Overview: Are short-term rentals allowed in Anniston, AL? Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in the City of Anniston when operated in compliance with local ordinance and state law. Anniston adopted Short-Term Rental regulations in 2021 (Ordinance No. 21-O‑11), which define and govern STRs (sometimes referred to as vacation rentals) within both residential and nonresidential zoning districts. Operators must obtain a business license, carry vacation/short-term rental insurance, pass an inspection, and comply with occupancy, parking, noise, and safety rules. Properties used for longer terms (≥ 30 days per rental) are governed by separate long-term rental regulations (see Ch. 13, Article III).

How to start a short-term rental business in Anniston

1. Confirm zoning and property eligibility

• Confirm your parcel is within Anniston city limits and zoning allows STR use (both residential and nonresidential districts are permissible).
• If in a historic district or historic overlay, additional approvals may apply (see Certificate of Appropriateness and design guidelines in Forms/Permits).

2. Secure insurance and gather application data

• Obtain vacation rental, short-term rental insurance, or equivalent coverage. Provide proof of insurance within 30 days of license issuance and annually at renewal.
• Identify your designated 24/7 emergency contact who can respond to calls within one hour and on-site within 12 hours upon city request. Maintain updated contact details with the City Clerk.

3. Obtain a STR business license

• Apply for a business license specific to STRs. A separate license is required for each STR.
• Application: STR Business License (Anniston)
• Include the emergency contact information and insurance proof with the application.

4. Schedule and pass a rental inspection

• Schedule a rental inspection with the Building & Safety Division before hosting guests.
• Complete a Rental Inspection Application.
• If passed, you will receive a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for the STR (valid for 12 months). The city does not charge a fee for COs issued after an inspection. If you instead use a qualified agency inspection and provide a verified statement of compliance, the city charges $10 for the CO.

5. Deliver neighbor notice and post required materials

• Within one calendar week of license issuance, provide written notice to adjacent property owners and file a copy with the City Clerk. Include: owner/operator and emergency contact names, addresses, and phone numbers; the code enforcement reporting number; maximum number of renters permitted; and maximum number of vehicles permitted to park.
• Post inside the unit the STR license, emergency contact information, and house rules that comply with the ordinance.

6. Register and remit lodging taxes

• Charge, collect, report, and remit the city privilege/license tax applicable to lodging taxes (Ch. 30, Art. II, Div. 2, Sec. 30.22).
• Alabama levies a 4% statewide lodging (sales) tax on short-term rentals. Calhoun County may impose an additional local lodging tax (investigate county revenue department resources or consult your tax advisor for the current rate and filing process).

7. Operational compliance

• Ensure off-street parking is adequate for guests and their vehicles; no RVs, buses, or trailers may be parked on the street or forward of the front building line.
• No food preparation/serving by the operator in the STR and no cooking facilities in guest rooms.
• Adhere to occupancy limits, noise, garbage, and all other applicable codes. Immediately address violations and prevent recurrence.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• STR Business License Application (anniston.gov short link)
• Rental Inspection Application and scheduling with Building & Safety (phone 256‑231‑7720)
• Vacation/short-term rental insurance proof (provided within 30 days of license issuance; resubmitted annually)
• Neighbor notice letter (delivered within one week of license issuance; copy to City Clerk)
• Certificate of Occupancy (issued after inspection or $10 administrative fee if using qualified agency inspection with verified compliance)
• Business license renewal (annually; include updated insurance proof and any emergency contact changes)
• Historic district approvals (if applicable): Certificate of Appropriateness and adherence to design guidelines
• State and local lodging tax registration and remittance (Alabama 4% statewide lodging tax; verify any Calhoun County lodging tax)

Specific regulations for STRs in Anniston (city, county, and state) City of Anniston STR ordinance highlights

