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

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Macon, 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

Macon-Bibb County regulates short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) under Chapter 7, Article II, Division 14.5 (Sections 7-370 through 7-378) of the Code of Ordinances. The ordinance does not set a numeric per-bedroom occupancy cap but requires every STVR to declare a maximum occupancy on its certificate, post that occupancy inside the unit, and disclose it in the rental agreement and to adjacent property owners. The declared occupancy must comply with applicable zoning, building, health and life-safety code provisions verified through a sworn code compliance verification form.

Key details: Code Citation: Sec. 7-370 to 7-378, Div. 14.5. Per-Bedroom Cap: None; certificate sets max. Posting Required: Inside unit and rental agreement. Adjacent Owner Notice: Required before initial certificate. Fines: $500 / $750 / $1,000.

Allowing occupancy that exceeds the certificate or violates zoning, building, health, or life-safety codes is a violation under Sec. 7-377. Fines under Sec. 7-377(e) are $500 for a first offense, $750 for a second within 12 months, and $1,000 for a third within 12 months, and may not be waived. Three founded violations within 12 months result in mandatory certificate revocation and a 12-month application bar.

Insurance Requirements

Macon-Bibb County requires every short-term vacation rental applicant to submit proof of insurance indicating the premises is used as a short-term vacation rental as part of the certificate application under Sec. 7-373(b)(4) of the Code of Ordinances. The ordinance does not set a minimum dollar limit, but the policy must specifically recognize the STVR use, which most standard Georgia homeowner forms do not.

Key details: Code Citation: Sec. 7-373(b)(4). Insurance Required: Yes, with application. Minimum Limit: Not specified in ordinance. Coverage Type: Must recognize STVR use. Application Fee: $300 annual, non-refundable.

Operating without the proof of insurance required by Sec. 7-373(b)(4), or letting the disclosed policy lapse, is grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of the STVR certificate under Sec. 7-375 and Sec. 7-377. Citations under Sec. 7-377(e) carry non-waivable fines of $500 (first), $750 (second within 12 months), and $1,000 (third within 12 months), heard in the Municipal Court of Macon-Bibb County.

Permit Requirements

Macon-Bibb County regulates short-term rentals. Operators must obtain an occupation tax certificate (business license) and comply with applicable zoning and safety requirements.

Key details: License: Occupation tax certificate required. Safety: Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers. Zoning: Must verify compliance. Guest Rules: Operator responsible for guest behavior.

Operating without proper licensing results in fines. Properties failing safety standards may be shut down until deficiencies are corrected.

Taxes & Fees

Macon-Bibb County STR operators must collect and remit the county's Hotel/Motel Tax. Georgia state sales tax also applies to short-term rental income.

Key details: Hotel/Motel Tax: County excise tax applies. State Tax: GA sales tax on rentals. Business License: Occupation tax certificate fee. Reporting: Quarterly to county tax office.

Failure to collect and remit taxes results in penalties, interest, and potential revocation of the business license.

Parking Rules

Macon-Bibb County STR operators should provide adequate parking information to guests. Guest vehicles must comply with all county parking regulations.

Key details: Operator Duty: Provide parking info to guests. Street Rules: Standard county parking regulations apply. Downtown: Limited parking, public options available. Lawn Parking: Prohibited.

Parking violations result in standard citations. Persistent parking issues from an STR may trigger code enforcement review.

Noise Rules

STR guests in Macon-Bibb County must comply with the county's noise ordinance. Operators are responsible for informing guests about quiet hours and noise rules.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 11 PM–7 AM. Operator Duty: Must inform guests of rules. Enforcement: Sheriff's Office responds. Repeated Issues: May affect business license.

Noise violations by STR guests can result in citations for guests and potential license issues for operators after repeated complaints.

The Bottom Line

Macon'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 Macon is broadly strict or permissive.

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