Short-Term Rentals in Chatham County, GA (2026)

10 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Chatham County, Georgia.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Chatham County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Permit Requirements

Any dwelling rented for fewer than 30 days in unincorporated Chatham County must hold a valid short-term rental license issued by Building Safety & Regulatory Services (BSRS). Renting without one is a violation. Savannah and Tybee Island each require their own separate STVR certificate.

Chatham County STR License Required Before Renting

Some Restrictions

Chatham County Code §16-1303(1),(3)

Any property being used as a short term rental shall have a license validly issued by BSRS. It shall be a violation of this article to operate any short term rental without the required license.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Noise Rules

Chatham County short-term rentals must comply with the county Noise Ordinance (Chapter 24, Noise Control). Noise restrictions must be posted for guests, and a rental cited for a noise violation is fined at least $100. Repeated noise complaints can cost the owner the license.

STRs Must Follow the County Noise Ordinance

Some Restrictions

Chatham County Code §16-1310(2)

Should any property be cited for the noise ordinance of Chatham County, the violation shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Taxes & Fees

An initial Chatham County short-term rental license costs $350, with a $350 annual renewal (a $175 late fee applies to late renewals). Owners must also collect hotel/motel tax and remit it to the county monthly, unless renting only through platforms that collect it.

$350 License Fee Plus Hotel/Motel Tax

Some Restrictions

Chatham County Code §16-1304(1)(a),(b)

All applications for the initial license shall pay to Chatham County BSRS a fee of $350. All ad valorem taxes that are due at the time of the application shall be paid in full.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Parking Rules

Each Chatham County short-term rental application must outline the property's parking rules and how guests will comply. Those rules must be posted for renters, and exceeding the stated parking limits is a citable violation carrying a fine.

Parking Rules Must Be Filed and Posted

Some Restrictions

Chatham County Code §16-1304(1)(g)

Each application shall outline the parking rules of the rental and the manner in which any occupant shall comply with those rules.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Occupancy Limits

In unincorporated Chatham County, the occupancy rate for a short-term rental is no more than two adults per bedroom plus two additional adults. For an RV or tent, the manufacturer's rated capacity applies. Savannah and Tybee set their own similar caps.

Two Adults Per Bedroom Plus Two More

Some Restrictions

Chatham County Code §16-1302(7)

Occupancy rate shall mean no more than two adults per bedroom plus two additional adults are permitted in the rental property. Should the rental property be a Recreational Vehicle or tent, the occupancy rate shall be that as listed by the manufacturer.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Insurance Requirements

A Chatham County short-term rental must carry homeowner's or other structural insurance at least equal to the value of the structure or $300,000, and the declarations must list the unit as a rental property. Savannah and Tybee also require proof of STVR-specific insurance.

Insurance Coverage of $300,000 or Structure Value

Some Restrictions

Chatham County Code §16-1304(1)(l)

The property being used as a rental regulated under this Ordinance shall carry homeowner's or other structural coverage in an amount at least equal to the value of the structure or $300,000, and the insurance declarations shall list the unit as a rental property.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Night Caps

Unincorporated Chatham County sets no annual cap on the number of nights a short-term rental may operate. Tybee Island instead imposes a minimum: non-conforming rentals must rent at least 90 days in a 12-month period, and Savannah caps non-owner-occupied density in historic districts.

No County Night Cap; Tybee's 90-Day Minimum

Some Restrictions

City of Tybee Island STR Ordinance (90-Day Rule)

Non-conforming properties may continue to rent as long as the location is operated in compliance with applicable ordinances and is rented for at least 90 days in the preceding 12-month period.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Registration Rules

Chatham County short-term rental licenses must be renewed every year by July 1. The license has to be posted inside the unit, and a sign listing parking rules, occupancy limits, noise restrictions and emergency contacts must be displayed for guests.

Annual Renewal by July 1 and On-Site Posting

Some Restrictions

Chatham County Code §16-1303(1)(a),(b)

Said license shall be posted inside the rental unit... In addition to the license, a sign shall be posted listing the parking rules, occupancy rate, any noise restrictions, emergency contact information and point of contact listed in the license.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Host Presence Rule

Chatham County does not require a host to be present during a stay, but every short-term rental must name a valid local point of contact responsible for responding to both renters and the county. That contact and emergency number must be posted for guests.

Local Point of Contact Required, Not On-Site Host

Some Restrictions

Chatham County Code §16-1304(1)(f)

Each application shall list a valid local point of contact that is responsible for receiving and responding to contact from both the renter and Chatham County or other governing bodies.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Primary-Residence-Only Rule

Unincorporated Chatham County does not require a short-term rental to be the owner's primary residence, but only property owners (not renters) may hold a license. The City of Savannah, by contrast, caps non-owner-occupied rentals and requires owner-occupancy for its owner-occupied STVR category.

No County Primary-Residence Rule; Owners Only

Some Restrictions

Chatham County Code §16-1304(1)(d)

All applicants must have an ownership interest. Renters of real property are not eligible for short term rental license.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Short-Term Rentals by City in Chatham County

1 cities in Chatham County have their own short-term rentals rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

SavannahPop. 147,780

6 verified rules • Insurance Requirements, Noise Rules

All Chatham County ordinances

See every category we cover for Chatham County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

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