Atlanta, GA Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)

Atlanta's short-term rental ordinance, adopted in 2021 (Ordinance 21-O-0276) and codified at Code Chapter 10 Article XIX, requires every operator of a short-term rental (defined as a stay of fewer than 30 consecutive days) to obtain an STR License from the City. Key requirements: STR License must be applied for through the Department of Finance; the property must be the operator's primary residence OR a second STR property registered under the operator's name (operators may have at most two STRs total); annual license fee of $150; collection and remittance of the 8% Atlanta Hotel-Motel Excise Tax under O.C.G.A. §48-13-50; designation of a 24-hour local responsible party; compliance with occupancy limits (typically 2 persons per bedroom plus 2). Operators must also obtain an Atlanta Business Tax Certificate (Code Ch. 30) before operating. Long-term rentals (30+ days) are not subject to the STR permit but the ADU itself must be legally permitted. Georgia state law O.C.G.A. §44-7-19 preempts municipal rent control on long-term rentals — Atlanta cannot impose rent caps. Georgia also passed HB 374 (2024) further limiting local STR regulation, though Atlanta's 2021 STR ordinance largely survives.