How Smyrna Handles Short-Term Rentals: A Practical Guide

Smyrna 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 Smyrna falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Insurance Requirements

Smyrna requires proof of liability insurance as part of the Short-Term Rental License application under Code Ch. 22, Art. XI. The ordinance mandates the insurance documentation but does not specify a fixed minimum dollar amount in the published application materials - applicants should confirm the current required limit with the Smyrna Business License Division.

Key details: Ordinance: Code Ch. 22, Art. XI. Insurance Required: Yes - proof of liability insurance. Published Minimum: Not stated in code - confirm with Business License. HO-3 Coverage: Typically excludes STR use. Platform Coverage: Airbnb/Vrbo up to $1M (secondary).

Submitting an STR license application without a valid certificate of insurance is incomplete and will not be approved. Operating an STR with a lapsed policy after issuance can support license suspension or revocation, fines through Municipal Court, and denial of renewal under Ch. 22, Art. XI.

Occupancy Limits

Smyrna's Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Code Ch. 22, Art. XI) limits STR occupancy to two people per bedroom plus three additional people. Non-owner-occupied STRs in single-family zoning are also capped at 180 days of rental per calendar year (stays over 30 days don't count toward the cap).

Key details: Ordinance: Code Ch. 22, Art. XI (Sec. 22-340+). Occupancy Formula: 2 per bedroom + 3 additional. STR Definition: Rental of 30 days or less. Annual Day Cap: 180 days (non-owner-occupied SF only). 30-Day Carve-Out: Stays >30 days don't count.

Operating an STR over the posted occupancy or beyond 180 days where the cap applies is a code violation enforced by Community Development. Penalties under Smyrna Code can include fines and revocation of the Short-Term Rental License if convicted in Municipal Court.

Noise Rules

STR guests in Smyrna must comply with Ch. 46 general noise ordinance — quiet hours 10 PM–7 AM. STR license holder is responsible for guest compliance. Violations may jeopardize STR license.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM – 7 AM. Host Liability: License holder responsible for guest compliance. License at Risk: Repeated violations can lead to revocation. Report: Smyrna 311 or Police non-emergency.

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

Taxes & Fees

Smyrna STR operators must remit hotel-motel occupancy taxes. Georgia state hotel-motel tax 4% + $5/night fee applies. Occupational Tax Certificate fee required. Airbnb/VRBO collect and remit most taxes automatically.

Key details: State Hotel Tax: 4% + $5/night state fee. Local Tax: City hotel-motel excise tax applies. Auto-Collect: Airbnb/VRBO remit most taxes automatically. Annual OTC: Occupational Tax Certificate required. Contact: Business License: 678-631-5363.

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

Permit Requirements

Smyrna Code Ch. 22, Art. XI — STR license AND occupational tax certificate required. Background check required. Proof of liability insurance, code compliance form, and local agent designation mandatory.

Key details: Ordinance: Ch. 22, Art. XI. License Required: STR License + Occupational Tax Certificate. Background Check: Smyrna Police Dept. background check required. Annual Day Cap: 180 days/year (non-owner-occupied). Contact: Business License Coordinator: 678-631-5363.

Operating without a license is a code violation; fines and enforcement through Community Development.

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

Parking Rules

Smyrna STR ordinance (Ch. 22, Art. XI) requires adequate off-street parking. All vehicles must park on approved surfaces. No overflow parking on grass or right-of-way.

Key details: Off-Street Parking: Required for all STR guests. Surface: Hardened surface only (concrete/asphalt). Grass Parking: Prohibited — code violation. Responsibility: Designated local agent manages compliance.

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

The Bottom Line

Smyrna'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 Smyrna is broadly strict or permissive.

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