Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Peachtree City, GA. The city adopted a comprehensive Short-Term Rental (STR) ordinance on November 7, 2024, with permits required beginning January 1, 2025. STRs are permitted in all residential zoning districts and zoning districts where residential uses are permitted, subject to strict permitting, inspection, and operational requirements.

Important Limitation: Only 135 STR permits are available citywide, with priority granted to existing operations as of November 7, 2024. If more than 135 prior-existing rentals exist, all will be permitted, but no new licenses will be issued until the permit limit is no longer exceeded.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Peachtree City

Step-by-Step Process

1. Determine Eligibility: Confirm your property is in a residential zoning district where STRs are permitted
2. Verify Permit Availability: Check if permits remain available (135 total with priority to pre-November 7, 2024 operations)
3. Prepare Required Documentation: Compile all application materials and supporting documents
4. Submit Application: Complete the formal STR permit application through the Planning Department
5. Undergo Inspections: Schedule and pass building and fire safety inspections
6. Obtain Additional Permits: Secure required county and state permits
7. Pay Fees: Submit all required fees ($375 initial permit)
8. Receive Approval: Once approved, display permit and begin operations
9. Maintain Compliance: Renew permit every 2 years and maintain ongoing compliance

Critical Timing Considerations

• Effective Date: January 1, 2025
• Grace Period: 60 days from effective date for existing operators
• Permit Renewal: Every 730 calendar days (2 years)
• Previous Ordinance: Annual renewal requirement under older ordinance

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Peachtree City Requirements

Core Documents:

• Completed Short-Term Rental application form
• Property deed showing applicant ownership
• Guest occupancy agreement as required by O.C.G.A. § 43-21-3.2
• Criminal background check consent form (signed and notarized)
• Tax payment and Ordinance Acknowledgment Affidavit (signed and notarized)
• Homeowner's Association approval (if applicable)

Inspection Requirements:

• Building Department inspection
• Fire Marshal inspection and approval

Additional Permits:

• Occupational Tax Certificate for the STR business
• Separate occupational tax certificate required for each STR permit

Fayette County Requirements

Health Department Permits:

• Department of Public Health Tourist Accommodation Permit issued by Fayette County Board of Health
• Environmental Health approval (required if property uses septic system)

State Requirements:

• Guest occupancy agreement compliance per Georgia state law (O.C.G.A. § 43-21-3.2)
• Compliance with Georgia Department of Public Health regulations for tourist accommodations

Background and Safety Requirements

Background Screening:

• Complete criminal background check
• Fingerprinting by Peachtree City Police Department
• No convictions within 5 years for felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude
• No convictions within 2 years for misdemeanors affecting business operations

Safety Standards:

• Compliance with current International Fire Prevention Code
• National Fire Protection Association standards (latest edition)
• Peachtree City Code of Ordinances Chapter 38 compliance

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Permitted and Prohibited Uses

Allowed:

• Primary residential structures used for overnight lodging
• Maximum occupancy: 3 guests per guestroom
• Maximum STR use: 25% of residential structure floor area

Prohibited:

• Detached structures
• Guest houses
• Recreational vehicles or trailers
• Any exterior alterations indicating STR use
• Food service to guests (except beverages in guestrooms)
• Special events or private functions
• Street-visible advertising

Operational Requirements

Local Contact Person:

• Must be designated for each STR
• Minimum age: 21 years
• Must respond 24/7 within 1 hour to violations or complaints
• May be property owner or designated managing agent
• Change notifications required within 10 days

Guest Accommodation Standards:

• Only bedrooms as defined may be used as guestrooms (minimum 70 sq ft, 7 ft minimum dimension)
• Operable emergency escape and rescue openings required
• House numbers must be visible from public street
• Maximum occupancy postings required

Parking and Property Standards

Parking Requirements:

• All parking must be on designated hard-surfaced areas on the property
• No parking on public or private roads at any time
• Off-street parking compliance with city parking ordinance required

Property Maintenance:

• No exterior modifications to indicate STR use
• House numbers visible from street
• Compliance with all zoning and building codes
• As-built scaled plans required

Record Keeping and Advertising

Required Records:

• Guest register with names, addresses, and vehicle information
• Retention for minimum 3 years
• Rental income and occupancy records
• Available for city, county health, or law enforcement inspection

Advertising Requirements:

