Overview

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Kennesaw, Georgia, but the city has implemented strict regulations that significantly limit investment opportunities. Kennesaw recently approved its own short-term rental ordinance in July 2025, making it one of the most restrictive markets in the region. The city will begin accepting applications on October 1, 2025, with a maximum of 150 licenses issued across the entire city and a 250-foot buffer requirement between properties.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Kennesaw

Step 1: Verify Property Eligibility

• Zoning Requirements: Your property must be located in single-family residentially-zoned areas
• Buffer Compliance: Your property must be at least 250 feet from any other licensed short-term rental
• Ownership Limits: You are limited to a maximum of two licenses per property owner

Step 2: Prepare for Application Launch

• Application Timeline: Kennesaw begins accepting applications October 1, 2025
• Current License Cap: Only 150 licenses will be issued citywide
• Existing Operations: Currently operating STRs have 90 days to provide tax records and are exempt from new requirements if owned by the current homeowner

Step 3: Submit Application and Fees

• Application Fee: $250 (significantly higher than Cobb County's $55)
• Required Documentation: Complete city application with all required information
• Annual Renewal: Applications must be resubmitted annually

Step 4: Ensure Tax Compliance

• Hotel/Motel Taxes: Collect and remit all required state and local taxes
• Tourism Fees: Pay any applicable tourism fees as prescribed by law
• Platform Collection: If using Airbnb/VRBO, verify automatic tax collection and remittance

Required Documents, Permits, and Guidelines

Kennesaw City Requirements

Primary Requirements:

• Kennesaw Short-Term Rental License (starts October 1, 2025)
• Application fee: $250
• Property must be single-family residential zoned
• Must maintain 250-foot buffer from other STRs
• Maximum 2 licenses per owner
• Compliance with code enforcement requirements

Documentation Needed:

• Property ownership verification
• Zoning confirmation
• Tax records (for existing operations seeking exemption)
• Property address and description
• Contact information for property owner/agent

Cobb County Requirements (If Applicable)

Since Kennesaw is within Cobb County, some county regulations may still apply:

Cobb County Short-Term Rental Certificate:

• Annual application fee: $55
• Separate certificate required for each STR property
• Certificate expires December 31 annually
• Property must be zoned Residential (R)
• Commercial (C) zoning prohibited

Required Information for County Certificate:

• Owner(s) name, address, telephone, email
• Property address
• Short-term rental agent contact information
• Agent's sworn acknowledgment of regulations
• Number and location of parking spaces

State of Georgia Requirements

• Hotel/Motel tax collection and remittance
• State and local lodging taxes
• Tourism fees as applicable

Specific Regulations

Kennesaw City Regulations (2025 Ordinance)

Licensing Limits:

• Maximum 150 licenses citywide
• Maximum 2 licenses per property owner
• 250-foot buffer between properties

Zoning Restrictions:

• Single-family residential zones only
• Multi-family and commercial properties prohibited
• Buffer zones strictly enforced

Existing Operations:

• 90-day grace period to provide tax records
• Grandfathered from buffer and license caps if owned by current homeowner
• Must be properly owned and maintained

Enforcement:

• Code enforcement division handles compliance
• Subject to city noise and disturbance ordinances
• Violations subject to city penalties

Timeline:

• Application period opens: October 1, 2025
• Initial review: Spring 2026 after enforcement data collected
• Ordinance subject to review and potential modification

Cobb County Regulations (Chapter 78)

Property Requirements:

• Must be zoned Residential (R)
• Commercial (C) properties prohibited
• Each property requires separate certificate

Operational Requirements:

• Maximum rental period: 30 consecutive days
• Certificate must be displayed
• Local agent required and designated
• Parking requirements must be met

Penalties:

• First violation: $500
• Second violation: $750
• Third violation: Certificate revocation and 12-month ban
• Each day of unpermitted operation constitutes separate violation

Tax Obligations:

• Hotel/motel taxes must be collected and remitted
• State and local lodging taxes apply
• Tourism fees as required by law
• Owner/agent responsible for ensuring compliance

Contact Information

Kennesaw City Government

Business License Division:

• Address: City Hall, Kennesaw, GA
• Application period begins: October 1, 2025
• Phone: (Contact city hall for specific department number)

Code Enforcement:

• Handles compliance issues and complaints
• Subject to city ordinances

City Council Contact:

• Email: kennesawcouncil@kennesaw-ga.gov
• Address: Kennesaw City Hall

Cobb County Government

Business License Division:

• Address: 1150 Powder Springs St, Ste 400, Marietta, GA 30064
• Email: comdev@cobbcounty.gov

Code Enforcement:

• Phone: (770) 528-2180
• Non-Emergency Police: (770) 499-3900
• Email: codeenforcement@cobbcounty.gov
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

Mailing Address:

• P.O. Box 649, Marietta, GA 30061

Source Links

1. Cobb County Short-Term Rentals
2. Kennesaw Approves Short-Term Rental Ordinance
3. Reddit Discussion - Kennesaw STR Ordinance
4. The Host Report - STR Regulation Updates
5. RedAwning Kennesaw Market Overview
6. Cobb County Short-Term Rental Application PDF
7. Cobb County STR Code PDF
8. Cobb County Municode STR Ordinance

Important Considerations for Investors

Market Limitations:

• Only 150 licenses available citywide
• Buffer requirements significantly reduce available properties
• Existing 70+ operations may occupy prime locations
• City's review scheduled for Spring 2026 may result in further restrictions

Investment Strategy:

• Properties must be in single-family zones
• Consider proximity to attractions (Kennesaw Mountain, downtown, KSU)
• Factor in $250 application fee plus annual renewal costs
• Plan for compliance monitoring and enforcement

Risk Factors:

• Ordinance subject to modification after 6-month review period
• Buffer requirements may change
• City may implement additional restrictions
• Competitive limited license market

Success Factors:

• Focus on prime locations near attractions
• Ensure excellent guest experiences to avoid violations
• Maintain strong relationships with neighbors
• Stay informed about city council discussions and potential changes