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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Duluth, Georgia, with specific regulations and requirements. The city has established a comprehensive ordinance to address short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO. Short-term rentals are defined as residential units rented on a nightly basis for no more than 28 days to individual guests as a form of tourism or transient accommodations.

Key Points:

• STRs are permitted within certain zoning districts with proper approvals
• A Special Use permit is required for operation
• Maximum rental period is 28 days
• STRs are not allowed in structures not intended for residential occupancy, tiny homes, or mobile/manufactured units
• The city implemented this policy in response to property maintenance and noise concerns from residents and investor interest in converting properties to rental use

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Duluth, GA

Step 1: Determine Zoning Eligibility

• RM District: STRs are allowed by right
• R-100, R-75, and CBD Districts: STRs require Special Use approval
• PUD Zoning: Must follow PUD regulations; if STR use not specified, an amendment is required

Step 2: Submit Special Use Application

• Applications must be submitted in person to the City of Duluth Planning Department
• All required documents must be uploaded to the City of Duluth Permitting Portal
• Initial review period is 14 days from submission

Step 3: Pay Required Fees

• Application fee: $200.00 (must be paid prior to permit approval and issuance)
• Payment link will be emailed after staff deems the application complete

Step 4: Meet Ongoing Requirements

• Obtain and maintain an Annual Occupational Tax Certificate
• Designate and maintain a local contact person
• Conduct annual review coinciding with tax certificate renewals

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Submittal Documents

1. Site Plan

   • Drawn at a scale no less than 100 feet to one inch
   • Include all existing and proposed structures with setbacks
   • Show off-street parking, utilities, and on-site wastewater treatment systems (if applicable)

2. Floor Plan

   • Drawn to scale no less than 100 feet to one inch

3. Gwinnett County Environmental Health Department Approval

   • Required for STR use of existing and proposed septic systems

4. Local Contact Designation

   • Must be kept on file and up to date with Department of Planning and Development
   • Contact information must be distributed to adjacent property owners with proof of mailing

5. Fire and Life Safety Documentation

   • Proof of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and functioning fire extinguisher installation
   • Must be presented to Planning staff at application time

6. Interior Information Signs

   • Must be clearly visible and legible within the STR containing:
     • Local Contact information and 24-hour telephone number
     • Maximum number of occupants
     • Number and location of on-street parking
     • Trash pickup day and location of trash disposal
     • Location of fire extinguishers
     • Local emergency and law enforcement contact information
     • Property address
     • Quiet hours

Required Permits and Licenses

1. Special Use Permit - Required for operation
2. Annual Occupational Tax Certificate - Required for business operation
3. Fire and Life Safety Compliance - Ongoing requirement

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning and Density Restrictions

Unit Thresholds by Building Type:

• Duplex: 1 STR per 2 units maximum
• Triplex: 1 STR per 3 units maximum
• Four or more units: 1 STR per 4 units maximum

Location Restrictions:

• Within single-family districts, STRs shall not abut another STR
• PUD zoning districts must follow specific PUD regulations or require amendment

Occupancy Limits

• Maximum Occupancy: Two persons per bedroom, plus four additional persons
• Limitation: May be fewer based on the capacity of the on-site wastewater treatment system

Operational Requirements

Local Contact Requirements:

• Must maintain a local contact person on file
• Contact information must be distributed to adjacent property owners with proof of mailing
• Contacts are reviewed annually to coincide with Occupational Tax Certificate renewals

Interior Signage Requirements: All STR units must display interior information signs with specified details (see Required Documents section above)

Review Process

Initial Review:

• Planning staff will review applications for completeness within 14 days of submission
• After review, applicants receive email notification of approval, resubmittal required, or denial
• If additional information is required, resubmittal link and code will be provided

Contact Information

City of Duluth Planning & Development Department

• Address: 3167 Main Street, Duluth, GA 30096
• Department: Planning & Development
• Application Location: In-person submissions required
• Permitting Portal: All documents must be uploaded for review

Gwinnett County Environmental Health Department

• Purpose: Septic system approvals for STR use
• Note: Required for Environmental Health approval in application process

Source Pages and References

1. City of Duluth Submittal Requirements: www.duluthga.net/services/planning___development/permits___applications/submittal_requirements.php
2. Short Term Rental Submittal Requirements (Official Document): cms4files.revize.com/duluth/Short%20Term%20Rental%20Submittal%20Requirements.pdf
3. AJC Article on Duluth STR Policy: www.ajc.com/neighborhoods/gwinnett/duluth-creates-short-term-rental-policy/453RNPJOUFGDVJVUD3CJFNMFLM/
4. City of Duluth Code of Ordinances: library.municode.com/ga/duluth/codes/code_of_ordinances

Important Note: This guide is based on official City of Duluth documentation. Regulations may be updated, and investors should verify current requirements with the Planning & Development Department before proceeding with any STR investment or operation.