Clarke County, GA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

The STR ordinance adopted February 6, 2024 (Title 9, Chapter 9-15 of the Code of Athens-Clarke County) requires both Home Occupation STR and Commercial STR operators to follow operating standards covering occupancy, parking, noise, and posting of emergency contact information. Athens-Clarke County's general residential occupancy rule (Section 9-15-22 and the Common Residential Ordinances guidance) prohibits more than two unrelated individuals from residing in a single dwelling unit in Single-Family Residential (RS) and Agriculture Residential (AR) zones - this constrains long-term occupancy and is one of the underlying reasons commercial STRs are restricted in single-family zones. Specific transient-guest occupancy caps for STRs (commonly framed as a maximum number of guests per bedroom plus a fixed allowance for additional adults) are set out in the STR ordinance text itself; the actual numeric maximum depends on the bedroom count documented on the STR permit application and is verified by the Planning Department and Fire Marshal's Office during review. Operators should confirm the exact guest cap shown on their approved permit and post it inside the rental, along with emergency contact info, before each booking. Confirm specifics with the ACC Planning Department at 706-613-3515.