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

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Roswell, GA. The City of Roswell has adopted a new Short-Term Rental (STR) ordinance (Ordinance No. 2024-05-09) that permits and regulates STR operations within city limits. The ordinance went into effect on June 9, 2025, with enforcement beginning January 31, 2026. This is not a ban—Roswell's approach explicitly supports STR operations while establishing a regulatory framework to ensure responsible hosting and neighborhood integrity.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Roswell

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare Your Property for Compliance

   • Ensure your property meets safety standards that will be required for Fire Marshal inspections
   • Install working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
   • Verify operable ingress and egress routes
   • Prepare to designate a Local Agent available within two hours

2. Register Your Business

   • Complete business registration through the City's Finance Department
   • The City anticipates opening registration applications by early August 2025
   • Registration costs will be offset by the hotel/motel tax the city already collects from rental platforms

3. Obtain Required Inspections

   • Schedule annual Fire Marshal inspections to ensure safety compliance
   • These inspections will be similar to those required for commercial buildings
   • Properties must meet occupational safety standards

4. Designate Local Agent

   • Appoint a Local Agent who can respond within two hours in case of emergencies or violations
   • Ensure 24/7 contact information is available to public safety and emergency officers

5. Prepare for Operations

   • Establish systems to enforce occupancy limits (see regulations below)
   • Develop protocols for noise and parking compliance
   • Remove any on-site signage promoting short-term rentals

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Requirements

1. Business Registration Certificate

   • Through the City's Finance Department
   • Required to operate legally

2. Annual Fire Marshal Inspection Certificate

   • Safety compliance verification
   • Similar to commercial building inspections

3. Local Agent Designation Documentation

   • Name and contact information of designated agent
   • Verification of agent's availability within two hours

4. 24/7 Emergency Contact Registration

   • Contact information for public safety and emergency officers
   • Must be maintained for any complaints or emergencies

Compliance Guidelines

• Occupancy limit compliance systems
• Noise ordinance adherence protocols
• Parking regulation compliance measures
• Removal and prohibition of on-site signage

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Roswell Regulations (Primary)

Occupancy Limits:

• Two guests per bedroom, plus two additional guests
• Maximum of 12 guests per unit
• Absolute caps regardless of property size

Safety Requirements:

• Annual Fire Marshal inspections mandatory
• Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors required
• Operable ingress and egress must be maintained
• Compliance with commercial building safety standards

Operational Requirements:

• Business registration through Finance Department
• Designated Local Agent available within two hours
• 24/7 contact for public safety and emergency officers
• Compliance with existing noise and parking ordinances
• Prohibition of on-site signage promoting short-term rentals

Timeline:

• Ordinance effective: June 9, 2025
• Enforcement begins: January 31, 2026
• Registration applications available: Early August 2025
• Six-month ramp-up period for existing operators

County Level (Fulton County)

No specific county-level STR regulations were identified in the provided content. Roswell operates its own municipal STR program.

State Level (Georgia)

The provided content does not specify Georgia state-level STR regulations. Local jurisdiction rules would apply within Roswell city limits.

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Roswell - Community Development Department

• Business Registration: Contact the Finance Department for business registration
• Fire Marshal: For inspection scheduling and safety requirements
• Local Agent Designation: Through Community Development

Key Contacts (General)

• City of Roswell Main: 770.641.4000
• Roswell Economic Development: 678.823.4004
• Community Development Department: Contact through City Hall

Public Safety Contacts

• 24/7 Emergency Contact: Required for each STR property
• Fire Department: For inspection-related matters
• Police Department: For emergency response and compliance

Online Resources

• City Website: www.roswellgov.com
• Business Registration Portal: Through City of Roswell government website
• STR Registration Applications: Available early August 2025 at city website

Public Education and Compliance Support

The City of Roswell is conducting a comprehensive public education campaign to help STR hosts and residents understand the new requirements:

• Mailed informational materials to affected property owners
• Online resources available on the City website
• Community meetings scheduled for summer 2025
• Outreach efforts to ensure smooth transition and compliance

Sources and Links

1. City of Roswell Official Announcement: roswellinc.org/city-of-roswell-adopts-new-short-term-rental-ordinance-to-support-responsible-hosting-and-neighborhood-integrity/

2. WSB-TV News Coverage: www.wsbtv.com/news/local/fulton-county/responsible-hosting-roswell-city-council-approves-new-limits-short-term-rentals/3B4CEAU6OFB4TA23W7OWDJO4QM/

3. 95.5 WSB Radio Report: www.wsbradio.com/news/local/city-roswell-puts-new-restrictions-short-term-vacation-rentals/XMMPKM3IIRBLHE7RDSACBYN2FU/

4. Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: www.appenmedia.com/alpharetta_roswell/roswell-committees-approves-proposal-of-legislation-for-short-term-rentals/article_dfb7d8ab-59bf-4df6-a54e-ad42f7401f84.html

5. Citizen Portal AI Summary: citizenportal.ai/articles/6209761/Roswell/Fulton-County/Georgia/Roswell-adopts-short-term-rental-licensing-and-inspection-ordinance-with-six-month-ramp-up

Important Notes for Investors

• No cap on total STRs: Roswell explicitly does not limit the number of short-term rentals, unlike some neighboring cities
• Safety-first approach: The ordinance prioritizes guest safety and neighborhood integrity
• Balanced regulation: Designed to allow economic opportunity while maintaining community standards
• Implementation timeline: Six-month ramp-up period provides time for existing operators to comply
• Registration opening: Applications expected available early August 2025

This regulatory framework positions Roswell as a business-friendly market that supports STR investment while implementing necessary safety and community protection measures.