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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Savannah, GA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STVRs are restricted to the STVR Overlay District. A 20% per-ward cap applies to non-owner-occupied units in the Downtown and Victorian Historic Districts (owner-occupied units are exempt). Occupancy is limited to 4 adults for units with 1-2 bedrooms, or 2 adults per bedroom for units with 3+ bedrooms; certificates are non-transferable.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a new STVR application ($400 fee) via the online registration portal with required documents, including an exemplar rental agreement and proof of insurance. 2. Notify all adjacent real property owners of the application and provide proof of notification to the City. 3. Upon approval, obtain a Business Tax Certificate (BTC) from the Revenue Department and forward a copy to Planning and Urban Design to receive the final STVR Certificate.

Regulatory Updates — Savannah

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJuly 2023

STR Permit Program with Historic District Requirements

Savannah requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a city STR permit. Properties in the National Historic Landmark District face additional requirements including design review compliance if any exterior modifications are made and registration with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) area planning office.

Under ReviewApril 2025

STR Density Discussion in Historic Squares Neighborhoods

Savannah's Metropolitan Planning Commission and City Council are reviewing community feedback on STR density in neighborhoods surrounding the historic squares, with some residents and preservation advocates calling for caps on the percentage of homes that can be licensed as STRs.

PassedMay 2024

Georgia Department of Revenue Accommodations Tax Compliance

Georgia requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state hotel/motel tax. The Georgia Department of Revenue increased outreach to Savannah area operators following identification of unlicensed operators through listing platform analysis.

Official Resources

Official Savannah STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Savannah Area Chamber of CommerceLocal

Tracks local business and tourism regulations affecting Savannah's hospitality sector including vacation rental operators. Provides compliance resources for STR permit holders.

Georgia Association of REALTORS®Statewide

Statewide association monitoring property and land-use regulations including STR zoning and licensing changes in Savannah and other Georgia tourism markets.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory monitoring and professional standards for vacation rental managers in Southern historic tourism destination markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Savannah, GA?
STVRs are restricted to the STVR Overlay District. A 20% per-ward cap applies to non-owner-occupied units in the Downtown and Victorian Historic Districts (owner-occupied units are exempt). Occupancy is limited to 4 adults for units with 1-2 bedrooms, or 2 adults per bedroom for units with 3+ bedrooms; certificates are non-transferable.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Savannah?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Savannah. 1. Submit a new STVR application ($400 fee) via the online registration portal with required documents, including an exemplar rental agreement and proof of insurance. 2. Notify all adjacent real property owners of the application and provide proof of notification to the City. 3. Upon approval, obtain a Business Tax Certificate (BTC) from the Revenue Department and forward a copy to Planning and Urban Design to receive the final STVR Certificate.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Savannah?
1. Submit a new STVR application ($400 fee) via the online registration portal with required documents, including an exemplar rental agreement and proof of insurance. 2. Notify all adjacent real property owners of the application and provide proof of notification to the City. 3. Upon approval, obtain a Business Tax Certificate (BTC) from the Revenue Department and forward a copy to Planning and Urban Design to receive the final STVR Certificate.
Are there special rules for operating a short-term rental in Savannah's Historic District?
Yes. Properties in Savannah's National Historic Landmark District must comply with the standard STR permit requirements plus additional provisions: any physical modifications to the structure require review by the Historic District Board of Review; exterior changes must be consistent with historic character guidelines; and operators may be required to coordinate with the city's historic preservation office. Interior modifications don't typically require review, but operators should confirm with the city.
What permits and taxes are required for a Savannah vacation rental?
Operators need a City of Savannah STR permit (annual renewal with safety inspection and 24/7 local contact), Georgia state hotel/motel tax registration, and Chatham County hotel/motel tax registration. The combined state and county tax rate on rental income is typically around 8–13% depending on applicable local rates. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit Georgia state tax and most local taxes on behalf of hosts.
How is the STR market distributed across Savannah?
Savannah's STR market is concentrated in and around the National Historic Landmark District — the 2.5-square-mile core of squares, antebellum architecture, and Spanish moss. Properties near or on the squares command premium rates. The Victorian District (south of Forsyth Park), Starland District, and Ardsley Park neighborhoods have growing STR markets with lower price points. The Islands (Tybee Island, Wilmington Island) are separate communities with different demand drivers and their own local rules.
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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