4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Clarke County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Athens-Clarke County regulates short-term rentals under Title 9 (Zoning) of the Code, with the framework adopted by the Mayor and Commission on February 6, 2024. An STR is any residential dwelling rented for less than 31 consecutive days. The ordinance creates two categories: Home Occupation STRs (owner-occupant or long-term tenant required, only one structure per parcel) and Commercial STRs (allowed only in specified zones, requiring a Special-Use Permit and Construction Plans Review). Operators must also obtain a Business Occupation Tax Certificate and remit the 7% local hotel-motel excise tax.
Athens-Clarke County STR operators must pay a Business Occupation Tax Certificate (commonly $50/year for an individual or partnership) through the ACC Finance Department and collect and remit the 7% local hotel-motel excise tax monthly, due by the 20th of the following month. State and local sales taxes also apply. Booking platforms like Airbnb may collect some taxes on the host's behalf.
Athens-Clarke County STR operators must follow parking operating standards in Title 9, Chapter 9-15 of the Code. Off-street parking in approved, paved areas is required, and front-yard parking in residential zones is capped at 25% of the front yard or 12 feet wide. Confirm the specific off-street space requirement on your permit with the Planning Department at 706-613-3515.
Athens-Clarke County STR operators must follow occupancy limits set by the Code (Title 9, Chapter 9-15). Under the unified zoning code, single-family residential dwellings are also limited to no more than two unrelated individuals (the 'two-unrelated' rule), which constrains permanent occupancy. Confirm exact STR guest caps with the Planning Department at 706-613-3515.
1 cities in Clarke County have their own short-term rentals rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Clarke County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Clarke County Ordinance Hub →