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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Snellville, GA under specific regulations. The City of Snellville has established comprehensive regulations for short-term rentals, defined as "one or more dwelling units, including either a single-family home, duplex or single multi-family residential unit rented not more than thirty (30) consecutive nights." These regulations were adopted in September 2019 through Ordinance No. 2019-15 to "provide for the continued availability of quality transient lodging within the city and proper maintenance of short-term rentals."

While STRs are permitted, they are subject to strict requirements designed to maintain community safety and prevent issues such as "illicit activity," unsafe living conditions, and disruptions to surrounding neighborhoods. The city recognized that "unregulated commercial use of these structures can become havens for criminal activity affecting the quality of life in the surrounding communities," leading to the implementation of robust oversight and compliance measures.

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

Starting a compliant short-term rental business in Snellville requires following a structured process with the Planning & Development Department. The process begins with obtaining proper licensing before any rental activity commences.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Pre-Application Preparation: Before submitting your application, ensure your property meets all zoning, building, health, and life safety code requirements. Each designated bedroom must comply with building code standards for emergency escape/rescue exits and ceiling height requirements.

2. Business License Application: File a complete short-term rental business license application with the Planning Department prior to any rental activity. Only the property owner may submit the application.

3. Document Collection: Gather all required supporting documents including safety verifications, parking diagrams, tax registrations, and completed affidavits.

4. Review Process: Allow five business days for application review and processing. The city will contact you upon approval.

5. Post-Approval Requirements: Upon approval, post required notices within the rental unit and ensure ongoing compliance with all operational requirements.

Important Timeline Considerations:

• All business licenses are valid for one year, expiring on December 31st of each year
• Applications should be submitted well before the intended start date to allow for processing time
• Renewal applications should be submitted before December 31st to ensure continuous operation

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Business License

Short-Term Rental Business License ($250 for new applicants, $100 for renewals)

Required Supporting Documents:

1. Completed Application Packet (rev 5-1-2025)

   • Property owner information and contact details
   • Property specifications including bedroom count and square footage
   • Maximum occupancy and parking information
   • HOA/POA covenant community verification

2. U.S. Citizen/Qualified Alien Affidavit (O.C.G.A § 50-36-1(e)(2))

   • Must be notarized
   • Accompanied by secure and verifiable documents (driver's license, passport, etc.)
   • Required for all new and renewal applications

3. E-Verify Affidavit (O.C.G.A § 36-60-6(d))

   • Required by State of Georgia
   • Must be notarized
   • Either verification of E-Verify compliance or exemption declaration

4. Georgia Sales & Use Tax Affidavit

   • Valid Georgia Sales and Use Tax ID Number assigned by Georgia Department of Revenue
   • Required for tax collection and remittance compliance

5. Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax Certificate of Authority

   • Obtained from City Clerk Melisa Arnold
   • Contact: 770-985-3503 or email: MArnold@snellville.org
   • Required for monthly tax remittance to city

6. Code Compliance Verification Form

   • Executed by property owner
   • Certifies compliance with applicable zoning, building, health, and life safety code provisions
   • Required for all designated bedrooms

7. Property Documentation

   • Diagram and/or photographs showing designated on-site paved parking spaces
   • Maximum vehicle accommodation illustration
   • Security camera placement documentation
   • Entry point locations

8. Security Alarm Permit Application (if applicable)

   • Only required for monitored alarm systems

9. Registered Agent Consent Form (if applicable)

   • Required for business entities

Safety and Infrastructure Requirements:

• Smoke Detection System: Interconnected and hard-wired smoke detection and notification system
• Security Cameras: Video coverage and recording of driveway and all entry points
• Parking: Sufficient paved parking spaces within property boundaries
• Bedroom Standards: Emergency escape/rescue exits and minimum ceiling height compliance

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Operational Requirements

Occupancy Limits

• Maximum Occupancy: Two (2) persons per bedroom plus two (2) additional persons per unit
• Daytime Visitors: Maximum of six (6) persons in addition to overnight occupants
• Total Guest Limits: Strictly enforced based on bedroom count and property specifications

Parking Requirements

• On-Site Parking Only: All parking must occur on paved parking spaces within the property
• Prohibited Parking: No parking permitted on city right-of-way or along roadways
• Vehicle Limitation: Number of vehicles cannot exceed designated on-site parking spaces
• Documentation Required: Detailed diagram showing parking space locations

Safety and Security Standards

• Security Cameras: Mandatory installation covering driveway and all entry points
• Smoke Detection: Interconnected, hard-wired system required and must be operational
• Emergency Access: All bedrooms must have compliant emergency escape/rescue exits
• Life Safety Compliance: Properties accommodating more than 10 overnight guests must meet hotel-level safety codes

Local Contact Person Requirements

• 24-Hour Availability: Required for all STR operations
• Response Time: Must respond to property within one hour of notification
• Geographic Limitation: Must reside within City of Snellville or within 50 miles of the rental
• Authority: Must have access and authority to manage unit and take remedial action
• Change Notification: Immediate written notification required for any contact changes ($25 fee for updated license)

Posting and Notification Requirements

Each STR unit must display a clearly visible notice containing:

