STRFAQ

Note

This information comes from a five-page PDF from Gilmer County, Georgia. Here is a link to the full document. PDFLink or go to this webpage for the same information onlin, here.

Legal

Please note that de Venny, Inc., my broker VPR (Virtual Properties Realty), and I do not offer legal advice and are not acting in a legal capacity. We are not liable for any missing content, as this was manually added. I am not associated with or employed by Gilmer County, Georgia.

STR Owners

I believe the short-term rental (STR) owners would be interested in learning more about the new ordinance. While this ordinance is on the internet I hope these webpages make it a litte more accessible

Real Estate Agent

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1. What is the purpose of the Gilmer County Short-Term Rental Ordinance?
‍The ordinance aims to regulate short-term rentals (less than 30 days) in unincorporated Gilmer County to:

Address safety concerns
Ensure proper collection of Accommodation Excise Taxes
Minimize negative impacts on residential neighborhoods
Preserve neighborhood character, integrity, and stability

2. Who needs a short-term rental host license?
‍Any property owner renting their property for less than 30 days needs a license. Property management companies managing short-term rentals must also have a valid occupational tax certificate.
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‍3. How much does a short-term rental host license cost and how long is it valid?
‍The annual fee is set by resolution and outlined in the County Fee Schedule. Licenses are valid until December 31st each year and must be renewed annually. Businesses starting after January 1st may have their fees prorated.

4. What are the requirements for obtaining a short-term rental host license?
‍Applicants must:

Complete the application form
Provide verification of a recent safety inspection by a qualified professional and address any identified issues.
For renewals, certify that no significant safety changes have occurred since the initial inspection.

5. What are the responsibilities of a short-term rental host?
‍Hosts must:

Provide contact information for a responsible party available 24/7 to address complaints within 4 hours
Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
Post required information within the rental, including contact information, address, floor plan with fire exits, emergency numbers, parking instructions, trash disposal guidelines, noise restrictions, and house rules.
Ensure working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are presentProvide internet, cellular service, or a dedicated phone line for emergencies.
Display exterior signage with the 911 address
Maintain adequate property and liability insurance covering short-term rental use
Establish and maintain a short-term rental account with the county
Remit hotel/motel taxes if not using a third-party platform that handles itInclude the license number in all advertisements
Provide a copy of house rules to the county and post them in the rentalCertify no outstanding financial obligations to Gilmer County (except current unremitted taxes)
Certify no deed restrictions or covenants prohibiting short-term rentals
Distribute a Good Neighbor Notification letter to adjoining property owners and those within 250 feet of the property boundary, informing them of the local responsible party and their contact information.

6. What are the appeal options for a decision made by the Short-Term Rental Board?
‍Decisions can be appealed to the Gilmer County Board of Land Use Appeals within 30 days. Their decisions can then be appealed to the Superior and State Court under the Appellate Practice Act.

Written Warning: Host has 30 days to correct the violation
Citation: Issued if the violation isn't corrected. Includes a fine and a hearing date with the Short-Term Rental Board. The board can uphold or dismiss the citation.
30-day Suspension: If the host fails to correct the violation and pay the fine.
12-month Suspension: For continued non-compliance after the 30-day suspension. The owner/operator and household members cannot reapply for a license during this period.
Permanent Ban: Issued for continued non-compliance after the 12-month suspension.

‍Repeat violations within a 24-month period skip the initial warning and proceed directly to the citation stage.

7. What are the appeal options for a decision made by the Short-Term Rental Board?
‍Decisions can be appealed to the Gilmer County Board of Land Use Appeals within 30 days. Their decisions can then be appealed to the Superior and State Court under the Appellate Practice Act.
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‍8. Where can I find a copy of the complete ordinance?
‍The full ordinance document, "Gilmer-County-Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance.pdf," contains all the details and legal language.

End

Short-Term Rental

Frequency Asked Questions

Gilmer County Georgia