Updated 2-11-25
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.
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.
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.
I am simply a real estate agent who knows how to create webpages and websites. This skill sets me apart from other agents. If you are considering listing your house, I may be able to help you sell it faster by creating a website and custom pages like this.
This ordinance regulates the use of private residential properties rented to temporary occupants in unincorporated Gilmer County for no more than 30 consecutive days. The ordinance aims to address safety concerns, ensure the collection of accommodation excise taxes, minimize the negative impact of short-term rentals on residential neighborhoods, and preserve the character of those neighborhoods.
License Requirement:
Owners must obtain a Short-Term Rental Host License for each property rented. The annual fee is set by resolution and outlined in the County Fee Schedule. Licenses expire on December 31st each year and need to be renewed
Safety Inspection:
Before a license is issued, a qualified professional must conduct a safety inspection, and any identified issues must be addressed. Upon license renewal, owners must certify no significant safety changes have occurred since the initial inspection
Responsible Party
Owners must designate a responsible party available 24/7 to respond to complaints within four hours and take remedial action. This contact information should be provided to guests
Compliance with Rules and Regulations:
Several pieces of information must be posted in a conspicuous place within the rental property. This includes contact information for the responsible party, the street address, a floor plan with fire exits and escape routes, emergency contact information, parking instructions, trash disposal guidelines, noise restrictions, disorderly conduct prohibition, trespassing notice, and information about prohibited activities89. Quiet hours must be observed from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM, Sunday through Friday, and 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM, Friday through Sunday10. House rules must also be displayed
Safety Features:
Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are required, as are fire extinguishers in visible locations.
Communication
Internet, cellular service, or a dedicated phone line for emergencies must be available.
Signage
Exterior signage with the assigned 911 address must be visible from the road.
Insurance:
Adequate property and liability insurance covering short-term rentals is mandatory.
Tax Remittance:
Owners must establish a short-term rental account with the planning and zoning department and renew their licenses annually. If they do not use third-party platforms that collect and remit hotel/motel tax, they are responsible for timely payment through the Gilmer County Board of Commissioners Accounting Office
Advertising:
All advertisements must include the short-term rental host license number
Financial Obligations:
Owners must certify that they have no outstanding financial obligations to Gilmer County other than current unremitted short-term rental taxes. They also need to confirm that there are no deed restrictions or covenants prohibiting short-term rentals on their property.
Neighbor Notification:
Owners must distribute a Good Neighbor Notification letter to all adjoining property owners and those within 250 feet of the rental property boundary. This letter must include the contact information for the responsible party, which needs to be updated within seven days of any changes.
Violations and Consequences:
The planning and zoning director can issue warnings, suspend, or revoke licenses for various violations, including providing incorrect information, violating ordinances or state laws, or failing to comply with the article's provisions. A structured process is in place for handling violations, beginning with a written warning and progressing to fines, license suspension, and even a permanent ban for repeated or unaddressed violations1
Appeal Process:
Decisions made by the Short-Term Rental Board can be appealed to the Gilmer County Board of Land Use Appeals within 30 days of the decision. Further appeals can be made to the Superior and State Court following the Appellate Practice Act. It is crucial for short-term rental owners to thoroughly review the ordinance and familiarize themselves with all requirements to operate legally and responsibly within Gilmer County.
End
Virtual Properties Reality
2750 Premiere Parkway Suite 200
Duluth, GA 30097
770-495-5050 ext 7412
Summary
This was created by artificial
intelligence from the 5 page ordinance.