6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in DeKalb County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
DeKalb County adopted a new STR Ordinance (TA-24-1246762) approved July 24, 2025, with a 180-day implementation period extended to May 20, 2026. STR operators must obtain a Business License and complete an annual Short-Term Rental Registration. The application process was not yet available as of early 2026. Contact: DeKalb County Business License Division, 404-371-2461.
STR guests in unincorporated DeKalb County are subject to the county's noise ordinance (Ch. 16, Art. VII). Quiet hours: 11 PM–7 AM. Animal barking limits apply under §16-304. STR operators are responsible for guest compliance with all county ordinances.
DeKalb County levies an 8% hotel-motel excise tax on STR rental income under O.C.G.A. §48-13-51(b). Half of revenue funds tourism promotion through the DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau. Georgia's $5/night state lodging fee also applies. Airbnb/VRBO typically auto-collect in Georgia.
STR parking in unincorporated DeKalb County follows standard residential zoning and parking regulations. Vehicles must not block driveways, sidewalks, or fire hydrants. Excessive guest vehicles may trigger zoning code enforcement. Code Enforcement: 404-371-2181.
DeKalb County STR ordinance (Chapter 15 Article VII, adopted 2021) sets maximum occupancy at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional. Sleeping in non-bedroom spaces prohibited. Listing must accurately state cap.
DeKalb County STR ordinance requires hosts to maintain liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, or to operate through a platform providing equivalent coverage (Airbnb, VRBO platform liability meets requirement).
4 cities in DeKalb County have their own short-term rentals rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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DeKalb County Ordinance Hub →