6 rules for unincorporated Columbia County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Columbia County has no dedicated short-term rental permit or registration ordinance. STRs are legal in unincorporated Evans and Martinez, subject only to a county occupation-tax certificate and registering to remit the 5% lodging tax, with no zoning cap.
Columbia County, GA, Code of Ordinances § 78-66
Pursuant to the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 48-13-51(a)(3), there is levied and imposed an excise tax at the rate of five percent of the charge to the public for and upon the furnishing for value to the public of any room, lodging or accommodation furnished by any person within the unincorporated areas of the county.
Columbia County short-term rental guests must obey the county nuisance-noise ordinance, § 34-32(6). With no STR permit to revoke, enforcement runs through the Sheriff's Office and magistrate court, plus any HOA covenants on the property.
Columbia County, GA, Code of Ordinances § 34-32(6)b.2
The operation of any set, instrument, phonograph, machine or device between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the building, structure or vehicle in which it is located shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.
Columbia County short-term rentals owe a 5% county hotel/motel excise tax under § 78-66, plus Georgia's 4% state sales tax, local option sales tax and the $5-per-night state lodging fee. Extended occupancy of 30-plus days is exempt.
Columbia County, GA, Code of Ordinances § 78-66
Pursuant to the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 48-13-51(a)(3), there is levied and imposed an excise tax at the rate of five percent of the charge to the public for and upon the furnishing for value to the public of any room, lodging or accommodation furnished by any person within the unincorporated areas of the county.
Columbia County sets no short-term-rental parking rules. Guests follow the same standards as any home in unincorporated Evans or Martinez, with off-street parking governed by the property's zoning and any HOA covenants, not an STR ordinance.
Columbia County limits the number of guests allowed in short-term rental properties. Occupancy caps are typically based on bedroom count or square footage to protect neighborhood quality of life.
Columbia County may require hosts to carry liability insurance for short-term rental properties. Minimum coverage amounts vary by jurisdiction.
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