Rockdale County, GA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in Rockdale County, GA, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- Occupancy cap
- Two guests per bedroom
- Registry
- Kept 3+ years: names, dates, plates
- Local agent
- 25+, onsite within one hour
- Prohibited use
- No detached structures, guest houses, RVs
- Business license
- Separate occupational tax certificate required
Summary
Operating a short-term rental in unincorporated Rockdale County requires a license from the Department of Planning and Development, capped occupancy of two guests per bedroom, a 24-hour local agent able to arrive within an hour, and a guest registry kept for at least three years, under the zoning code's short-term rental standards.
(mmm2)Supplemental standards of use and development, short-term rentals.(1)All structures used for short-term rentals shall satisfy the National Fire Protection Association and International Fire codes, as adopted and amended by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and the Rockdale County Code of Ordinances. ... (6)The maximum overnight occupancy for any license issued pursuant to this section shall be two people per bedroom. ... (11)Special events or private functions are not permitted at short-term rentals. ... 9.The name, address, telephone number, and email address of the short-term rental agent, which shall constitute his or her 24-hour contact information, and who shall be at least 25 years old and shall be able to be present onsite within one hour of contact.
Full Breakdown
' The standards require compliance with the National Fire Protection Association and International Fire Codes and, for any pool, spa, or hot tub, the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as adopted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. 'The maximum overnight occupancy for any license issued pursuant to this section shall be two people per bedroom,' no detached structure, guest house, or recreational vehicle may be used as the rental, and no exterior alteration or street-visible advertising may indicate the use. Operators must keep a guest registry of names, occupancy dates, home cities, and vehicle descriptions for at least three years, available to the Rockdale County Board of Health or law enforcement under warrant or exigent circumstances.
A. ' Applications must be accompanied by fees in the county's adopted fee schedule, and the applicant must separately hold an occupational tax certificate under Section 86-32. Special events or private functions are not permitted at the rental, and subletting by an occupant is prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding two guests per bedroom, using a detached structure or RV as the rental, advertising without the license number displayed, failing to keep the three-year guest registry, hosting a special event, or operating without the department's license violates Section 218-13(mmm2). A violation is enforced under Section 202-9, and Section 1-11's general penalty allows a fine up to $1,000.00, up to 60 days imprisonment, or both, per day the violation continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many overnight guests can stay at a Rockdale County short-term rental?
Does a Rockdale County short-term rental need a local contact person?
Can a short-term rental host parties or special events in Rockdale County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rockdale County
How Rockdale County compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Compare Rockdale County to another location·View the Georgia short-term rentals overview
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