Executive Overview

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Milledgeville, Georgia, operating under Baldwin County jurisdiction. Baldwin County adopted a comprehensive short-term vacation rental ordinance in 2021, establishing a formal permitting and regulatory framework. The county requires a specific Short-Term Vacation Rental Certificate for any property offering rentals for less than 30 days, with a streamlined application process and clear compliance requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Starting an STR business in Milledgeville requires following Baldwin County's formal certification process:

1. Obtain the STR Certificate: Before offering any short-term vacation rentals to the public in Baldwin County, you must obtain a Short-Term Vacation Rental (STR) Certificate through the Planning & Development Department.

2. Submit Complete Application Package: The application requires multiple documents including notarized forms, insurance verification, parking plans, and compliance affidavits.

3. Receive Inspections: Your application must receive approval from the Building Inspector and/or Fire Marshal, and Chief Building Official before certificate issuance.

4. Maintain Ongoing Compliance: Certificate holders must collect and remit hotel/motel taxes monthly, maintain current application information, and comply with all Baldwin County Code of Ordinances.

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Primary STR Certificate Requirements

Application Package Must Include:

• Completed STR application (all 3 pages, signed and notarized)
• Letter of Intent (signed)
• Rental Agreement Example (with required language)
• Proof of Ownership
• Proof of Homeowner's Insurance
• Vehicle Parking Plan (location of designated parking areas with space count)
• Docking Plan (if applicable for waterfront properties)
• Letter of Agency (if applicable)
• Public Safety Information form
• SAVE Affidavit (signed and notarized)
• E-Verify Exemption Affidavit (signed and notarized)
• Copy of Valid Driver's License
• Copy of HOA Homeowners Association Restrictions and/or Regulations (if available)
• Certificate Fee: $500 (checks payable to Planning & Development)

Required Rental Agreement Language

Your standard rental agreement must contain the following language: "Occupant is obligated to abide by all of the requirements of the Baldwin County ordinances, state and federal law, and such a violation of any of these rules may result in the immediate termination of the agreement and eviction from the premises, as well as potential liability for payment of fines levied."

Insurance Requirements

Proof of homeowner's insurance must list the owner's name, address of rental unit, and policy dates.

Tax Registration Requirements

Certificate holders must collect and remit hotel/motel taxes monthly to the County Clerk on or before the 20th day of each succeeding month in which taxes are collected.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Baldwin County STR Ordinance Requirements

Maximum Occupancy Limits: The advertised maximum occupancy must be strictly enforced. Overnight occupancy cannot exceed the advertised maximum capacity.

Agent Requirements: If the owner is not available, you must designate an agent who must:

• Be reasonably available to handle problems
• Appear on premises within 24 hours following notification from Chief Building Official
• Receive and accept service of any violation notices
• Monitor rental unit for compliance with Baldwin County Code of Ordinances

Good Neighbor Requirements: Owners must use best efforts to ensure rental use doesn't disrupt neighborhoods or interfere with neighboring property owners' quiet enjoyment of their properties.

Certificate Revocation: The certificate operates purely as a rental certificate and may be revoked by the Board of Commissioners at any time. The certificate application becomes a permanent record that must remain current with correct information at all times.

Tax Obligations

Baldwin County Hotel-Motel Excise Tax: 8% of gross rental revenue, remitted directly to Baldwin County Board of Commissioners monthly.

Georgia Sales and Use Tax: 8% combined rate (4% state + 4% county), remitted directly to Georgia Department of Revenue monthly.

State Hotel-Motel Fee: $5 per night on each calendar night rented (applies only to private homes with 5+ bedrooms) for stays under 31 consecutive days to the same customer.

Zoning and Use Compliance

Properties must comply with Baldwin County Code of Ordinances and applicable zoning regulations. Property use must be consistent with the specific zoning classification of the property.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Baldwin County Planning & Development

• Office Number: 478-445-4205
• Fax: 478-445-1648
• Address: 1601 N. Columbia Street, Suite 200, Milledgeville, GA 31061
• Email: permits@baldwincountyga.com
• Website: www.baldwincountyga.com/planning-development

Baldwin County Board of Commissioners

• Phone: 478-445-4791
• Fax: 478-445-6320
• Address: 1601 N. Columbia Street, Suite 230, Milledgeville, GA 31061
• Website: www.baldwincountyga.com

Planning & Development Department

• Online Submittal: Available through county website
• Business Services: Contact for licensing and permitting
• Code Enforcement: Handles STR compliance violations

Links to Source Pages

• Baldwin County Short-Term Rental Information: www.baldwincountyga.com/planning-development/page/short-term-rental-information-application-and-ordinances
• STR Application Form: www.baldwincountyga.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning_amp_development/page/4437/str_applicationupdated.pdf
• Baldwin County Code of Ordinances: library.municode.com/ga/baldwin_county/codes/code_of_ordinances
• Baldwin County Planning & Development: www.baldwincountyga.com/planning-development

Important Operational Notes

Renewal Requirements: STR certificates are renewable annually by December 31st. As a courtesy, renewal applications are sent by November 1st each year, but certificate holders are responsible for ensuring timely renewal.

Monthly Reporting: Hotel/motel tax reports are due on the 20th of each month, even if no rent was collected. Reports not received by the 20th bear interest and penalty of 1% per month.

Submission Methods: Applications can be submitted in person, by mail, or email to permits@baldwincountyga.com.

Separate Certificates Required: A separate rental certificate is required for each establishment/property.

The regulatory framework provides clear pathways for legitimate STR operations while maintaining neighborhood integrity through occupancy limits, good neighbor provisions, and robust enforcement mechanisms. The comprehensive application process ensures operators understand their obligations before commencing operations, creating a professional operating environment for short-term rental investments in Milledgeville.