Savannah Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Savannah, Georgia?

Savannah defines a short-term vacation rental (STVR) as the rental of an entire dwelling unit for 30 days or less1. The short-term rental of a room within a dwelling unit is regulated separately as a “bed and breakfast”

1.STVR managers must complete an application process and secure a STVR certificate1. STVRs are permitted within the short-term vacation rental overlay district, which includes the Downtown, Victorian and Streetcar local historic districts1. Outside of this overlay, they are only permitted in certain Business and Agriculture zoning classifications (B-C, B-N, B-L and A-1) 1.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Savannah

To start a short-term rental business in Savannah, Georgia, it is important to understand the specific regulations and requirements. Savannah permits short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) in certain districts, including the Historic District, Victorian District, and Mid-City District. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind, such as the 20% cap for new STVRs in most residential areas, which may require the property owner to live in the residence if the cap has been reached. Additionally, properties with two or fewer bedrooms are limited to four adult guests, and those with three or more bedrooms have specific occupancy restrictions.

It's also essential to be aware of the zoning classifications where STVRs are permitted, such as certain Business and Agriculture zones.Furthermore, the city requires STVRs to be certified, and STVR managers must complete an application process to secure an STVR certificate. This certification is necessary for each property used as an STVR. Additionally, it's important to comply with hotel/motel tax regulations, as these taxes must be remitted for properties rented for 90 days or less, specifically on the first 30 days of the rental.When considering starting a short-term rental business in Savannah, it's crucial to be well-informed about the local regulations and to ensure compliance with the city's requirements.

Understanding these regulations is essential for those interested in investing in STVRs in Savannah, as they play a significant role in the operation and profitability of such ventures.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Savannah

To operate a short-term vacation rental (STVR) property in Savannah, Georgia, property owners must complete an application and receive a certificate verifying compliance with all zoning regulations. The STVR certificate must be obtained before commencing operations. The application package, which can be found on the City of Savannah's official website, includes the following requirements:

• Completed STVR Application
• Life Safety Compliance Verification Form
• Regulation Form
• HOA Affidavit
• Copy of Driver's License/State ID/Passport

The new and annual renewal STVR applications received after December 31, 2022, are subject to a fee increase. Once the STVR application is approved, property owners must obtain a Business Tax Certificate (BTC) through the Revenue Department and submit a copy of the BTC to the Planning and Urban Design office before commencing operations.

Required Documents for Savannah Short Term Rentals

To operate a short-term vacation rental (STVR) in Savannah, Georgia, several documents are required to ensure compliance with the city's regulations. The application package for a Short-Term Vacation Rental Certificate must include the following:

• STR Application: A complete application form providing all the necessary details about the property and the owner.
• Completed Life Safety Compliance Verification Form: This form ensures that the property meets the required life safety standards for the occupants.
• Regulation Form: A form that outlines the regulations and guidelines that the property owner must adhere to when operating an STVR.
• HOA Affidavit: If the property is part of a homeowners' association, an affidavit confirming compliance with the association's rules and regulations.
• Proof of Ownership: Documentation proving the ownership of the property to which the STVR application applies.

In addition to these forms, the property owner must also obtain a Business Tax Certificate (BTC) through the Revenue Department once the STVR application has been approved. The BTC must be forwarded to the Planning and Urban Design office before commencing operations.

It's important to note that the city of Savannah has specific zoning regulations for STVRs, and the application process must be completed in its entirety to obtain the necessary certification. The city strictly enforces these regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors.

Savannah Short Term Rental Taxes

Short-term vacation rentals are subject to local hotel/motel taxes, with the tax rate increasing from 6% to 8% effective September 1, 2023. This tax must be remitted to the City's Revenue Department by the 20th day of the month following the rental period. In addition to the local hotel/motel tax, a 7% State Use and Sales Tax must be remitted to the Georgia Revenue Department by the 20th day of the month following the rental period. Short-term rental hosts are responsible for compliance with Savannah’s hotel/motel tax, as well as state sales tax. State law requires short-term rental marketplaces such as Airbnb and Vrbo to collect state sales tax. Airbnb and Vrbo also collect local sales and lodging tax in Savannah. If taxes aren’t being collected for operators, they’re responsible for collecting and remitting them to tax authorities45.

The 8% tax rate increase is estimated to bring in an extra $12 million per year. Savannah passed its short-term rental regulations in 2017. The city defines “short-term vacation rentals” as the rental of an entire dwelling unit for 30 days while the short-term rental of a room within an owner-occupied dwelling is defined as a “bed and breakfast.” The law requires STR hosts to obtain a short-term vacation rental certificate from the city and designate an agent who can be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to any issues5.

In summary, individuals offering short-term rentals in Savannah must be aware of the local hotel/motel tax and the state use and sales tax, ensuring compliance with the regulations and tax requirements set forth by the city and the state of Georgia.

