Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed in Alpharetta, GA?

Yes. Short‑term rentals are allowed in Alpharetta, but only in compliance with a city licensing ordinance that took effect in January 2025. The ordinance regulates the operation, safety, and reporting of STRs and creates an annual licensing pathway administered by the City’s Community Development Department. STRs must be rented to a “responsible person” (at least 21 years old) and operated in single‑family housing units, including approved accessory dwelling units. Apartments, tents, yurts, trailers, and similar portable structures are ineligible for licensing. Violations can result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the license, and penalties are enforced in municipal court. References: Appen Media (Adopted ordinance) [link], Citizen Portal (adoption details) [link], City application package (licensing structure and definitions) [link], Lisa Shippel Law (summary of the new regime) [link].

How to start a short‑term rental business in Alpharetta

• Confirm zoning and property type: STR licenses may be issued only for single‑family housing units, including approved accessory dwelling units. Apartments, tents, yurts, truck campers, trailers, and other portable shelters are prohibited. Source: City application package (Sec. 10‑434) [link].
• Assemble your team: Designate two local, 24‑hour emergency contacts who are at least 21 years old and able to arrive on‑site within a three‑hour window. These contacts are required on the application and in the posted notice. Source: City application package [link].
• Prepare required documentation: Proof of ownership; IDs for owner and both local contacts; affidavits (private employer, legal immigration status); HOA affidavit if in a platted subdivision; septic/sewer evaluation as applicable; a sketch of on‑site parking on hard‑surfaced areas. Source: City application package [link].
• Submit the city application and pay fees: Complete the Short‑Term Rental License & Occupational Tax Certificate (Business License) application; submit to Code Enforcement & Licensing at 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, GA 30009. Annual STR license fee: $500 (not prorated). Business license (OTC) fee is based on employee count and proration schedule. Source: City application package [link].
• Post required notices and life‑safety equipment: Post the information notice at the rental (license number, contacts, quiet hours, occupancy limits, hospital info, trash day, parking sketch) and equip with smoke detectors, CO detectors, and fire extinguishers per IRC/NFPA standards. Source: City application package (Sec. 10‑435) [link].
• Set up monthly tax remittance: Complete a monthly City of Alpharetta lodging/hotel/motel tax return (8% lodging excise tax). If paid by the 20th of the following month, a 3% discount applies; late payments may incur interest and penalties. Submit to Finance (address provided on form). Source: City application package [link].
• Maintain records and ensure compliance: Retain renter confirmation records for one year; enforce occupancy and quiet hours; keep all licenses current; update contact changes within required timelines. Source: City application package (Sec. 10‑433, 10‑434, 10‑435) [link].

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Short‑Term Rental License (annual, non‑prorated) – valid Jan 1–Dec 31; separate license required for each structure. Source: City application package [link].
• Occupational Tax Certificate (Business License) – administered under Chapter 42 (Article III). Fee schedule based on employee count; proration applies only to the business license tax, not to the STR license. Source: City application package [link].
• Affidavit – Private Employer (O.C.G.A. § 36‑60‑6(d)) – notarized. Source: City application package [link].
• Affidavit – Legal Immigration Status (O.C.G.A. § 50‑36‑1) – notarized. Source: City application package [link].
• HOA affidavit – required if the property is in a platted subdivision; must state STR use is not prohibited by covenants. Source: City application package [link].
• Health/sanitation documentation – septic performance evaluation (Health Dept.) for septic systems; sewer capacity documentation for sewer‑serviced properties (required for initial licensing; not required for renewal). Source: City application package [link].
• Proof of ownership (e.g., warranty deed, settlement statement). Source: City application package [link].
• IDs – clear, legible copies of government‑issued photo IDs for the owner and both local contacts. Source: City application package [link].
• Parking plan – sketch/drawing showing approved on‑site hard‑surfaced parking; no parking on unpaved surfaces or city right‑of‑way. Source: City application package [link].
• Posted Information Notice – must be displayed inside the unit on/near the front door, containing owner and contact names, 24/7 phone, hospital name/address, max daytime/overnight occupants, max vehicles, trash pickup day and handling, quiet hours, and a copy of the STR license. Source: City application package (Sec. 10‑435) [link].
• Life safety equipment – smoke detectors per IRC; CO detectors per state law; fire extinguisher per NFPA 10. Source: City application package (Sec. 10‑435) [link].
• Renter history and compliance acknowledgments – maintain for one year; obtain written confirmation from the responsible person that they understand all rules. Source: City application package (Sec. 10‑434) [link].
• Advertising compliance – all listings must include the STR license number, maximum occupancy, max vehicles, and noise provisions. Source: City application package (Sec. 10‑434) [link].
• Monthly lodging excise tax filing – City of Alpharetta verification of compliance form (8% tax), with 3% discount if paid by the 20th. Source: City application package [link].

