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

Long-term rental of a permitted ADU is allowed in Macon-Bibb as long as the parcel continues to satisfy the CLDR's single-family accessory-use framework (one unit must remain owner- or family-occupied — see owner-occupancy entry). Short-term rentals — defined as guest stays under 30 days — bring in additional requirements: every operator must obtain a Macon-Bibb occupation tax certificate (business license) from the Business License Division; collect and remit the Macon-Bibb hotel-motel excise tax authorized under O.C.G.A. §48-13-50 (Georgia counties may levy up to 8%, with some authority for higher rates) plus Georgia state sales tax; meet fire and life-safety requirements including working smoke alarms and fire extinguishers under the Georgia State Minimum Fire Code (O.C.G.A. §25-2-4); and ensure the underlying zoning allows lodging use in the district. Operators are responsible for guests' compliance with the Macon-Bibb noise ordinance (Code Ch. 15). Importantly, long-term residential rent control is preempted statewide by O.C.G.A. §44-7-19 — Macon-Bibb cannot impose rent caps or just-cause eviction rules on standard month-to-month or annual leases. Macon-Bibb has not adopted an Atlanta-style STR-specific permitting ordinance, so the rules above flow from generally applicable business-license, tax, and zoning provisions rather than a dedicated STR ordinance.