Short-term rental permit rules in Athens, GA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Athens-Clarke (Title 9 amendments adopted Feb 6, 2024) limits owner-occupied STRs in single-family zones to 30 nights per year. Non-owner-occupied STRs in residential zones must phase out within 2 years. 7% hotel-motel tax applies.
On February 6, 2024 the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission adopted Title 9 text amendments regulating short-term rentals — residential units rented for any period less than 31 consecutive days. In single-family zones, owner-occupants and long-term tenants who actually live in the home may host STRs for no more than 30 days per calendar year. Non-owner-occupied STRs already in residential zones got a two-year phase-out window. Operators must collect the 7% local Hotel-Motel Excise Tax and hold a Business Occupation Tax Certificate; remittance may be handled by Airbnb/Vrbo or directly.
Operating beyond the 30-day owner-occupied cap, or as non-owner-occupied past the phase-out, is a Title 9 violation enforceable through code court.
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