Permit Requirements: Brookhaven vs Decatur
How do permit requirements rules compare between Brookhaven, GA and Decatur, GA?
Brookhaven and Decatur have similar restriction levels.
Brookhaven, GA
DeKalb County
Brookhaven allows STRs only for owner-occupied homes with a $25 annual permit (1-year term). Property must have a homestead exemption and be owned for at least 1 year before applying. STRs limited to 180 days/year. Total STRs capped at 5% of residential parcels per council district.
View full Brookhaven rules →Decatur, GA
DeKalb County
Decatur requires a business license for all short-term rentals (rentals of 30 days or less). A local designated property manager available 24/7 is required. Owner must register via str@decaturga.com. Permitted in residential zones subject to zoning and UDO standards.
View full Decatur rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brookhaven | Decatur |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Permit Fee | $25 | - |
| Max Rental Days | 180 days per year | - |
| Homestead Required | Yes — homestead exemption required | - |
| Ownership Minimum | 1 year before applying | - |
| District Cap | 5% of residential parcels per district | - |
| Apply At | brookhavenga.gov/254 | - |
| Permit Required | - | Business license + STR registration |
| Max Stay | - | 30 days or less |
| Max Occupancy | - | 2 per bedroom + 2, max 10 |
| 24/7 Manager | - | Required local contact |
| Contact | - | str@decaturga.com |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Brookhaven FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Brookhaven?
Brookhaven allows STRs only for owner-occupied homes with a $25 annual permit (1-year term). Property must have a homestead exemption and be owned for at least 1 year before applying. STRs limited to 180 days/year. Total STRs capped at 5% of residential parcels per council district.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Brookhaven?
Annual Permit Fee: $25. Max Rental Days: 180 days per year. Homestead Required: Yes — homestead exemption required. Ownership Minimum: 1 year before applying.
Decatur FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Decatur?
Decatur requires a business license for all short-term rentals (rentals of 30 days or less). A local designated property manager available 24/7 is required. Owner must register via str@decaturga.com. Permitted in residential zones subject to zoning and UDO standards.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Decatur?
Permit Required: Business license + STR registration. Max Stay: 30 days or less. Max Occupancy: 2 per bedroom + 2, max 10. 24/7 Manager: Required local contact.
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