Chatham County, GA, Proposes Tougher Limits on Rentals

5/11/2026

Chatham County, Georgia, leaders are considering stricter rules for short-term rentals (STRs). Proposed regulations would prohibit new STR licenses within 500 feet of existing rentals and ban properties with homestead exemptions from operating as vacation rentals. The ordinance would also increase fines for violations, add parking requirements, and require local property contacts to respond to complaints within one hour. The proposal applies only to unincorporated county areas, including Runaway Point and Georgetown, and would not affect municipalities such as Savannah, Pooler, or Tybee Island. Public hearings are scheduled before a final commission vote later this month.

WJCL (05/08/26) Grace Rodriguez