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

9 rules for unincorporated 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.

Short-Term Rental Permits

Every short-term rental in unincorporated Chatham County must hold an annual license from Building Safety and Regulatory Services under Code §16-1303(1), costing $350 under §16-1304(1)(a), posted inside the unit, and renewed by July 1 each year. Operating without one draws an immediate cease-and-desist order plus a fine equal to half the license fee.

STR License Requirements in Chatham County

Significant Restrictions

Chatham County Code §§16-1303(1),(3),(4),(8); 16-1304(1)(a); 16-1305(1)(a); 16-1310

1. Any property being used as a short term rental shall have a license validly issued by BSRS. ... b. 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. ... 3. It shall be a violation of this article to operate any short term rental without the required li...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Noise Rules

Chatham County short-term rental licenses must post noise restrictions on a sign inside the unit, and any citation for violating the county's noise ordinance at the rental draws a fine of not less than $100 under Code §16-1310(2), with repeated noise complaints able to trigger suspension or outright revocation of the license.

STR Noise Rules in Chatham County, GA

Some Restrictions

Chatham County Code §§16-1303(1)(b), 16-1304(1)(k), 16-1305(1)(f), 16-1308(1)(a),(c)(i)(b),(e), 16-1310(2)

b. 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. ... k. All animals being housed at any short term rental shall comply with the Animal Control Ordinance of the County including noise violations and all other regulations. ... 2. Should any property be ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Taxes & Fees

Operating a short-term rental in unincorporated Chatham County requires a BSRS license that costs $350 up front, renews annually for another $350, and only issues once all ad valorem property taxes are current and hotel/motel tax collection is proven. Sec. 16-1304 lays out every qualifying condition.

Short-Term Rental License Fees in Chatham County, GA

Significant Restrictions

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

1. Each property or rental unit subject to this ordinance shall qualify for a license when the following conditions have been met: a. All applications for the initial license shall pay to Chatham County BSRS a fee of $350. b. All ad valorem taxes that are due at the time of the application shall be paid in full. ... i. Proof of current contract with marketplace innkeeper service(s) for collecti...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Short-Term Rental Parking Rules

Chatham County requires every short-term rental license application to spell out the property's parking rules under Code §16-1304(1)(g), post them on a sign inside the unit, and enforces them: exceeding the stated parking limits draws a fine of not less than $100 under §16-1310(1) and can support license revocation.

STR Parking Rules in Chatham County, GA

Some Restrictions

Chatham County Code §§16-1304(1)(g), 16-1303(1)(b),(c), 16-1308(1)(c)(i)(a), 16-1310(1),(4)

g. Each application shall outline the parking rules of the rental and the manner in which any occupant shall comply with those rules. ... b. 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. ... 1. Should any property be cited for exceeding the parking li...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Occupancy Limits

Chatham County caps short-term rental occupancy at two adults per bedroom plus two additional adults under Code §16-1302(7); recreational vehicles and tents follow the manufacturer's rated capacity instead. Building Safety and Regulatory Services enforces the cap through the license, and exceeding it draws a fine of at least $150 and can trigger suspension or revocation of the rental's license.

STR Occupancy Limits in Chatham County, GA

Some Restrictions

Chatham County Code §§16-1302(7), 16-1303(2), 16-1310(3)

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. ... 2. No person operating a property as a short term rental shall violate the occupancy rate outlined here. ... 3. Should any property be ci...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Insurance Requirements

Chatham County requires every licensed short-term rental to carry homeowner's or structural insurance equal to the home's value or $300,000, whichever is greater, under Code §16-1304(1)(l), with the policy declarations naming the unit as a rental property. Coverage must exist before BSRS issues the initial license and stay in force for its full duration.

STR Insurance Rules in Chatham County, GA

Some Restrictions

Chatham County Code §§16-1304(1)(l), 16-1303(8)

1. Each property or rental unit subject to this ordinance shall qualify for a license when the following conditions have been met: ... 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 prope...

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 ↗

Repeat Violator Strikes

Three or more public complaints to Building Safety and Regulatory Services or the County Manager about code, state-law or ordinance violations at a Chatham County short-term rental trigger a formal compliance investigation under Code §16-1307(1)(c), and the County Manager can suspend the license for up to 30 days while it proceeds.

STR Repeat Complaint Rules in Chatham County

Significant Restrictions

Chatham County Code §§16-1307(1)(c), 16-1308(1),(2), 16-1309

c. Upon Repeated Public Complaints - upon three or more complaints to BSRS or County Manager for violations of the Chatham County Code, state law, or this Article which such violation amounts to a danger to the peace or welfare of the community, an investigation into license compliance shall occur. While such an investigation is conducted, the County Manager may, in his sole discretion, suspend...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Chatham County ordinances

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