Smyrna, GA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Section 22-344 of the Smyrna Code of Ordinances sets the gate. Under section 22-343, a short-term rental unit is a residential dwelling unit, or a portion of one, provided to transient guests for compensation for a period of time not to exceed 30 consecutive days. A rental that exceeds 30 consecutive days is not a short-term rental, and hotels, motels and motor vehicles are excluded. Section 22-341 permits short-term rentals in all residential zoning districts, which section 22-343 lists as R-30, R-20, R-15, R-12, R-10, R-8, RDA, RD, RD-4, RMC-8, RM-10, RTD, RM-12, RM-15, RHR, CBD and MU.

The license is annual. Under section 22-345, the applicant files under oath on a city form with a non-refundable application fee set in the city's fee schedule by the Mayor and Council. The application names the owner of record, the property address, the short-term rental agent with 24-hour contact information, and the number and location of parking spaces. Attached to it go the owner's sworn code compliance verification form, proof of ownership, proof of liability insurance, the agent's written certification, and evidence that certified mail notice went to each contiguous property or to the homeowner's or condominium association. Licenses expire on December 31, and a renewal filed by December 15 lets the licensee keep operating until the city approves or denies it. A change of agent must be reported to Community Development within ten business days.

Section 22-347 requires review of complete applications within 30 days, and the license is granted unless the applicant fails a condition of the chapter. A denial is appealed in writing to the license and variance board through the city clerk's office within 30 calendar days.