Tybee Island, GA, Amends STR Rules

9/1/2026

Tybee Island, Georgia, has amended its short-term rental ordinance to balance tourism with residents’ quality of life. The changes divide the island into sectors and establish caps on STRs in certain areas, allowing additional growth in some zones while limiting expansion in others. Property owners must also designate emergency contacts who can respond promptly to rental-related problems, with fines possible for noncompliance. City officials and residents hope the requirements will improve enforcement and reduce violations by property owners and managers. The revised ordinance takes effect January 1, giving owners and management companies time to adjust.

WTOC-11 (Savannah, Ga.) (08/27/26) Shelby Coates

Why It Matters: Tybee Island’s approach pairs STR caps with targeted enforcement requirements, offering another model for communities seeking to limit rental growth without imposing an outright ban.