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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Stockbridge, Georgia, both within the city limits and in the surrounding unincorporated areas of Henry County. However, the regulatory framework is split between city and county jurisdictions, each with distinct requirements that investors must navigate carefully.

Key Distinction: County ordinances apply only to unincorporated areas of Henry County, while city ordinances govern properties within Stockbridge city limits. Property owners must comply with the regulations specific to their property's jurisdiction.

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

Step 1: Determine Your Jurisdiction

First, confirm whether your property is within Stockbridge city limits or in unincorporated Henry County. This determines which regulatory framework applies:

• Within Stockbridge city limits: Follow Stockbridge city ordinances
• In unincorporated Henry County: Follow Henry County ordinances

Step 2: Initial Planning and Due Diligence (Unincorporated Henry County Properties)

For properties in unincorporated Henry County, the process begins with the Planning and Zoning Department:

1. Schedule a Due Diligence Meeting: Contact Planning and Zoning at 770-288-7526 to discuss your specific property and confirm compliance requirements
2. Review County Ordinance: Study Sec. 3-3 Article VII of the Henry County Code of Ordinances to understand full requirements
3. Property Qualification Assessment: Work with planning staff to confirm your rental qualifies under the ordinance

Step 3: Application Process

Timeline Considerations:

• Applications expire 60 days from submission date
• Occupational Tax Certificate starts from application date
• Certificate is renewable at the beginning of each calendar year
• Certificate expires December 31st of the year submitted

Application Options:

• Online: Submit through the PrimeWeb portal
• In-Person: Schedule appointment with Tax Commissioner's office

Step 4: Compliance Documentation

Critical Documentation Required:

• Number of bedrooms and square footage of each room
• Date of first rental planned
• Local Emergency Contact information (must reside within 20 miles)
• Copy of Emergency Contact's driver's license
• Proof of notification to all property owners within 300 feet
• HOA letter or proof that no HOA exists
• Property brochure
• Building inspection documentation from licensed inspector

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Occupational Tax Certificate (Required)

• Cost: $60 base fee plus percentage of estimated gross receipts
• Renewal: Calendar year basis (expires December 31)
• Submission: Online through PrimeWeb or in-person appointment

State-Level Requirements

• Sales Tax: Georgia state law requires collection and remittance of sales tax on short-term rentals
• Monthly Excise Tax: 8% Hotel/Motel tax due before the 20th of each month for the prior month's gross receipts

County-Level Requirements (Unincorporated Henry County)

Documentation Checklist:

• [ ] Short-Term Rental Application (notarized where applicable)
• [ ] Building Inspection Report with licensed inspector certificate
• [ ] Local Emergency Contact Consent Form
• [ ] Updated corporate paperwork from Secretary of State (for Inc./LLC entities)
• [ ] Proof of notification to 300-foot radius property owners
• [ ] Property brochure
• [ ] Fire Department inspection coordination

Inspection Requirements:

• Building inspection by licensed inspector required
• Fire Department inspection process coordination
• Signed affidavit attesting property meets all applicable building and life safety codes

City-Level Requirements (Stockbridge City Limits)

• Similar to county requirements but governed by Stockbridge municipal ordinances
• Confirm specific city requirements with Stockbridge city officials

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Henry County (Unincorporated Areas)

Definition: Short-term rentals are defined as residential homes leased for periods less than thirty days.

Prohibited Uses:

• Party Houses: Explicitly prohibits leasing for party purposes
• Zoning restrictions may limit STRs in certain residential areas

Local Emergency Contact Requirements:

• Must be available 24/7
• Must reside within 20 miles of the property
• Must have access to the property
• Must be authorized to act on owner's behalf
• Copy of driver's license required for verification

Parking Restrictions:

• Maximum vehicles: One per bedroom OR
• Maximum vehicles: Number that can be accommodated in garage, carport, or driveway whichever is less

Tax Requirements:

• Monthly 8% Hotel/Motel excise tax due by 20th of following month
• Zero-reporting required for months with no rentals
• Failure to submit monthly taxes results in license suspension

Stockbridge City Limits

Regulatory Framework: Similar to county requirements but governed by Stockbridge Ordinance OR19-486, established in 2019. While specific details weren't provided in the source materials, the city has "similar ordinance" to the county's framework.

Compliance: Property owners must verify current city-specific requirements with Stockbridge city officials.

State-Level Regulations (Georgia)

Tax Collection:

• Sales tax must be collected on all short-term rentals
• Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting applicable taxes
• 8% monthly excise tax reporting required

Contact Information for Local Authority

Henry County (Unincorporated Properties)

Planning and Zoning Department:

• Phone: 770-288-7526
• Purpose: Due diligence meetings and compliance guidance

Tax Commissioner's Office:

• McDonough Location:

  • Address: 140 Henry Parkway, McDonough, GA 30253
  • Phone: 770-288-8180
  • Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday

• Stockbridge Location:

  • Address: 164 Burke Street, Stockbridge, GA 30281
  • Phone: 770-288-8180
  • Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday

Online Services:

• Application Portal: https://primeweb.co.henry.ga.us/
• Monthly Tax Payment: Available through PrimeWeb portal

Stockbridge City (Within City Limits)

Contact Information: Not provided in source materials. Property owners should contact Stockbridge city officials directly for city-specific requirements.

Links to Source Pages

County-Level Sources

• Henry County Short-Term Rental Information
• Henry County Code of Ordinances - Sec. 3-3 Article VII
• Online Application Portal
• Property Tax Records for Notification Purposes

News and Regulatory Updates

• Henry County News Article on STR Ordinance Adoption

Forms and Documents

• Short-Term Rental Application Form
• Building Inspection Report
• Local Emergency Contact Consent Form
• Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax Return Form

Municipal Sources

• Stockbridge Code of Ordinances

Important Note: This guide is based on publicly available information as of the source publication dates. Short-term rental regulations can change frequently. Investors should always verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions or submitting applications. The regulatory environment may have evolved since these source materials were published.