Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Athens, GA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Athens, GA, but with restrictions. 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. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

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.

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).

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).

Vrbo is permitted in Athens, GA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Athens are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Athens. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.