Dougherty County, GA Short-Term Rentals: Repeat Violator Strikes (2026)
Key Facts
- First violation
- $500 fine, written notice
- Second violation
- $750 fine, written notice
- Third violation
- $1,000 fine, cease-operation, 6-month O.T.C. revocation
- Certificate revocation
- 3 violations in 12 months revokes certificate 12 months
- Appeal window
- 15 calendar days to appeal to county administrator
Summary
Short-term vacation rentals in unincorporated Dougherty County face an escalating fine schedule for repeat violations under County Code § 2-19-9, running from a $500 fine on a first offense to a $1,000 fine and a six-month O.T.C. revocation on a third offense within twelve months. Section 2-19-8(a) separately allows revocation of the rental certificate itself after three violations in that same twelve-month window.
Three (3) violations within twelve (12) months shall result in the revocation of the short-term vacation rental certificate for twelve (12) months. ... (a)The fees and penalties for repetitive violations of this Code shall be applied as follows:(1)For the first violation within any twelve-month period, the penalty shall be a written notice of violation, and a fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00);(2)For a second violation within any twelve-month period, the penalty shall be a written notice of violation, and a fine of seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00); and(3)For a third violation within any twelve-month period, the penalty shall be a written notice to cease operation and the revocation of the O.T.C. for a period of six (6) months. A fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) shall be levied.
Full Breakdown
) for six months. Section 2-19-8(a) works alongside that fine schedule on the rental certificate itself: any conviction for a chapter violation lets the county administrator or designee revoke the short-term vacation rental certificate and reject all applications for that property for twelve consecutive months, and three violations within twelve months automatically triggers revocation of the certificate for twelve months. Enforcement runs through § 2-19-11: complaints go first to the STVRA, who must correct the problem within a reasonable time, and if an investigation supports a finding of violation, the director of planning and development services or designee issues a written notice specifying the grounds for penalties or revocation, effective fifteen calendar days later unless the owner or STVRA files a written appeal to the county administrator under § 2-19-12.
Violations & Fines
A first chapter violation in a twelve-month period costs $500, a second costs $750, and a third brings a cease-operation order, a $1,000 fine, and a six-month O.T.C. revocation under § 2-19-9. Independently, three violations within twelve months triggers revocation of the short-term vacation rental certificate itself for twelve months under § 2-19-8(a), and the property is barred from new applications for that period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are the fines for repeat short-term rental violations in Dougherty County?
Can Dougherty County revoke a short-term rental certificate for repeat problems?
Can an owner appeal a fine or revocation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dougherty County
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