into compliance or lose non-conforming status upon change of ownership.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Athens?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Athens. 1) Determine STR type and zoning per the STR Ordinance and Permitted Use chart; 2) For Home Occupation STRs submit a Home Occupation STR application to the ACC Planning Department (includes site plan and coordination with ACC Fire Marshal) for staff review and issuance; for Commercial STRs submit a Construction Plans Review submittal and obtain any required Special-Use Permit prior to plans review; 3) Obtain a Business Occupation Tax Certificate and ensure collection/payment of the 7% hotel-motel excise tax (platforms may remit on operator’s behalf per state law).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Athens?
1) Determine STR type and zoning per the STR Ordinance and Permitted Use chart; 2) For Home Occupation STRs submit a Home Occupation STR application to the ACC Planning Department (includes site plan and coordination with ACC Fire Marshal) for staff review and issuance; for Commercial STRs submit a Construction Plans Review submittal and obtain any required Special-Use Permit prior to plans review; 3) Obtain a Business Occupation Tax Certificate and ensure collection/payment of the 7% hotel-motel excise tax (platforms may remit on operator’s behalf per state law).
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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