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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Cartersville, Georgia. The City of Cartersville has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs), including mandatory registration, tax collection requirements, and ongoing compliance obligations. The city requires all STVR operators to register with the City Clerk, collect an 8% excise tax on all rentals, and submit monthly tax reports regardless of whether any rentals occurred.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Cartersville

Step 1: Verify Zoning Eligibility

Before proceeding with registration, confirm that your property is eligible for STR use:

• City Properties: Must be located within Cartersville city limits
• County Properties: Must comply with Bartow County zoning requirements, which mandate that only one single-family residence per lot is eligible, and the property must remain a single-family residential use
• Structure Requirements: Property must be a safe, code-compliant structure
• Nuisance Compliance: Property cannot be a nuisance to surrounding properties

Step 2: Complete Registration Process

1. Download and Complete Application: Obtain the Short-Term Vacation Rental Registration Application from the City Clerk
2. Submit Application: Mail completed application to City Clerk at P.O. Box 1390, Cartersville, GA 30120, or deliver in person to 10 N. Public Square, 2nd Floor, Cartersville, GA 30120
3. Provide Required Information:
   • Owner/operator contact details
   • Property address and description
   • Marketplace facilitator information
   • 24-hour contact information

Step 3: Set Up Tax Collection System

1. Understand Tax Obligations: 8% excise tax on all rentals
2. Obtain Tax Forms: Get Hotel Motel Tax Form and STVR Tax Form from City Clerk
3. Establish Monthly Filing Process: Set up calendar reminders for monthly submissions

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Requirements (City of Cartersville)

• STVR Registration Certificate (mandatory for each dwelling unit)
• Completed STVR Registration Application
• Signed Registration Acknowledgment Form
• Monthly Tax Collection Forms (due 20th of each month)
• Updated tax forms reflecting any changes to marketplace facilitators within 15 days

Tax Collection Obligations

• Excise Tax Rate: 8% on gross rental income
• Filing Frequency: Monthly, regardless of rental activity
• Due Date: 20th of each month for previous month's rentals
• Late Filing Consequences: Loss of 3% vendor credit, penalties, and interest
• Vendor Credit: 3% of tax collected if paid timely

Zoning Compliance Requirements

• Single-family residential use only
• Code-compliant structure
• Safe operating conditions
• No nuisance violations

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Cartersville Regulations

• Registration Requirement: All STVRs must register with City Clerk
• Tax Collection: 8% excise tax on transient lodging
• Marketplace Registration: All STVR platforms must register with city
• Amendment Requirements: Changes to facilitators must be reported within 15 days
• Neighborhood Standards: Operators must ensure no disruption to neighbors
• Monthly Reporting: Mandatory submission of tax forms even with $0.00 in gross rent

Bartow County Zoning Regulations

• Use Limitation: Only one single-family residence per lot eligible
• Residential Character: Property must remain single-family residential use
• Safety Requirements: Must be code-compliant structure
• Nuisance Prohibitions: Cannot create nuisance for surrounding properties

State of Georgia Requirements

• HB317 Compliance: STVR platforms collect local Hotel-Motel Excise Taxes
• Platform Registration: All STVR platforms must register with local governments
• Tax Remittance: Platforms remit taxes directly to local authorities
• Reporting Standards: Standardized collection and reporting procedures

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Cartersville - City Clerk

Primary Contact for STVR Registration and Tax Collection

• Physical Address: 10 N Public Square, Cartersville, GA 30120 (2nd Floor)
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1390, Cartersville, GA 30120
• Phone: 770-387-5600
• Tax Remittance Contact: Julia Drake, City Clerk
• Email: Contact through main phone line for STVR inquiries

Bartow County Planning & Zoning

Zoning Compliance and County Regulations

• Contact: John Parton, Zoning Administrator
• Address: 135 West Cherokee Avenue, Cartersville, GA 30120 (1st Floor, Suite 124)
• Phone: 770-607-6312
• Email: partonj@bartowcountyga.gov

Source Documentation Links

City of Cartersville Documents

• Short-Term Vacation Rental Registration Application
• Hotel Motel Tax Form
• Short-Term Vacation Rental Tax Form
• Hotel Tax / STR Information Page

County and State Resources

• Bartow County Planning & Zoning Department
• Bartow County Code of Ordinances
• City of Cartersville Code of Ordinances

Important Compliance Notes

1. Registration Timing: Applications must be complete to be processed; incomplete applications will be rejected
2. Tax Filing Discipline: Monthly filing is mandatory even during periods with no rentals
3. Platform Compliance: Ensure all marketplace facilitators are properly registered
4. Zoning Verification: Confirm zoning eligibility before making property investments
5. Amendment Filing: Report changes to registration details within 15 days as required

Investment Considerations

• The regulatory framework is well-established and transparent
• Monthly tax obligations require consistent administrative attention
• Strong demand exists for short-term rentals in the Cartersville market
• Proximity to Atlanta creates steady tourism and business travel demand
• Compliance with both city and county regulations is essential for successful operation

This guide provides the essential framework for operating a compliant short-term rental business in Cartersville, Georgia. Investors should maintain close communication with the City Clerk's office for ongoing regulatory updates and ensure strict adherence to all filing deadlines and compliance requirements.