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

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Lilburn, Georgia. The City of Lilburn has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for short-term rentals through Ordinance 2022-XXX, adopted June 13, 2022. Short-term rentals are permitted in multiple zoning districts (R-1, R-2, MU, CB, Town Center Overlay, and US 29 Overlay) subject to specific permitting requirements, life safety inspections, and ongoing compliance obligations.

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

Step 1: Understand the Legal Framework

Before beginning operations, you must understand that short-term rentals are defined as "an accommodation for transient guests where, in exchange for compensation, a residential dwelling is rented for lodging for a period of time not to exceed 30 consecutive days." This definition applies to all housing types and excludes group living or other lodging uses.

Step 2: Verify Zoning Compliance

Confirm your property is located in an approved zoning district:

• R-1 (Single-Family Residential)
• R-2 (Two-Family Residential)
• MU (Mixed-Use)
• CB (Central Business)
• Town Center Overlay
• US 29 Overlay

Step 3: Designate a Responsible Agent

You must designate a short-term rental agent who will serve as your local point of contact. This person must be:

• At least 21 years of age (unless you serve as your own agent)
• Available 24/7 for emergency contact
• Capable of appearing at the property within 2 hours of city notification
• Customarily present within the city for business purposes

Step 4: Prepare for Life Safety Inspection

Your property will undergo a comprehensive life safety inspection by the city's building official, who will also determine maximum occupancy limits.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

1. Short-Term Rental Permit

• Cost: $100.00 (nonrefundable annual fee)
• Prerequisite: Required before obtaining business license
• Inspector: City Building Official conducts life safety inspection
• Valid for: One year, renewable annually

2. Business License

• Timeline: Must be issued within 45 days of complete application
• Authority: City Finance Director or designee
• Additional requirements: Certificate of Approval, Certificate of Insurance, owner agreement

Required Application Information

For Short-Term Rental Permit:

• Name, address, telephone, and email of property owner(s)
• Address of STR unit
• 24-hour contact information for short-term rental agent
• Requested maximum occupancy
• Number and location of parking spaces
• Additional information as requested by city

For Business License:

• Certificate of Approval for STR use
• Certificate of Insurance including STR use
• Owner's agreement to ensure neighborhood compatibility

Life Safety and Sanitation Requirements

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum of 2 adults per bedroom plus 3 adults per property
• Bedrooms must be inspected by city building official
• Maximum occupancy established per zoning ordinance Section 739-3-1

Building Compliance:

• Must meet all applicable building codes
• For septic properties: comply with environmental health regulations
• Maintain visible house numbers from street at all times

Parking Requirements

Strict Parking Rules:

• No parking on city right-of-way or roadways at any time
• All vehicles must park on designated hard-surfaced areas (gravel, concrete, or asphalt)
• Absolutely no parking in yards or neighboring properties
• Maximum number of vehicles determined by planning director

Signage Restrictions

• No signs permitted in residential districts in conjunction with short-term rentals
• No signs on vehicles related to the STR

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Lilburn Specific Regulations

Permit Display Requirements: Post a legible copy of your STR permit inside the unit including:

• Short-term rental agent's name, address, telephone, and email
• Maximum authorized occupancy
• Maximum number of permitted vehicles

Agent Responsibilities:

• Handle all property-related problems
• Appear at premises within 2 hours of city notification
• Accept service of violation notices
• Monitor unit for compliance

Denial, Suspension, and Revocation Grounds:

• Failure to pass life safety inspection
• Insufficient available parking
• False, misleading, or fraudulent application statements
• Failure to meet qualifications
• Fraudulent or untruthful information

Appeal Process:

• Right to hearing before Zoning Board of Appeals
• Written petition to city clerk within 15 days
• $100.00 filing fee required
• Appeal based on zoning ordinance Section 1006

Penalties:

• Fine up to $1,000.00 and costs, or
• Imprisonment up to 6 months, or both
• Discretionary enforcement by municipal court judge

Property Maintenance Exemptions

Per Chapter 105, Section 105-347, the city's property maintenance article does not apply to:

• Occupancy lasting less than 30 days
• Short-term occupancy not intended to last more than one week

County Level Considerations

While Gwinnett County may have additional requirements, the provided content focuses on city-level regulations. Contact Gwinnett County directly for any additional county-specific requirements.

State Level Requirements

Tax Obligations:

• State sales tax applies
• City taxes including hotel/motel tax
• Owners liable for payment as established by state law and city code
• City may seek injunctive relief for non-payment

Georgia Landlord-Tenant Context: While the provided handbook focuses on traditional rentals, it establishes Georgia as generally landlord-friendly with specific protections. Key points:

• No statewide habitability standards until recently (Atlanta Safe at Home Act)
• Three-day grace period for rent payments
• Security deposit limits (though Atlanta-specific at 1.5 months vs. state 2 months)
• Prohibition on self-help evictions including utility shutoffs

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Lilburn Planning Department

• Address: 340 Main Street, Lilburn, Georgia
• Responsible for: Short-term rental permits and applications
• Website: www.cityoflilburn.com
• Primary Contact: Planning Director or designee

City of Lilburn Building Department

• Address: 340 Main Street, Lilburn, Georgia
• Responsible for: Life safety inspections and Certificate of Approval
• Primary Contact: Building Official

City of Lilburn Finance Department

• Address: 340 Main Street, Lilburn, Georgia
• Responsible for: Business license issuance and renewals
• Primary Contact: Finance Director or designee

City of Lilburn Clerk's Office

• Address: 340 Main Street, Lilburn, Georgia
• Responsible for: Permit appeal filings
• Filing Fee: $100.00 for appeals

Zoning Board of Appeals

• Responsible for: STR permit appeals
• Authority: Per zoning ordinance Section 1006

Links to Source Pages

Primary City Ordinances:

• City of Lilburn Ordinance 2022-XXX - Short-Term Rental Regulations
• City of Lilburn Zoning Amendment Ordinance 2022-XXX

Additional Resources:

• City of Lilburn Official Website

Important Notes for STR Investors

1. Restrictive Covenants: The zoning ordinance specifically states that allowance of STRs does not prevent enforcement of additional restrictions in restrictive covenants or private agreements.

2. Multi-Property Operations: Each short-term rental location requires a separate permit and fee ($100 per location).

3. Insurance Requirements: Annual Certificate of Insurance including STR use is mandatory for business license renewal.

4. Neighborhood Compatibility: Owners must use best efforts to ensure STR use doesn't disrupt neighborhoods or interfere with neighbors' quiet enjoyment.

5. Annual Renewal: Business license renewals must be completed by January 31st each year with updated documentation.

6. Ongoing Compliance: The city reserves the right to inspect STRs after initial inspection on an as-needed basis.

This regulatory framework demonstrates Lilburn's proactive approach to managing short-term rentals while balancing property rights with neighborhood stability concerns.