Georgia wide Short Term Rental Rules

Georgia has no statewide regulations for short-term rentals. However, each city and county in Georgia may have its own set of rules and regulations governing short-term rentals. For example, Savannah, Georgia, has specific regulations for short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) that are governed by zoning laws and ordinances.

These regulations include:

• STVRs are permitted within the short-term vacation rental overlay district, which includes the Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar local historic districts. Outside of this overlay, they are only permitted in certain Business and Agriculture zoning classifications (B-C, B-N, B-L, and A-1). 1
• A separate application must be obtained for each property used as an STVR. 1
• Any new short-term vacation rental applicant must notify all of-record real property owners adjacent. Proof of notification must be provided to the City. Information provided to adjacent property owners includes the street address of the proposed short-term vacation rental, location of any on-site parking for short-term vacation rental occupants, maximum occupancy requirements, copy of the short-term vacation exemplar rental agreement, name of property owner, and name of rental agent. 4
• For properties rented for 90-days or less, hotel/motel taxes must be remitted on the first 30 days of the rental. 1

It is essential to check the specific regulations for short-term rentals in your city or county in Georgia, as they may vary from city to city.

Does Savannah strictly enforce STR rules?

Savannah strictly enforces its short-term rental (STR) rules, with a 20% cap on new STRs in most residential areas, excluding owner-occupied parcels. This means that if the cap has been reached in a specific area, new STRs are only permitted if the property is owner-occupied.

The city's zoning laws and ordinances, particularly the short-term vacation rental overlay district, dictate where STRs are permitted. For instance, they are allowed in the Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar local historic districts, as well as certain Business and Agriculture zoning classifications outside of the overlay district23.

The city also requires STR managers to complete an application process and secure an STR certificate. Additionally, any new STR applicant must notify all adjacent property owners and provide specific information, such as the property address, on-site parking details, and maximum occupancy requirements3.Furthermore, Savannah has increased its lodging taxes on short-term rentals from 6% to 8% as of September 1, 20234.

This indicates the city's commitment to regulating and profiting from the STR market.In summary, Savannah's STR regulations are robust and aimed at controlling the growth of this market within the city. The 20% cap and the requirement for owner-occupancy in certain areas demonstrate the city's strict enforcement of these rules.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Savannah?

Starting a short-term rental business in Savannah involves several steps and considerations. Here's a straightforward guide to help you get started:

• Check the zoning laws and ordinances: Ensure that your property is located within the short-term vacation rental overlay district, which includes the Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar local historic districts. If it's not, check if it's in certain Business and Agriculture zoning classifications (B-C, B-N, B-L, and A-1)2.
• Obtain a separate application for each property: You'll need to apply for each property you plan to use as a short-term rental2.
• Notify adjacent property owners: Provide proof of notification to the City, including the street address of the proposed short-term rental, location of any on-site parking for short-term rental occupants, maximum occupancy requirements, copy of the short-term vacation exemplar rental agreement, name of property owner, and name of rental agent3.
• Secure an STVR certificate: Complete the application process and obtain the necessary certificate2.
• Remit hotel/motel taxes: For properties rented for 90-days or less, hotel/motel taxes must be remitted on the first 30 days of the rental2.
• Consider property management: If you're not living on the property, you may need to hire a property manager to handle day-to-day operations and guest interactions3.
• Market your property: List your property on popular platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, or other short-term rental marketplaces to attract guests3.
• Stay updated on regulations: Keep an eye on any changes to Savannah's short-term rental regulations and zoning laws to ensure compliance4.

Who to contact in Savannah about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For questions on Savannah's STVR regulations and zoning, contact:Planning and Urban Design Department
Phone: 912-651-1440
Email: planning@savannahga.gov5

What do Airbnb hosts in Savannah on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Airbnb hosts in Savannah have mixed opinions about the city's short-term rental regulations. Some hosts on Reddit and Bigger Pockets have expressed frustration with the city's 20% cap on new STVRs in most of its wards, historic divisions in the municipal area. Hosts have also complained about the requirement to notify all of-record real property owners adjacent to the proposed short-term vacation rental, which can be time-consuming and costly. However, other hosts have praised the city's regulations for helping to maintain the character of Savannah's historic districts and preventing over-tourism.

One Reddit user stated, "I think the regulations are fair and necessary to protect the character of the city. It's important to strike a balance between allowing short-term rentals and preserving the historic neighborhoods that make Savannah so unique." Another user on Bigger Pockets commented, "The regulations can be a bit of a hassle, but they're not too onerous. Overall, I think Savannah is a great place to operate an Airbnb business."

Despite the regulations, many hosts continue to operate short-term rentals in Savannah. According to3, the city permits a degree of short-term rental activity in the city's famous Historic District, Victorian District, and Mid-City District despite a prevalence of hotels in these areas as well. Hosts who comply with the city's regulations and obtain the necessary permits and certificates can operate their short-term rentals legally.