• Permit number must be included in all advertisements
• No advertising visible from street or adjoining properties

City, County, and State Regulatory Framework

City of Peachtree City

• Primary Authority: Planning & Development Department
• Key Regulations: Zoning compliance, permit issuance, inspections, local contact requirements
• Enforcement: Code violations, permit revocation, citation authority

Fayette County

• Health Authority: Fayette County Board of Health
• Key Requirements: Tourist accommodation permits, septic system approvals
• Jurisdiction: Health and safety standards for tourist accommodations

State of Georgia

• Base Law: O.C.G.A. § 43-21-3.2 (guest occupancy agreements)
• Health Authority: Georgia Department of Public Health
• Key Requirements: State health regulations, accommodation standards
• Fire Safety: Georgia Department of Community Affairs fire prevention codes

Contact Information for Local Authority

Planning Department

Physical Address: 153 Willowbend Rd
Peachtree City, GA 30269

Phone: 770-487-5731

Key Contact: Beverly Ramsey, Planning & Zoning Technician
Email: bramsey@peachtree-city.org

Application Portal: bsaonline.com/CD_PermitAjaxApplication/ApplyForPermit?applicationGuid=88535dbf-db76-4dce-b525-40baaa752d83&uid=2454

Online Resources

• City Website: www.peachtree-city.org/1521/Short-Term-Rentals
• Code of Ordinances: library.municode.com/ga/peachtree_city/codes/code_of_ordinances
• Application Packet: www.peachtree-city.org/DocumentCenter/View/26314
• Full Ordinance: www.peachtree-city.org/DocumentCenter/View/26161/Ordinance_STR_Permit

Fees and Financial Requirements

Permit Fees

• Initial Permit: $375.00
• Renewal Permit: $300.00
• Permit Cycle: 730 days (2 years)

Additional Financial Obligations

• Occupational Tax Certificate: Separate fee required for each STR
• Background Check Fees: Fingerprinting costs
• Inspection Fees: Building and fire inspection costs
• Health Department Fees: Tourist accommodation permit fees

Violations and Penalties

Penalty Structure

First Violation (within 12 months):

• Citation and fine up to $500.00

Second Violation (within 12 months):

• Citation and fine up to $750.00

Third Violation (within 12 months):

• Citation and fine up to $1,000.00
• Permit revocation for 24 months
• Owner/local contact person ineligible to reapply for 24 months

Grounds for Revocation

• Fraud, misrepresentation, or false statements in application
• Violations of ordinance provisions
• Unlawful operations or breach of peace
• Menace to public health, safety, or welfare

Enforcement Actions

• Each day of marketing or rental constitutes separate violation
• Failure to respond to complaints within required timeframes
• Three or more complaints from different property owners within six months

Market Context and Current Status

Implementation Timeline

• Ordinance Adopted: November 7, 2024
• Permit Requirement Effective: January 1, 2025
• Grace Period for Existing Operators: 60 days from effective date

Current Market Impact

As of early 2025, Peachtree City has experienced a significant decline in active STR permits, dropping from nearly 100 operations under the previous system to only 10 permits issued under the new ordinance. This decline has prompted city officials to:

• Send outreach letters to approximately 74 property owners
• Verify compliance through code enforcement
• Consider potential ordinance adjustments in upcoming work sessions

Investment Considerations

• Limited Availability: Only 135 permits total with priority to pre-ordinance operations
• High Compliance Burden: Extensive documentation, inspections, and ongoing requirements
• Strict Penalties: Significant financial and operational consequences for violations
• Market Uncertainty: Current low permit issuance suggests regulatory barriers may limit market growth

Sources and Links

1. Primary Ordinance: www.peachtree-city.org/1521/Short-Term-Rentals
2. Full Legal Text: www.peachtree-city.org/DocumentCenter/View/19016/STR_v1
3. News Coverage: www.fayette-news.net/news/ptc-adopts-str-ordinance/article_54d610d2-a6b4-11ef-8583-1fc1a13f3895.html
4. Market Analysis: citizenportal.ai/articles/2722838/Peachtree-City/Fayette-County/Georgia/Peachtree-City-officials-evaluate-impact-of-strict-short-term-rental-regulations
5. Planning Department: peachtreecity-ga.civilspace.io/en/c/planning

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This guide reflects regulations in effect as of January 2025. Investors should verify current requirements and consult with local authorities before making investment decisions.