Specific regulations for short‑term rentals in Alpharetta (city); Fulton County and Georgia (state)

• Property eligibility and licensing: STRs must be single‑family units, including approved accessory dwelling units; separate license per structure; annual renewal; non‑transferable. Apartments, tents, yurts, trailers, and similar structures are ineligible. Source: City application package (Sec. 10‑434) [link].
• Responsible person: Every rental must be to a person at least 21 years old who is responsible for compliance; owner/local contact must obtain written confirmation that rules were read and understood. Source: City application package (Sec. 10‑433, 10‑434) [link].
• Local contacts: Two local contacts required, reachable 24/7 and able to respond on‑site within three hours; posted in the information notice. Source: City application package [link].
• Occupancy limits: Overnight occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom, not to exceed fifteen total; daytime occupancy cannot exceed the overnight limit plus four guests, and in no case may daytime occupancy exceed nineteen persons total. Source: City application package (Sec. 10‑434) [link].
• Life safety and sanitation: All designated bedrooms must have emergency egress and meet IRC standards as of the Certificate of Occupancy; working smoke and CO detectors; NFPA‑compliant fire extinguishers; visible house number; pools must meet current swimming pool/spa codes. Source: City application package (Sec. 10‑435) [link].
• Quiet hours and noise: Quiet hours are 11:00 PM–7:00 AM; violations of noise regulations (Article V of Chapter 26/34 referenced) are violations of the STR ordinance. Source: City application package (Sec. 10‑435) [link].
• Parking: Provide off‑street parking sufficient for one car per bedroom; vehicles must park only on hard‑surfaced areas (gravel, concrete, asphalt); no parking on unpaved surfaces or city right‑of‑way. Source: City application package (Sec. 10‑434) [link].
• Advertising: Listings must match the license data and include the STR license number, maximum occupancy, max vehicles, and noise provisions. Source: City application package (Sec. 10‑434) [link].
• Taxes and fees: Owners must pay occupational taxes (Chapter 42 Article III) and collect/remit lodging excise taxes (Chapter 42 Article V and state law). Monthly lodging tax is 8% with a 3% discount if paid by the 20th of the following month. Source: City application package [link].
• Enforcement and penalties: Violations in a consecutive 12‑month period progress from warning and fine, to suspension (30–90 days), to revocation with a 12‑month ineligibility. Immediate suspension/revocation is permitted for immediate health hazards, fraudulent applications, or operating during suspension. All enforcement is in municipal court. Source: City application package (Sec. 10‑436, 10‑437) [link].
• Cap/density: The ordinance as reported limits STRs to no more than 5% of the homes in a neighborhood. Confirm operational details and neighborhood definitions in the full code and implementation guidance. Source: Appen Media [link].
• First‑come, first‑served licensing: Licenses are issued in order of complete application receipt, with priority for timely renewal applications. Source: City application package (Sec. 10‑434) [link].
• County and state context: STRs must also comply with general Georgia lodging tax obligations and health/safety codes where applicable. These state requirements are referenced within Alpharetta’s ordinance framework. Source: City application package [link].

Contact information (phone, email, website)

• City of Alpharetta – Community Development, Code Enforcement & Licensing
  • Address: 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, GA 30009
  • Phone: 678‑297‑6086
  • Email: STRLicense@Alpharetta.Ga.Us
  • Website: alpharetta.ga.us (Short‑Term Rentals page) [link]
• City of Alpharetta – Finance (lodging/excise tax remittance)
  • Phone: 678‑297‑6060
  • Fax: 678‑297‑6064
  • Email: FinanceCST@Alpharetta.Ga.Us
  • Source: City application package [link]
• City of Alpharetta – Business licensing general info: alpharetta.ga.us/Business/Business‑Licenses [link]

Source pages (links)

• City of Alpharetta – Short‑Term Rentals: www.alpharetta.ga.us/533/Short-Term-Rentals [link]
• City of Alpharetta – Business Licenses: www.alpharetta.ga.us/484/Business-Licenses [link]
• Short‑Term Rental License & Occupational Tax Certificate Application (PDF): content.civicplus.com/api/assets/f9b466a1-363c-4530-8e82-8a688cb059dc?cache=1800 [link]
• Appen Media: Alpharetta passes short‑term rental ordinance: www.appenmedia.com/alpharetta_roswell/alpharetta-passes-short-term-rental-ordinance/article_846d144e-cd38-11ef-89da-bb83cc6899c9.html [link]
• Citizen Portal AI: STR adoption details and contact requirements: citizenportal.ai/articles/6673807/Alpharetta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Alpharetta-adopts-short-term-rental-regulations-and-licensing-ordinance-with-new-contact-and-posting-requirements [link]
• Lisa Shippel Law: New Short‑Term Rental Law in Alpharetta – overview: lisashippellaw.com/new-short-term-rental-law-in-alpharetta-what-airbnb-vrbo-owners-need-to-know/ [link]

Practical checklist for investors

• Confirm zoning and unit type (single‑family or approved accessory dwelling unit).
• Recruit and document two local contacts with 24/7 availability and three‑hour response capability.
• Collect owner IDs; gather proof of ownership; complete and notarize required affidavits (private employer, legal immigration status, HOA if applicable).
• Obtain septic/sewer evaluation (as applicable) and prepare a parking plan on hard‑surfaced areas.
• Submit the annual STR license application and business license (OTC), pay fees, and post the information notice inside the unit.
• Install smoke detectors, CO detectors, and an NFPA‑compliant fire extinguisher; ensure emergency egress from bedrooms.
• Include STR license number, occupancy limits, vehicle limits, and noise provisions in all listings.
• Set quiet hours (11:00 PM–7:00 AM), occupancy caps (two per bedroom, 15 overnight max; plus four daytime guests, 19 total max), and parking restrictions in guest communications and House Rules.
• File monthly lodging tax returns (8%) with Finance by the 20th to qualify for the 3% discount.
• Maintain renter confirmations and compliance records for at least one year; renew the STR license and business license annually by the second Monday in December.

Notes on grandfathering and interpretation

• Pre‑existing STRs may be evaluated for grandfathering on a case‑by‑case basis; staff committed to returning to City Council within 120 days after adoption to report on any grandfathering issues and possible clarifications. Reference: Appen Media [link].
• Definitions, operational thresholds (occupancy, parking, posted notice requirements), and progressive penalties are codified in the City’s Short‑Term Rental Ordinance (Article XV, Chapter 10). Reference: City application package [link].