Moving to Savannah, GA? Here Are the Local Rules You Should Know

Savannah is a mid-sized city in Chatham County, Georgia, with about 148000 residents. Like most cities its size, it has a set of local rules that may differ significantly from neighboring municipalities. Here is an overview of 102 ordinances across 26 categories that affect daily life in Savannah.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Savannah sits at near sea level along the Savannah River with extensive FEMA flood zones. Tidal flooding affects low-lying historic district areas.

Also covered: Stormwater Management (moderate), Grading & Drainage (moderate), Coastal Development (strict). See the full environmental rules guide for Savannah for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Permit Requirements: Savannah has a detailed STR regulatory framework with zones limiting whole-house vacation rentals in the historic district. Owner-occupied hosted rentals have different rules than unhosted properties.

Also covered: Noise Rules (moderate), Taxes & Fees (moderate), Parking Rules (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Savannah for details.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Trimming: Savannah strictly protects its iconic live oak trees through a comprehensive tree ordinance. Trees over 12 inches in diameter require city approval for removal.

Also covered: Weed Ordinances (moderate), Grass Height Limits (moderate), Water Restrictions (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Savannah for details.

Noise Ordinances

Quiet Hours: Savannah enforces quiet hours 11 PM to 7 AM in residential areas. The River Street entertainment district and City Market have active nightlife.

Also covered: Construction Hours (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate), Leaf Blower Rules (permissive). See the full noise ordinances guide for Savannah for details.

Fire Regulations

Fire Pit Rules: Savannah regulates recreational fire pits through local ordinance. Georgia EPD and Forestry Commission oversee outdoor burning statewide..

Also covered: Outdoor Burning (moderate), Fireworks (moderate), Brush Clearance (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Savannah for details.

Parking Rules

RV & Boat Parking: Savannah regulates RV and boat storage on residential property through local zoning ordinance. No state-level restrictions exist..

Also covered: Driveway Rules (moderate), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate), Street Parking Limits (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Savannah for details.

Fence Regulations

Pool Barriers: Savannah requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates..

Also covered: Permit Requirements (moderate), Neighbor Fence Rules (moderate), Height Limits (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Savannah for details.

Animal Ordinances

Exotic Pets: Savannah restricts ownership of exotic and wild animals. Many species require special permits or are prohibited entirely for public safety..

Also covered: Chickens & Livestock (moderate), Beekeeping (permissive), Dog Leash Laws (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Savannah for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Savannah generally prohibits exterior signage for home-based businesses. Municipal zoning ordinance governs all sign regulations in residential zones..

Also covered: Zoning Restrictions (moderate), Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate), Home Daycare (moderate). See the full home business guide for Savannah for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Pool Permits: Savannah requires building permits for all swimming pool construction. Georgia Building Code governs pool standards..

Also covered: Safety Rules (strict), Fencing Requirements (strict), Hot Tub Rules (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Savannah for details.

Accessory Structures

ADU Rules: Savannah regulates ADUs through local zoning. Georgia has no statewide ADU mandate.

Also covered: Garage Conversions (moderate), Shed Rules (moderate), Tiny Homes (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Savannah for details.

Trash & Recycling

Recycling Requirements: Savannah requires residential recycling of accepted materials. Contamination with non-recyclables may cause entire bins to be rejected at the curb..

Also covered: Bin Placement Rules (moderate), Bulk Item Disposal (moderate), Pickup Rules & Schedules (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for Savannah for details.

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Food Truck Permits: Savannah requires food trucks to obtain a mobile food vendor permit and health department approval. Annual licensing and vehicle inspections are typically required..

Also covered: Vending Zones (moderate). See the full food trucks & mobile vendors guide for Savannah for details.

Drone Rules

Commercial Drones: Savannah commercial drone operators must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. Additional local permits may be required for filming or surveying..

Also covered: Recreational Drones (moderate). See the full drone rules guide for Savannah for details.

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

Solicitor Permits: Savannah requires door-to-door solicitors and peddlers to obtain a permit. Background checks and identification badges are commonly required..

Also covered: No-Knock Registry (moderate). See the full soliciting & door-to-door guide for Savannah for details.

Curfew Laws

Park Curfew: Savannah parks close at posted hours, typically dusk or 10 to 11 PM. After-hours presence is a trespassing violation enforced by police..

Also covered: Juvenile Curfew (moderate). See the full curfew laws guide for Savannah for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Structure Height Limits: Savannah zoning code sets maximum building heights by district. Residential zones typically limit structures to 35 feet or 2 to 3 stories..

Also covered: Setback Rules (moderate), Lot Coverage Limits (moderate). See the full building setbacks & zoning guide for Savannah for details.

Tree Protection

Heritage & Protected Trees: Savannah designates heritage or landmark trees based on size, age, or species. Removal or damage to heritage trees carries significant penalties..

Also covered: Tree Removal Permits (moderate), Tree Replacement Requirements (moderate). See the full tree protection guide for Savannah for details.

Garage & Yard Sales

Time Restrictions: Savannah restricts garage sale hours to daytime periods, typically 8 AM to 6 PM or sunrise to sunset. Weekend sales are most common..

Also covered: Frequency Limits (permissive), Garage Sale Permits (permissive). See the full garage & yard sales guide for Savannah for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Home Cultivation: Savannah prohibits home cannabis cultivation. State law does not permit recreational or medical marijuana growing.

Also covered: Dispensary Zoning (strict). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Savannah for details.

Sign Regulations

Political Signs: Savannah allows political signs on private property with size limits. Signs in public rights-of-way are typically prohibited.

Also covered: Garage Sale Signs (moderate), Holiday Displays (permissive). See the full sign regulations guide for Savannah for details.

Solar Energy

Panel Permits: Savannah requires building permits for solar panel installations. Permit processes vary but most jurisdictions have streamlined solar permitting.

Also covered: HOA Restrictions (permissive). See the full solar energy guide for Savannah for details.

Outdoor Lighting

Light Trespass: Savannah prohibits outdoor lighting that causes unreasonable glare or illumination on neighboring properties. Light trespass complaints are handled through code enforcement..

Also covered: Dark Sky Rules (moderate). See the full outdoor lighting guide for Savannah for details.

Rental Property Rules

Just Cause Eviction: Savannah follows state landlord-tenant law for evictions. Landlords must follow proper notice procedures but may not need to state cause for non-renewal of month-to-month tenancies in most cases..

Also covered: Rental Registration (moderate), Rent Control (permissive). See the full rental property rules guide for Savannah for details.

Property Maintenance

Trash Bin Storage: Savannah regulates where trash and recycling bins can be stored and placed for collection. Bins must typically be screened from street view between pickup days..

Also covered: Vacant Lot Maintenance (moderate), Property Blight (moderate), Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (permissive). See the full property maintenance guide for Savannah for details.

Firearms

Local Firearms Preemption: Savannah cannot enact local firearm ordinances — Georgia O.C.G.A. Section 16-11-173 reserves to the General Assembly all regulation of gun shows, firearm possession, ownership, transport, carry, transfer, sale, purchase, licensing, registration, and firearms dealers..

What to Do With This Information

Whether you are renting, buying, or renovating in Savannah, knowing the local rules upfront saves headaches later. Dig into the individual ordinance pages linked above for the complete picture, including fines and exemptions.