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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Forest Park, Georgia. The City of Forest Park has enacted Ordinance No. 22-10, which provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for short-term rentals within the city limits. This ordinance establishes licensing requirements, operational restrictions, and compliance obligations designed to balance the economic benefits of short-term rentals with neighborhood protection and community welfare.

Under Forest Park's regulations, a short-term rental is defined as an accommodation where, in exchange for compensation, a residential dwelling unit is provided for lodging for a period not exceeding 30 consecutive days. The ordinance permits both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied properties, with specific provisions for primary residences and additional units.

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

Step 1: Understand the Legal Framework

Before purchasing or operating a short-term rental in Forest Park, you must comply with the City of Forest Park Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Ordinance No. 22-10). This ordinance establishes the legal foundation for STR operations and sets forth specific requirements for licensing, operation, and compliance.

Step 2: Obtain Required Licenses

• Short-Term Rental License: Mandatory for all STR operations
• Application Authority: Submit to the Department of Planning and Community Development
• Eligibility: Available to property owners or long-term tenants
• Unit Limitation: License permits operation of primary residence plus one additional dwelling unit

Step 3: Designate a Short-Term Rental Agent

Every STR must have a designated agent who will serve as the primary contact for issues, complaints, and compliance matters. The agent must be available 24/7 and responsive to all communications from the city and community members.

Step 4: Complete Application Process

Submit a complete annual application with all required documentation and fees to the Planning and Community Development Department.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary License: Short-Term Rental License

Issuing Authority: Department of Planning and Community Development
Annual Fee: $150.00 (non-refundable)
Application Requirements:

• Property address of the STR unit
• Complete contact information for the designated STR agent (name, address, phone, email)
• STR agent's signed acknowledgment of ordinance compliance
• Number and location of parking spaces allocated to the property
• STR agent's agreement to minimize neighborhood disruption
• Written rules to be posted in the STR unit (see mandatory rules below)
• Evidence of certified mail notification to adjacent property owners

Mandatory Written Rules for STR Units

The following rules must be posted in every STR unit:

• Acknowledgment of city noise ordinance compliance
• Maximum occupancy limitations (two adults per bedroom)
• Parking location and availability information
• Agreement regarding potential eviction for violations
• Notification of potential city fines for non-compliance

Adjacent Property Notification Requirement

Applicants must provide notification via certified United States mail to each property adjacent to the STR location. This notification must include:

• The STR property address
• STR agent's complete contact information
• Purpose of the notification (intent to secure STR license)

Additional Compliance Requirements

• Online Listing Compliance: STR agents must list their license number on each online platform listing
• Platform Obligations: Online platforms must provide community contact mechanisms and educational resources
• Record Keeping: Maintain copies of all applications, correspondence, and compliance documentation

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Forest Park City Regulations

Operational Restrictions

• Maximum Occupancy: No more than two adults per bedroom, plus maximum of two additional adults (total maximum of ten persons, including children)
• Parking Limitations: Maximum of one car per bedroom, or the number that can be accommodated in garage and driveway without extending into public rights-of-way, whichever is less
• Signage Prohibition: No external on-site or off-site advertising signs or displays indicating STR use
• Duration Limit: Rentals limited to 30 consecutive days maximum

Prohibited Activities

It is unlawful to:

• Operate without proper registration and licensing
• Advertise or offer STR services without licensing
• Operate non-compliant with applicable laws and codes
• Fail to pay required hotel occupancy taxes
• Use the property primarily as a party venue
• Create nuisances for surrounding property owners
• Fail to include party venue prohibitions in advertisements
• Use the property for housing sex offenders, sober living facilities, illegal drug sales, alcohol sales without permits, or sexually oriented businesses

Enforcement and Penalties

• Violation Tracking: Code enforcement maintains records of all violations
• License Revocation: Three violations for the same property within 12 months results in license revocation and rejection of new applications for 12 consecutive months
• Penalty Assessment: Fully adjudicated violations incur $500.00 penalty per violation
• Appeal Process: Appeals may be filed with the Planning Commission within 30 days
• Continuing Violations: Each day of continued violation constitutes a separate offense

Tax Obligations

• Hotel-Motel Tax: STRs are subject to applicable hotel-motel taxes as established by state law and city code
• State Sales Tax: Subject to Georgia state sales tax requirements
• Local Taxes: Additional local taxes may apply

Clayton County Regulations

While specific county-level STR regulations were not detailed in the provided documents, county tax assessment and property classification requirements apply. The Planning Commission minutes indicate that Clayton County continues to classify properties and may require updates to reflect actual use.

Georgia State Regulations

Based on state-level information provided:

• State Sales Tax: 4% on short-term rentals
• Hotel-Motel Fee: $5 per night (exempt for stays over 30 nights)
• Tax Registration: Required registration with Georgia Department of Revenue for tax identification
• Filing Requirements: Monthly, quarterly, or annual filing based on state assignment

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Primary Authority: Planning and Community Development Department

Address: 785 Forest Parkway, Forest Park, GA 30297
Phone: (404) 366-4720
Website: www.forestparkga.gov
Services: STR licensing, applications, renewals, compliance oversight

City Hall and General Government

Address: 745 Forest Parkway, Forest Park, GA 30297
Phone: (404) 366-4720
Website: www.forestparkga.gov
Services: General government, mayor and council, municipal services

Code Enforcement Division

Authority: Director of Code Enforcement (within Planning and Community Development)
Responsibilities: Violation tracking, citation issuance, compliance monitoring
Contact: Through Planning and Community Development Department

Planning Commission

Address: 745 Forest Parkway, Forest Park, GA 30297
Phone: (404) 366-4720
Services: License appeals, zoning matters, administrative hearings

Recreation and Leisure Services (for facility rentals, not directly STR-related)

Address: 803 Forest Parkway, Forest Park, GA 30297
Phone: (404) 366-4720
Email: recreationleisure@forestparkga.gov
Services: Community recreation facilities, park rentals

Georgia Department of Revenue

Website: dor.georgia.gov
Services: Tax identification registration, filing requirements, state tax compliance

Clayton County Tax Assessor's Office

Note: Mentioned in planning documents as responsible for property tax records and classification updates
General Contact: Contact through county government channels for specific requirements

Sources and Links

1. City of Forest Park Short-Term Rental Ordinance No. 22-10: mccmeetingspublic.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/forestpark-meet-af4e083ce4f34d06bad153986084ec67/ITEM-Attachment-001-1ebedd9641a34446a4aa52f4b5e9c59a.pdf

2. City of Forest Park Official Website: www.forestparkga.gov/

3. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes (May 15, 2025): mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/forestpark-pubu/MEET-Minutes-eb6d86c75c764c77abe3e6e47c844f53.pdf

4. Georgia Department of Revenue: dor.georgia.gov/taxes/business-taxes/sales-use-tax

5. Forest Park Recreation Facilities: www.forestparkga.gov/departments/recreation_and_leisure_services/recreational_facilities_parks.php

Important Notice: This guide is based on the provided documents and current regulations as of the content date. Short-term rental regulations can change frequently. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions or operating a short-term rental business in Forest Park, Georgia.