How Kennesaw Handles Short-Term Rentals: A Practical Guide

Kennesaw maintains 40 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with short-term rentals. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Kennesaw falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Occupancy Limits

Kennesaw's Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Chapter 22, Article XIII), adopted July 2025 with applications opening October 1, 2025, regulates STRs as bed-and-breakfast-style uses limited to single-family residentially zoned areas. Each licensed STR may have a maximum of five guest rooms, must provide one off-street parking spot per guest room, and must be the operator's primary residence. The ordinance caps the city at 150 STR licenses, allows no more than two licenses per property owner, and requires a 250-foot buffer between licensed STR properties.

Key details: Max Guest Rooms: 5 per STR. Parking: 1 spot per guest room. Citywide License Cap: 150 (first-come). Per-Owner Cap: 2 licenses. Buffer: 250 ft between STRs.

Operating without a Short-Term Rental Certificate, exceeding five guest rooms, failing to provide required parking, or violating the 250-foot buffer or two-license-per-owner cap is a Code violation enforceable through Kennesaw Municipal Court. Per O.C.G.A. 36-1-20 and Kennesaw Code, ordinance violations carry fines up to $1,000 and/or up to 60 days, with each day of operation a separate offense; the city may also revoke or refuse to renew the STR Certificate.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Kennesaw actively enforces its occupancy limits requirements.

Insurance Requirements

Kennesaw requires every Short-Term Rental Certificate applicant to submit proof of short-term-rental liability insurance as a mandatory document under Chapter 22, Article XIII (adopted July 2025). The published application checklist does not specify a minimum coverage limit, leaving the requirement to the carrier's standard STR product, which is typically $1 million per occurrence. Operating without active liability coverage is grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of the STR Certificate.

Key details: City Insurance Mandate: Yes - Ch. 22, Art. XIII. Published Minimum Limit: Not specified. Typical Market Coverage: $1M per occurrence. Homeowner Exclusion: Most exclude rentals under 30 days. Platform Coverage: Platform bookings only.

Failure to maintain or supply proof of STR liability insurance is a violation of Chapter 22, Article XIII enforceable by the Business License Office and Kennesaw Code Enforcement. Consequences include refusal to issue or renew the Short-Term Rental Certificate, suspension or revocation of an active certificate, and ordinance fines up to $1,000 and/or up to 60 days under O.C.G.A. 36-1-20, with each day of unlicensed operation a separate offense.

Permit Requirements

Kennesaw STR Ordinance (Ch. 22, Art. XIII, eff. Oct 2025) — $250 application fee + $90 inspection fee; Life Safety Inspection required; Business License + STR Certificate; 250-foot buffer; 150 total licenses citywide.

Key details: Application Fee: $250. Inspection Fee: $90 (Life Safety Inspection). Total License Cap: 150 citywide. Buffer Zone: 250 feet between STR properties. Apply At: 3080 Moon Station Rd or businesslicense@kennesaw-ga.gov.

Operating without a certificate: fines, penalties, and enforcement action under Ch. 22.

This is one of the stricter rules in Kennesaw's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Parking Rules

Kennesaw STR ordinance requires 'abiding by parking standards.' All vehicles must park on approved surfaces. In residential zones, max 1 business vehicle per resident; overflow parking not permitted on grass or ROW.

Key details: Surface Required: Hardened surface only. Vehicle Limit: Max 4 outside garage in standard residential zones. Grass Parking: Prohibited. Reference: Ch. 22, Art. XIII + Zoning Appendix A.

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

Noise Rules

Kennesaw STR ordinance requires compliance with noise ordinances. Quiet hours 10 PM–7 AM. STR certificate holder responsible for guest behavior. Violations risk certificate revocation.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM – 7 AM. Host Liability: Certificate holder responsible for guest compliance. Certificate at Risk: Repeated violations may lead to revocation. Ordinance: Ch. 22, Art. XIII.

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

Taxes & Fees

Kennesaw STR operators must collect and remit Hotel/Motel Excise Tax (8%). Documentation of tax payments required for annual certificate renewal. State 4% hotel tax + $5/night fee also applies.

Key details: Local Hotel-Motel Tax: 8% excise tax to City of Kennesaw. State Tax: 4% + $5/night state fee. Renewal Requirement: Tax payment documentation required annually. Auto-Remit: Airbnb/VRBO collect and remit most taxes.

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

Compared to other cities, Kennesaw takes a harder line on taxes & fees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Kennesaw is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Kennesaw, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Kennesaw's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.