Chatham County, GA, Clamps Down on STRs with 5% Cap in Specialized Districts

9/29/2026

Chatham County, Georgia, commissioners have unanimously approved new short-term rental regulations for unincorporated areas, including a 5% cap on non-homesteaded rentals in designated districts. New license applications are subject to the rules immediately, while existing licenses remain valid until June 30, 2027, before renewal under the new requirements. Rentals are limited to 15 occupants, must provide one on-site parking space per bedroom, and face stricter occupancy limits when using private septic systems. Owners must also designate two local contacts able to respond within three hours and provide rental notices with licensing, occupancy, parking, noise, and other information. The regulations follow complaints from residents about overcrowding, parking, noise, and septic problems. Homesteaded rentals are exempt from the cap when the owner lives on-site.

WJCL (09/25/26) Grace Rodriguez

Why It Matters: The 5% cap represents a significant limitation on future STR growth in affected areas and could reduce the number of properties eligible to enter the market. Existing operators should also pay close attention to the June 2027 renewal deadline and new occupancy, parking, and local-contact requirements.