• Local contact person name and 24-hour phone number
• Maximum overnight occupancy limits
• Maximum vehicle accommodation with parking location sketch
• Daytime visitor limits
• Trash pickup day and storage regulations
• Noise regulation warnings
• Disturbance and violation consequences
• Parking and occupancy requirement notifications

Tax and Financial Compliance

Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax

• Rate: Subject to Sec. 54-271 et. seq. of Snellville Municipal Code
• Remittance: Monthly payments due on or before the 20th day of each succeeding month
• Reporting: Required even when no rent is collected
• Authority: Remitted to City Clerk of Snellville

Georgia Sales and Use Tax

• Collection Requirement: Must collect state sales/use tax
• Remittance: Remit to Georgia Department of Revenue
• Registration: Valid certification number required
• Compliance: Ongoing adherence to state tax regulations

Advertising Requirements

• All advertising must conform to licensed information
• Must include maximum occupancy limits
• Must specify vehicle accommodation details
• Must include noise regulation provisions
• Misrepresentation in advertising constitutes violation

Enforcement and Penalties

Progressive Penalty Structure

1. First Violation: Warning notice within 12-month period
2. Second Violation: Fine up to $500 within 12-month period
3. Third Violation: Fine up to $1,000 and/or license suspension up to 6 months
4. Fourth Violation: License revocation with 12-month ineligibility period

Additional Violations

• Operating Without License: $1,000 penalty per day of operation
• Separate Violations: Each day of marketing/rental constitutes separate violation
• Non-Compliance: Immediate enforcement action authorized

Appeal Process

• Written notice of violation delivered to owner and local contact
• 15-day period to request appeal hearing before Mayor and City Council
• Appeal must be filed with Director of Planning & Development

Ongoing Compliance Obligations

• Annual license renewal required
• Immediate notification of contact person changes
• Continuous compliance with all posted conditions
• Maintenance of safety systems and equipment
• Ongoing tax collection and remittance
• Response to code enforcement notifications
• Cooperation with investigations and inspections

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact: Planning & Development Department

City of Snellville Planning & Development Department

• Address: 2342 Oak Road, 2nd Floor, Snellville, GA 30078
• Phone: 770.985.3513 or 770.985.3514
• Website: www.snellville.org
• Primary Contact for: License applications, renewals, general STR inquiries

City Clerk's Office

Melisa Arnold, City Clerk

• Phone: 770-985-3503
• Email: MArnold@snellville.org
• Primary Contact for: Hotel/motel occupancy tax registration certificates

General City Contact

Snellville City Hall

• Address: 2342 Oak Road, Snellville, GA 30078
• Phone: 770-985-3500
• Website: www.snellville.org
• Primary Contact for: General city services and information

Department Directors

Director of Planning & Development

• Authority: STR license processing and enforcement
• Responsibilities: Application review, violation investigation, penalty imposition
• Contact: Through Planning & Development Department

Code Enforcement Division

Primary Contact: Planning & Development Department

• Phone: 770.985.3513 or 770.985.3514
• Primary Contact for: Violation reporting, compliance verification, enforcement actions

Police Department

Snellville Police Department

• Contact for: Disturbance calls, noise complaints, emergency situations
• Website: Available through main city website
• Authority: STR violation enforcement under ordinance provisions

Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Documents

1. Snellville STR News Article: www.snellville.org/news/city-establishes-new-regulations-short-term-rentals

   • Original announcement of STR regulations adoption
   • Background on city council decision-making process

2. Short-Term Rental Application Packet: www.snellville.org/sites/default/files/uploads/planning-development/documents/forms/business-licensing/short-term-rental-application-packet-5-1-2025.pdf

   • Current application form and requirements (revised 5-1-2025)
   • Complete licensing procedures and documentation checklist

3. Ordinance No. 2019-15: www.snellville.org/sites/default/files/uploads/planning-development/documents/forms/business-licensing/short-term-rental-application-packet-5-1-2025.pdf

   • Full legal text of STR regulations
   • Complete regulatory framework and penalty structure

Supporting Resources

4. Planning & Development Department: www.snellville.org/planning-development

   • Licensing services and permit information
   • Additional forms and applications

5. Business Licensing: www.snellville.org/planning-development/licensing/business-license

   • General business licensing information
   • Related municipal requirements

6. Code of Ordinances: www.snellville.org/code-ordinances

   • Complete municipal code access
   • Cross-reference with other applicable regulations

State-Level Resources

7. Georgia Department of Revenue - Sales & Use Tax: dor.georgia.gov/taxes/business-taxes/sales-use-tax
   • State tax registration and compliance information
   • Required for all STR operations

Additional Context (Optional Reading)

8. AJC Coverage: www.ajc.com/news/local/snellville-passes-new-regulations-for-short-term-rentals-like-airbnb/QIBZwaM6K8TbWn0JoBbYzI/

   • Media coverage of STR regulation adoption
   • Context on city concerns and enforcement priorities

9. AirROI Market Data: www.airroi.com/report/world/united-states/georgia/snellville

   • Market analysis and performance metrics
   • Industry context and revenue potential

Disclaimer: This guide is based on information available as of the dates specified in the source documents. STR regulations are subject to change, and investors should verify current requirements with the Planning & Development Department before proceeding with any rental activities. The city reserves the right to modify regulations, fees, and enforcement procedures as needed to protect community safety and welfare.