Permit Requirements: Alpharetta vs Atlanta
How do permit requirements rules compare between Alpharetta, GA and Atlanta, GA?
Alpharetta and Atlanta have similar restriction levels.
Alpharetta, GA
Fulton County
Unincorporated Fulton County does not run a county-wide short-term rental permit program; STR regulation is set by each Fulton city. Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, and South Fulton each license STRs separately.
View full Alpharetta rules →Atlanta, GA
Fulton County
Atlanta requires a Short-Term Rental License (STRL) for all rentals under 30 days. The annual fee is $150. One license covers a host's primary residence and one additional dwelling unit. Enforcement began March 2022.
View full Atlanta rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Alpharetta | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| County permit | None — municipal only | - |
| Atlanta fee | $150/year | - |
| Atlanta cap | Primary residence + 1 unit | - |
| South Fulton | Standard STR permit (no SUP) | - |
| Code | - | Atlanta Part 20 (Ord. 20-O-1656) |
| License Fee | - | $150/year |
| Coverage | - | Primary residence + 1 additional unit |
| Enforcement Start | - | March 5, 2023 |
| Contact | - | STR@atlantaga.gov |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Alpharetta FAQ
Does Fulton County itself issue STR permits?
No. Each city has its own framework; the unincorporated county has no STR license.
Can I operate without an Atlanta license?
No — Atlanta enforces licensing under Code Part 20 with fines up to $1,000/day.
Atlanta FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Atlanta?
Atlanta requires a Short-Term Rental License (STRL) for all rentals under 30 days. The annual fee is $150. One license covers a host's primary residence and one additional dwelling unit. Enforcement began March 2022.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Atlanta?
Code: Atlanta Part 20 (Ord. 20-O-1656). License Fee: $150/year. Coverage: Primary residence + 1 additional unit. Enforcement Start: March 5, 2023.
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