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

Some Restrictions

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Key Facts

Code: Ch 15 Article VII
Formula: 2 per bedroom + 2
Listing: Must post cap
Revocation: 3 violations/12 months
Adopted: 2021

City-specific rules exist: Stonecrest, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, and Decatur have their own occupancy limits rules that differ from DeKalb County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

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.

Full Breakdown

DeKalb County Code Chapter 15 Article VII regulates short-term rentals in unincorporated DeKalb. Maximum occupancy is set at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional (for example, 3-bedroom home = 8 guests max). Sleeping in living rooms, garages, tents, RVs, or vehicles on the property is prohibited. Hosts must post maximum occupancy inside the unit and on all listings (Airbnb, VRBO). Occupancy violations are grounds for STR license suspension or revocation. DeKalb neighborhoods with active STR enforcement include Decatur-adjacent areas, Stone Mountain, and Druid Hills. Complaints can be filed via the county's STR hotline. Three or more substantiated violations within 12 months can trigger license revocation.

Violations & Fines

First violation: warning. Second: $500 fine. Third within 12 months: license revocation and up to $1,000 per violation. Repeat after revocation: property owner barred from STR for 12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who enforces occupancy limits rules in Dekalb County?

Dekalb County's code enforcement division is responsible for short term-rentals ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the Dekalb County government website or by calling the main municipal line.

What are typical penalties for violating occupancy limits rules?

Most Dekalb County short term-rentals violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult Dekalb County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.

How does DeKalb County compare?

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

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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