• Definition and scope: STR means a dwelling unit or part thereof rented for at least one overnight stay but less than 30 days. Long-term rentals (≥ 30 days) are governed by Ch. 13, Art. III.
• Business license requirement: Mandatory for each STR prior to advertising or renting.
• Insurance requirement: Vacation/short-term rental insurance or equivalent; proof within 30 days of license issuance and annually at renewal.
• Emergency contact: 24/7 availability; response to complaints within one hour; on-site response within 12 hours upon city request.
• Neighbor notice: Required within one week of license issuance; copy to City Clerk; must include contacts, occupancy, parking limits, and code enforcement reporting number.
• Lodging taxes: Collect, report, and remit privilege/license tax under Ch. 30, Art. II, Div. 2, Sec. 30.22.
• Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy: Required prior to renting; CO valid 12 months. No fee when CO is issued upon city inspection; $10 fee if using a qualified agency’s verified compliance.
• Use limitations: STRs are for lodging only—no weddings, parties, concerts, or similar events in any rental period.
• Signage: No on-premises signage legible from any public street or right-of-way for STRs in residential or planned residential districts.
• Safety and code compliance: Full compliance with building construction, fire safety, noise, garbage collection/disposal, and all other applicable codes.
• Parking: Adequate off-street parking for guests; no RVs, buses, or trailers on the street or forward of the front building line.
• Food service prohibition: Operators may not prepare or serve food to guests; cooking facilities are not permitted in STR guest rooms.
• Occupancy limits (most restrictive applies):
  • No more than two persons per bedroom plus two persons; or
  • No more than four persons per parking space.
• Posting requirements: License, emergency contact, and house rules must be posted in a conspicuous location inside the STR.
• Violation response: Upon notice of a violation (e.g., noise, occupancy, parking, safety), the owner/operator/emergency contact must promptly notify the renter and take action to prevent recurrence.

Inspection fees and enforcement

• Un-permitted occupancy (occupied before CO issuance) inspection fees:
  • 1st post-violation inspection: $100
  • 2nd post-violation inspection: $250
  • 3rd post-violation inspection: $500
• Violation enforcement: Written notice of violations with corrective actions and deadlines; temporary suspension possible until compliance; recurring violations may trigger license revocation after a public hearing before City Council.
• Penalties: Conviction for violations of the STR article carries a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500.

County-level (Calhoun County) context

• Calhoun County may levy a local lodging tax in addition to the state 4% lodging tax. Investors should verify the current county lodging tax rate and registration/filing requirements through Calhoun County revenue/commission resources.

State-level (Alabama) context

• Alabama imposes a 4% statewide lodging (sales) tax on short-term rentals. STR operators must register, collect, and remit applicable state lodging taxes consistent with Alabama Department of Revenue requirements.

Contact information (local authority in charge of STRs)

• Building & Safety Division (inspection and Certificate of Occupancy inquiries):
  • Phone: 256‑231‑7720
• Fire Marshal (fire safety questions):
  • Jason Brown
  • Phone: 256‑231‑7650
  • Email: jkbrown@annistonal.gov
• Code Enforcement (violations and compliance):
  • Tana Bryant, Senior Code Enforcement Officer
  • Phone: 256‑231‑7733
  • Email: tbryant@annistonal.gov
• City of Anniston – main contact:
  • Phone: 256‑236‑3422
  • Email: citymanager@annistonal.gov
  • Address: 1129 Noble Street, Anniston, AL 36201 (PO Box 2168, Anniston, AL 36202)
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM

Links to source pages and documents

• City of Anniston Code Enforcement – Short-Term Rentals page:
  • annistonal.gov/code-enforcement/short-term-rentals-airbnb/
• Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance – City of Anniston:
  • library.municode.com/al/anniston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH13HO_ARTIVSHRMRE
• Business License Application (short link provided by city):
  • bit.ly/3PChQqX
• Rental Inspection Application (short link provided by city):
  • bit.ly/3sTlVNK
• Press Release: City Ordinances on Short-Term Rentals & Food Trucks (May 25, 2022):
  • annistonal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/City-of-Anniston-City-Ordinances-on-Short-Term-Rentals-Food-Trucks-05.25.22-2.pdf
• Forms/Permits/Guidelines (including historic district documents and business license forms):
  • annistonal.gov/forms-permits-guidelines/
• Anniston Municode Library – STR Ordinance section:
  • library.municode.com/al/anniston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH13HO_ARTIVSHRMRE
• City Fee Schedules:
  • annistonal.gov/fee-schedule/
• Sales, Use, Rental & Lodgings Taxes:
  • annistonal.gov/city-of-anniston-sales-use-rental-lodgings-taxes/

Notes for investors

• Confirm zoning and any historic overlay requirements before purchase or renovation. Additional approvals may be needed for properties in the historic district.
• Consider liability and property coverage appropriate for STRs; maintain continuous coverage and provide annual proof to the city.
• Build guest communications around quiet hours, parking, occupancy limits, and garbage/recycling rules to reduce violations and neighbor complaints.
• Use consistent processes for tenant screening, check-in instructions, and on-call emergency response to meet the 1-hour and 12-hour response standards.
• Coordinate with your tax advisor on state lodging tax (4%) and any applicable Calhoun County lodging tax, and set up remittance schedules consistent with local requirements.

Disclaimer This guide summarizes publicly available city and state information for investor convenience. It is not legal advice. Always consult the full ordinance and current city/state resources before operating a short-term rental in Anniston.