Acworth's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Acworth, Georgia, there are 6 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Occupancy Limits

Acworth caps overnight occupancy at two people per bedroom under Section 73-7.8.4 of the city zoning ordinance, and only one rental agreement is allowed per structure at a time. Single-room rentals (basement apartments, attic lofts, attached suites) are not permitted; the entire dwelling must be included in the listing.

Key details: Zoning Section: 73-7.8.4. Occupancy Formula: 2 per bedroom. Single-Room Rentals: Not permitted. Agreements per Structure: One at a time. 24/7 Contact: Cobb/Cherokee/Bartow/Paulding.

Exceeding two guests per bedroom, renting a single room rather than the whole structure, or operating multiple simultaneous rental agreements in one structure violates Section 73-7.8.4 and the certified application. Misrepresentation can result in revocation of the Short-Term Rental Occupational Tax Certificate by the Business License Division.

Insurance Requirements

Acworth's Short-Term Rental Occupational Tax Application and Section 73-7.8.4 of the city zoning ordinance do not require operators to carry or file proof of liability insurance. Georgia has no statewide STR insurance mandate. Operators are still strongly encouraged to confirm coverage with a licensed agent because standard homeowner policies typically exclude commercial rental activity.

Key details: City Insurance Mandate: None on application. Zoning Section: 73-7.8.4. Statewide GA Mandate: None. Recommended Coverage: Confirm with agent. Business License: 770-917-8903.

Because Acworth's Short-Term Rental Occupational Tax Application and Section 73-7.8.4 do not require proof of insurance, there is no city ordinance citation tied to insurance non-compliance. Misrepresenting any other application item, however, can result in revocation of the occupational tax certificate by the Business License Division.

The rules around insurance requirements in Acworth lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Taxes & Fees

Acworth requires STRs to use a platform that collects hotel/motel tax. State hotel-motel tax 4% + $5/night fee. Local Acworth hotel-motel excise tax also applies. OTC required annually.

Key details: Platform Requirement: Must collect hotel/motel tax. State Tax: 4% + $5/night state fee. Local Tax: Acworth hotel/motel excise tax. OTC: Annual Occupational Tax Certificate required.

Failure to collect/remit taxes: penalties plus interest. GA DOR enforcement for state taxes. City enforcement for local Hotel/Motel Tax.

Parking Rules

Acworth Zoning §73-199C — RVs, boats, and trailers must park in side or rear yard on improved surface. All vehicles on approved surface. STR guests subject to same parking standards as residents.

Key details: Surface Required: Improved surface (concrete or pervious pavers). Grass Parking: Prohibited — violation. RV/Trailer Storage: Side or rear yard only. Fine: Up to $1,200.

Parking violations: $50 to $200 per occurrence. STR parking non-compliance: permit conditions review.

Noise Rules

Acworth STR guests must comply with Ch. 54 noise ordinance — quiet hours 10 PM–7 AM. STR operator responsible for guest compliance. Violations fined up to $1,200.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM – 7 AM. Operator Liability: Certificate holder responsible for guest behavior. Fine: Up to $1,200. Report: codecompliance@acworth-ga.gov.

Noise violation: $250 to $1,000. Multiple complaints: permit review or revocation. Host responsible for guest behavior.

Permit Requirements

Acworth Zoning §73-7.8.3 — STR Occupational Tax Certificate required before operating. Platform that collects hotel/motel tax must be used. 24-hour contact required; max 2 people per bedroom; max 1 rental agreement at a time.

Key details: Ordinance: Zoning §73-7.8.3. OTC Required: Yes — before operating. Occupancy Limit: Maximum 2 people per bedroom. Platform Requirement: Must collect hotel/motel tax. 24-Hour Contact: Required for complaints.

Fine up to $1,200 for operating without a certificate or in violation of ordinance.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Acworth actively enforces its permit requirements requirements.

The Bottom Line

Acworth's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Acworth is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Acworth can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.