1. Short-Term Rental Overview

• Explicit Answer: No, short-term rentals (Airbnb-style lodging) are BANNED in Madison, Georgia. This prohibition is city-wide and explicit.
• The Madison City Council officially enacted a ban on all short-term rentals in May 2024. The final ordinance prohibiting STRs in all zoning districts became effective on May 13, 2024.

2. Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Madison

• Status: Not Permitted. Attempting to start or operate an STR in Madison after May 13, 2024, is illegal.
• Implications: Existing or planned STRs must cease operation. Listing properties on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO is prohibited.

3. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Documents/Licenses: None are issued for STRs. The city does not provide permits or licenses for this purpose.
• Guidelines: STRs violate zoning ordinances. Definitions explicitly exclude STRs from permitted residential uses.

4. Regulations (City, County, State)

• City (Madison, GA):
  • STRs are prohibited in all zoning districts (Residential and Commercial). Zoning tables list STRs under "Accessory building and uses" as "X" (prohibited) across all districts (R, R1, R2, R4, R6, RB, AR, P-1, P-2, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5).
  • The definition clarifies STRs are non-residential transient lodging, distinct from permitted uses like accessory apartments or bed and breakfasts.
  • Enforcement includes fines, daily penalties for violations, and legal action.
• County (Morgan County):
  • The ban applies within Madison city limits. County regulations may differ, but the provided content focuses on the city ban.
• State (Georgia):
  • Georgia state law (OCGA 44-7-2) permits home-sharing platforms like Airbnb. However, local zoning regulations take precedence. Madison's explicit ban overrides state law.

5. Contact Information

• Madison Mayor Fred Perriman
• Madison City Clerk Deborah Gilbert
• City Attorney John J. Crowley (Powell & Edwards, P.C.)
• Morgan County Citizen (Local News): 259 N 2nd St., Madison, GA 30650 | Phone: 706-342-7440 | Email: subscriptions@morgancountycitizen.com
• Madison City Hall (General Contact): Physical address not provided in sources. Contact via City Clerk for specific inquiries.

6. Source Links

• Madison Officially Bans Airbnbs
• May 2025 Zoning Ordinance (Exhibit A)
• May 2024 Zoning Ordinance (Definitions & STR Prohibition)
• Note: The Steadily article about "Madison STR Laws" refers to Madison, Wisconsin—not Georgia. It is irrelevant to Madison, GA.

Key Insights for Investors

• Risk: Operating an STR in Madison, GA is illegal and carries severe financial and legal risks.
• Alternatives: Consider neighboring jurisdictions in Morgan County or nearby areas without bans.
• Verification: Confirm ban status with the Madison City Clerk before investing.