Marietta, Georgia Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Marietta, Georgia. Marietta operates under Cobb County's jurisdiction for short-term rental regulations, and the county has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for STRs that went into effect January 1, 2023.

Short-term rentals are permitted only in residential zoning districts (R) and are prohibited in commercial zoning districts (C). A property must not exceed 30 consecutive days of lodging to qualify as a short-term rental under the ordinance.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Marietta

Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance

Confirm your property is zoned Residential (R) using Cobb County's My Neighborhood GIS Map
Ensure the property meets all residential property codes for building, fire prevention, sanitation, and health

Step 2: Designate a Local Agent

Appoint a local agent who can be contacted about parking, noise, and other issues
The agent must be available to quickly resolve any problems that arise

Step 3: Apply for Certificate

Submit an annual application for a short-term rental certificate to the Cobb County Business License Division
Pay the $55 non-refundable application fee
Renew the certificate annually (expires December 31)

Step 4: Comply with Operational Requirements

Limit occupancy to one person per 390 square feet
Provide one parking space per bedroom plus one additional space
Maintain compliance with all residential property standards

Step 5: Handle Tax Obligations

Ensure all hotel/motel taxes and tourism fees are collected and paid
Note that platforms like Airbnb and VRBO typically collect state sales tax automatically
Verify all applicable taxes are being collected and remitted

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Requirements

Short-Term Rental Certificate - Required for each property
Annual Application - Must be resubmitted every year
$55 Application Fee - Non-refundable annual fee
Zoning Verification - Property must be in residential zoning

Application Documentation

The application must include:

Property owner name, address, telephone, and email address
Complete property address for the STR
Local agent name, address, telephone, and email
Local agent's sworn acknowledgment of understanding requirements
Number and location of parking spaces allotted to the property

Compliance Guidelines

Property must comply with all single-family zoning regulations
Must meet all building, health, and fire safety codes
Cannot transfer, assign, or use certificates for different locations
Must notify business license division of ownership or agent changes

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

County-Level Regulations (Cobb County)

Zoning Restriction: Only permitted in Residential (R) zones, prohibited in Commercial (C) zones
Maximum Stay: 30 consecutive days maximum
Occupancy Limit: One person per 390 square feet
Parking Requirements: One space per bedroom plus one additional space
Certificate Validity: Annual renewal required, expires December 31
Local Agent Requirement: Designated agent must be available for issues
One Certificate Per Dwelling: Only one active certificate allowed per dwelling unit

Enforcement and Penalties

First Violation: $500 penalty
Second Violation: $750 penalty
Third Violation: Certificate revocation and 12-month ban on new applications
Continuing Violations: Each day of operation without a certificate constitutes a separate violation

Tax Obligations

Hotel/motel taxes must be collected and remitted
Tourism fees and other state/local taxes apply
Platforms like Airbnb/VRBO typically handle state sales tax collection automatically
Property owners remain responsible for ensuring all taxes are paid

State-Level Regulations (Georgia)

State law requires short-term rental marketplaces to collect and remit state sales tax
No statewide licensing requirements exist beyond local regulations
Standard property tax obligations apply

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Primary Contacts

Code Enforcement Division

Phone: (770) 528-2180
Email: codeenforcement@cobbcounty.gov
Non-Emergency Police: (770) 499-3900

Community Development Department

Director: Jessica Guinn
Email: comdev@cobbcounty.gov
Address: 1150 Powder Springs St, Ste 400, Marietta, GA 30064
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 649, Marietta, GA 30061
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Online Resources

Cobb County My Neighborhood GIS Map for zoning verification
Online code enforcement system for complaints
Short-term rental application and code documents available for download

Source Links

Official Cobb County Resources:

Additional Resources:

This guide is based on current Cobb County regulations as of the most recent updates. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before investing or operating a short-term rental property.

Marietta, Georgia is a vibrant city located in the northwestern part of the state, approximately 20 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta. As of the latest estimates, Marietta has a population of around 61,000 residents. Its proximity to the bustling metropolis of Atlanta makes it an attractive location for short-term rentals, providing visitors with a quaint, suburban alternative to staying in the city.

Marietta is home to a variety of historical landmarks and attractions that appeal to tourists. The city is renowned for the Marietta Square, a historic district featuring the Earl Smith Strand Theatre, eclectic shops, and a variety of dining options. To learn more, you can visit The Marietta Square.

Another significant attraction is the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, a Civil War site offering miles of hiking trails and panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline. More information can be found on the National Park Service website.

Additionally, the Marietta Museum of History, situated in an old cotton warehouse, provides a rich collection of exhibits focusing on the local history and heritage. For further insights, you can explore the Marietta Museum of History.

With its blend of historical charm, cultural attractions, and close proximity to Atlanta, Marietta presents a compelling case for short-term rentals. Visitors can enjoy a quieter, more scenic environment while still being within easy reach of Atlanta’s numerous amenities and business opportunities.