Columbus, GA Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Requirement
- written agreement clause required
- Clause content
- acknowledges city noise ordinance applies
- Governing section
- UDO § 4.9.4.B.2(B)
- Consequence of violation
- agreement termination, possible eviction
- Applies to
- every short-term rental agreement
Summary
Every Columbus, Georgia short-term rental agreement must have occupants acknowledge that exceeding the city's noise ordinance limits is unlawful, under the UDO's short-term rental article.
The occupant(s)' acknowledgement that it shall be unlawful to allow or make any noise or sound that exceeds the limits set forth in the City's noise ordinance;(C)The owner and occupant(s)'acknowledgement that the unit is not being leased for and will not be advertised, promoted, or have any amenities provided for the purposes of providing any adult entertainment as defined in Article VI of Chapter 14 of the Columbus Code or providing Escort Services as defined in Article VII of Chapter 14 [of] the Columbus Code; and(D)The occupant(s)' acknowledgement and agreement that violation of the agreement or this chapter may result in immediate termination of the agreement and eviction from the short-term rental unit by the owner or agent, as well as the potential liability for payments of fines levied by the city.3.Proof of the owner's current ownership of the short-term rental unit;4.Proof of insurance satisfactory in accordance with administrative guidelines published by the Columbus Consolidated Government; and5.A written certification from the short-term agent that he or she agrees to perform the duties specified in Subsection 4.9.5.8.C.Permit holder shall publish a short-term rental permit number in every print, digital, or internet advertisement and any property listing in which the short-term rental is advertised. (Ord. No. 18-45, § 1, 10-9-18)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 75).
Full Breakdown
Section 4.9.4 requires every short-term rental owner in Columbus, Georgia (Muscogee County) to use a written exemplar rental agreement with occupants, and that agreement must include the occupants' acknowledgement that it is unlawful to make or allow noise or sound exceeding the limits set in the city's noise ordinance. The clause sits alongside acknowledgements barring use of the unit for adult entertainment or escort services and warning that violating the agreement or the short-term rental chapter can mean immediate eviction from the unit and potential fines. The provision enforces the city's general noise ordinance against short-term renters specifically rather than creating a separate STR decibel limit.
Violations & Fines
Omitting the noise-ordinance acknowledgment from the required rental agreement is a code violation under the short-term rental chapter; the underlying noise conduct is enforced under the city's separate noise ordinance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Columbus, Georgia have a special noise rule for short-term rentals?
What happens if short-term rental guests violate the noise acknowledgment?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
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