Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Lawrenceville?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Lawrenceville, Georgia. STRs are legal and permitted in all local zoning districts except agricultural and rural areas. Property owners must obtain a permit and comply with specific regulations outlined by the City of Lawrenceville.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Lawrenceville

Essential Steps for Launch:

1. Verify Property Eligibility: Ensure your property is located in an allowable zoning district (all districts except agricultural and rural)
2. Obtain STR Permit: Apply for a short-term rental permit through the City of Lawrenceville
3. Secure Required Insurance: Obtain liability insurance with minimum $500,000 coverage
4. Register for Tax Collection: Set up systems to collect and remit required taxes
5. Notify Neighbors: Send written notice to all adjacent neighbors within 10 days of obtaining permit
6. Prepare Property Documentation: Maintain guest records and emergency contact information

Property Type Requirements:

• Suburban homes and townhouses perform particularly well
• Properties must be structurally sound with working electrical and plumbing systems
• Must have working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers
• Kitchen, bathroom, and all areas must be clean and sanitary

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Requirements:

Permits & Licenses:

• Short-term rental permit (required annually)
• Annual permit fee: $100

Insurance Requirements:

• Liability insurance with minimum $500,000 coverage
• Must protect against bodily injury and property damage claims

Documentation Requirements:

• Guest records including name, address, phone number, and dates of stay
• Emergency contact information posted conspicuously
• Proof of insurance coverage

Operational Guidelines:

• Maximum length of stay: 29 days or less
• Occupancy limit: 2 guests per bedroom plus 1 additional guest
• Parking requirement: 1 space per bedroom plus 1 additional space
• Annual reservation limit: Maximum 120 reservations per calendar year
• Noise restrictions: No noise between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM

Specific Regulations for Lawrenceville STRs

Zoning and Location Restrictions:

• Allowed in all zoning districts except agricultural and rural
• STRs must be located at least 500 feet apart from each other

Ownership Limitations:

• Maximum of 2 STRs per person/entity
• One STR must be the owner's primary residence

Neighbor Relations:

• Written notification required to all adjacent neighbors within 10 days of permit approval
• Notice must include: STR address, owner contact information, occupancy limits, vehicle limits, applicable ordinances statement, and link to city website

Advertising Requirements:

All advertisements must include:

• STR address
• STR permit number
• Maximum occupancy limit
• Maximum number of vehicles allowed
• Statement about city ordinance compliance
• Link to City of Lawrenceville website

Safety and Maintenance Standards:

• Properties must maintain safe and sanitary conditions
• Working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors required
• Fire extinguishers and fire escape routes mandatory
• Regular waste disposal in accordance with city ordinances
• ADA compliance for accessibility requirements

Prohibited Activities:

• Events or parties that disrupt the neighborhood
• Activities generating excessive noise, traffic, or parking congestion
• Any use that interferes with residential neighborhood character

Tax Obligations

State and Local Taxes:

• Georgia State Sales Tax: 4%
• Combined State and Local Sales Tax: 14%
• Hotel-Motel Fee: $5 per night
• Total Tax Burden: Approximately 14% plus $5 per night

Tax Collection:

Many booking platforms like Airbnb automatically collect and remit these taxes, but property owners should verify this arrangement and ensure compliance with all tax obligations.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Regulatory Authority: City of Lawrenceville

Primary Contact Information:

• Website: City of Lawrenceville Official Website (Note: The exact URL was referenced but not fully provided in source materials)
• General Information: Contact the City of Lawrenceville directly for specific STR permit applications and compliance questions

Related County Information:

• Gwinnett County: Lawrenceville is located in Gwinnett County
• County Contact: Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners
  • Address: 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
  • Phone: 770.822.8000
• County Website: www.gwinnettcounty.com

Note: The county has established a Short-Term Rental Citizen Task Force to assess STR concerns and develop recommendations, indicating ongoing regulatory attention to this sector.

Source Links

• Primary Source: Lodge Compliance - Lawrenceville, GA Regulations
• County Guidelines: Gwinnett County Rental Guidelines
• State Overview: STR Profit Map - Georgia Regulations
• Comprehensive Guide: Hostaway - Airbnb Rules in Georgia

Important Notes for Investors

1. Local Focus: Regulations are city-specific in Georgia, making Lawrenceville's relatively permissive approach attractive for investors
2. Growth Market: The proximity to Atlanta creates strong demand from both tourists and business travelers
3. Compliance Monitoring: The city may conduct inspections if complaints are received
4. Professional Guidance: Consider consulting with local STR experts given the detailed regulatory requirements
5. Regular Updates: Stay informed about potential regulatory changes, especially given the county's active task force on STR issues

This comprehensive regulatory framework demonstrates Lawrenceville's structured approach to STR management, balancing business opportunities with community concerns. Success in this market requires strict adherence to all regulations while maintaining high operational standards.