Short-Term Rentals in Sandy Springs, GA

Sandy Springs maintains 63 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with short-term rentals. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Sandy Springs falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Short-Term Rental Permits

Short-term rentals in Sandy Springs need a city business license and an individual unit permit before they can operate. Section 26-372 requires a pre-permit inspection for building and fire code compliance, on-site parking, and posting the city's noise ordinance inside the rental.

Key details: Permit: Required per unit, 1-year term. Business license: Required; number in every ad. Location rule: Must adjoin owner-occupied dwelling. Parking: Must be on-site, same lot. Inspection: Building/fire code check before permit.

The city can revoke a short-term rental permit at any time for failure to comply with Article XII, after written notice to the permit holder, under Section 26-373. Advertising a property as a short-term rental in violation of the article is itself prima facie evidence of a violation and can support denial, suspension, or revocation of the business license, in addition to the standard citywide penalty of up to $1,000.00 and six months' imprisonment under Section 1-10.

Compared to other cities, Sandy Springs takes a harder line on short-term rental permits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Taxes & Fees

Every Sandy Springs short-term rental must run under a valid city business license, which doubles as the occupation tax certificate under Section 54-116. Owners of multiple units must also register and keep detailed rental-activity and tax records for each unit, per Section 26-372(f).

Key details: License: City business license required. License = tax cert: Occupation tax certificate doubles as license. Base tax: $50 flat on first $20,000 revenue. Per-employee tax: $13.00 per employee. Annual cap: $75,000 maximum occupation tax.

Failing to pay the occupation tax or file the required application by March 31 draws a penalty of ten percent of the amount owed for each calendar year it goes unpaid, plus interest at 1.5 percent per month on the delinquent balance, under Section 54-125. The city can also deny, suspend, or revoke a short-term rental permit for noncompliance with Article XII, including failure to hold or renew the required business license.

The Bottom Line

Sandy Springs'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 Sandy Springs is broadly strict or permissive.

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