Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Bogart, GA?

Short-term rentals are likely allowed in Bogart, GA, but with important caveats. The city does not appear to have specific short-term rental regulations in its current zoning ordinance. This means STRs would operate under existing zoning provisions and general state regulations. Bogart's zoning code does define "Bed and Breakfast" operations, which provide a framework for similar lodging activities, but does not explicitly address modern short-term rental platforms like Airbnb or VRBO.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bogart

Step 1: Zoning Compliance Assessment

• Verify zoning district: Ensure your property is in an appropriate zoning district that allows residential uses
• Review dimensional requirements: Confirm compliance with setback, height, and lot coverage requirements
• Check occupancy limits: Ensure single-family residential properties comply with family definition requirements

Step 2: Permitting Process

• Building permits: If any structural modifications are planned
• Business license: Required for any commercial activity
• Fire safety compliance: Ensure smoke detectors, egress requirements, and fire safety measures are in place

Step 3: State and County Compliance

• Hotel/Motel tax registration: Register with Oconee County for tax collection purposes
• Sales tax registration: Georgia requires sales tax collection for lodging activities
• Insurance: Obtain appropriate liability and property insurance coverage

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Local Requirements

• Business License from City of Bogart
• Building Permits (if applicable for renovations or modifications)
• Certificate of Occupancy confirming residential use compliance
• Zoning Compliance Verification from Planning Department

State Requirements

• Georgia Sales Tax Certificate for hotel/motel tax collection
• State Business License if required for business operations
• Professional Licensing (if applicable for property management services)

Federal Requirements

• 1099-K Reporting for platform-based rentals (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)
• Federal Tax Identification Number for business operations

Documentation Standards

• Property Insurance: Minimum $1M liability coverage recommended
• Emergency Contact Information: Posted prominently in rental unit
• Local Contact Information: 24/7 contact for neighbors and authorities
• House Rules: Clear guidelines for guest behavior and property use

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Bogart Zoning Regulations

Permitted Uses by District:

• R-1 (Single-Family Residential): Primary residential use; Bed & Breakfast permitted as conditional use
• R-2 (Two-Family Residential): Duplexes and multi-family residential
• CBD (Central Business District): Commercial and mixed-use activities
• GB (General Business District): Commercial operations
• NB (Neighborhood Business): Local commercial activities

Key Zoning Requirements:

• Setback Requirements: Minimum distances from property lines (typically 25-30 feet front, 8-10 feet sides)
• Height Limitations: Generally 35 feet or 2.5 stories maximum
• Parking Requirements: 2 spaces per dwelling unit; guest parking considerations
• Occupancy Limits: Family definition restricts to individuals living as single housekeeping unit

Bed & Breakfast Provisions (Closest STR-Related Use)

Definition: "A DWELLING UNIT, other than a HOTEL or boarding house, or portion thereof, where short-term lodging rooms and meals are provided to registered guests for compensation. The operator of the BED AND BREAKFAST must live on the premises."

Requirements:

• Owner-occupant requirement: Must live on premises
• Meal service: Required to provide breakfast
• Guest registration: Documentation of guest stays required
• Parking: Adequate guest parking must be provided
• Fire safety: Compliance with residential occupancy fire codes

Oconee County Regulations

Hotel/Motel Tax: 7% local excise tax on lodging charges

• Collection required for stays less than 30 days
• Platforms may collect and remit on behalf of operators
• Direct payment required if guests pay operators directly

Georgia State Regulations

Short-Term Rental Act (SB 173):

• Preempts local regulations except for zoning and land use
• Requires registration with Georgia Department of Revenue
• Mandates compliance with state sales tax requirements
• Allows advertising platforms to collect/remit taxes

Sales Tax Requirements:

• 4% state sales tax on lodging
• Local hotel/motel taxes (varies by jurisdiction)
• Monthly filing requirements for tax remittance

Insurance Requirements:

• Property insurance compliance
• Liability coverage requirements
• Guest safety and property protection standards

Contact Information

City of Bogart

Mayor and Council

• Phone: (770) 725-7385
• Address: 1261 Jamestown Boulevard, Bogart, GA 30622
• Website: cityofbogart.com

Planning Department/Building Inspector

• Phone: (770) 725-7385
• Email: Contact through City Hall
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Code Enforcement

• Phone: (770) 725-7385
• Email: Contact through City Hall
• Reporting: 24/7 for immediate violations

Oconee County

Tax Commissioner (Hotel/Motel Tax)

• Phone: (706) 769-5111
• Address: 23 N. Main Street, Watkinsville, GA 30677
• Website: tax.oconee.ga.us

Planning and Zoning

• Phone: (706) 769-3933
• Address: 23 N. Main Street, Watkinsville, GA 30677
• Website: oconee.ga.us/departments/planning

Georgia State

Department of Revenue (Sales Tax)

• Phone: (877) 423-6711
• Website: dor.georgia.gov
• Registration: Online registration available

Department of Community Affairs

• Phone: (404) 679-4940
• Website: dca.ga.gov

Source Links

1. City of Bogart Zoning Ordinance: cityofbogart.com/assets/images/forms/zoning-ordinance.pdf
2. Athens-Clarke County STR Information (Regional Reference): www.accgov.com/11113/Short-Term-Rentals-STRs
3. Georgia Department of Revenue: dor.georgia.gov
4. Oconee County Government: oconee.ga.us
5. City of Bogart: cityofbogart.com

Important Considerations for STR Investors

Due Diligence Checklist

• Zoning verification: Confirm STR operation is permitted in specific zoning district
• HOA restrictions: Check homeowners association rules (if applicable)
• Insurance consultation: Verify coverage for commercial STR activity
• Tax implications: Consult with tax professional on STR income reporting
• Neighbor relations: Consider community acceptance and noise considerations

Risk Mitigation

• Professional management: Consider hiring local property management
• Legal compliance: Regular monitoring of changing regulations
• Financial planning: Account for 7% hotel/motel tax collection and remittance
• Emergency response: Establish clear protocols for guest issues and property emergencies

Market Considerations

• Athens proximity: Bogart benefits from University of Georgia market proximity
• Competition analysis: Evaluate existing short-term and traditional lodging
• Seasonal patterns: Account for university calendar and local event impacts
• Infrastructure: Assess property suitability for STR operation (parking, access, utilities)

This guide provides the foundation for STR investment in Bogart, but investors should consult directly with city officials and legal professionals to ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations before initiating operations.