Regulations >
Alabama >
Eufaula

Want to see how Eufaula compares to other top cities in Alabama?  Explore all city regulations in Alabama. →

C

Eufaula, AL

Challenging To Investors

Local STR Agent

Local STR Agent

Eufaula STR Expert
Eufaula, Alabama skyline

STR Regulations for Eufaula, Alabama

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Eufaula, AL?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Eufaula, Alabama, but with specific restrictions and requirements. The City of Eufaula adopted Ordinance 2023-6 on December 18, 2023, which establishes a regulatory framework for short-term rentals. STRs are permitted only upon appeal and approval by the Board of Adjustments in all zoning districts except M-1 and M-2 (Light Industrial and Heavy Industrial), where they are prohibited. The regulatory environment is considered relatively low compared to other markets, though compliance requirements do apply.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Eufaula?

Eufaula hosts earn a median $16,121/year with $139 ADR and 38% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $24,694+ per year.

See the full Eufaula market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Eufaula

Starting a short-term rental business in Eufaula requires following a specific two-step process:

Step 1: Board of Adjustments Approval

  1. Submit a special exception application to the Board of Adjustments for use as a short-term rental
  2. Prepare documentation demonstrating compliance with zoning requirements and minimum standards
  3. Attend the Board of Adjustments hearing to present your case
  4. Obtain approval from the Board before proceeding to permit application

Step 2: Zoning Administrator Permit

  1. Provide a list of rental platforms (VRBO, Airbnb, etc.) to be used for advertising
  2. Demonstrate compliance with all terms of Ordinance 2023-6
  3. Pay the $150 permit fee
  4. Receive your Short-Term Rental permit from the Zoning Administrator

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Zoning and Use Approval

  • Special Exception Application to Board of Adjustments
  • Property documentation showing permanent structure status
  • Proof of compliance with building and fire codes

Safety and Compliance Requirements

The property must include:

  • Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Operable egress windows in sleeping areas
  • Proper hand and guardrails
  • GFCI protection where required by current National Electrical Code
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Properly displayed 9-1-1 address

Business Licensing

  • City of Eufaula business license
  • Barbour County business license
  • State of Alabama business registration
  • Short-Term Rental permit ($150 fee)

Platform Registration

  • List of rental platforms to be used for advertising (submitted to Zoning Administrator)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning Districts

  • Permitted districts: All districts except M-1 and M-2
  • Prohibited districts: M-1 (Light Industrial) and M-2 (Heavy Industrial)

Occupancy and Length of Stay

  • Maximum stay: 30 consecutive days or fewer
  • Minimum stay: 24 hours (no sub-daily rentals)
  • Definition: Property leased in its entirety as overnight accommodations for any party for 30 or fewer consecutive days in return for a fee

Parking Requirements

  • Minimum parking: One off-street parking space for every two adults counting toward occupancy limit
  • Exceptions: Central Business District may have modified requirements
  • Options: Driveways, on-property parking areas, or approved on-street parking when off-street cannot be accommodated

Operational Restrictions

  • Lodging only: No commercial events (concerts, weddings, large gatherings)
  • No signage: On-site promotion or identification signs prohibited
  • Noise compliance: Must adhere to Section 66-446 of Code of Ordinances (unreasonable noise prohibition)
  • Primary use consideration: Board evaluates whether STR is primary or accessory use

Safety and Building Requirements

  • Must meet all applicable building and fire codes
  • Permanent structure requirement
  • Safety equipment specifications as outlined above

Board of Adjustments Considerations

The Board evaluates:

  • Whether property is permanently occupied and leased in entirety for 30+ consecutive nights
  • Whether STR is primary or accessory use
  • Adequacy of off-street parking
  • Potential impact caps (Board may establish annual night limits)

Enforcement and Compliance

  • Complaint process: More than two verified complaints within 12 months triggers action
  • Revocation authority: Zoning Administrator can revoke permit; Board of Adjustments has ultimate revocation authority
  • Appeal process: Administrative revocation can be appealed to Board of Adjustments

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact:

  • Organization: City of Eufaula - Zoning Department
  • Address: 205 E Barbour Street, Eufaula, AL 36027
  • Phone: 334-688-2000
  • Website: www.eufaulaalabama.com

Key Departments:

  • Zoning Administrator: Handles permit applications and compliance
  • Board of Adjustments: Handles special exception approvals and appeals
  • Revenue/Business License Department: Handles business licensing

Source Links

Important Note: This guide is based on current regulations as of the content provided. STR regulations can change, and investors should verify current requirements with the City of Eufaula before making investment decisions. The regulatory framework is relatively new (adopted December 2023), so ongoing monitoring of enforcement practices and potential amendments is advisable.

Next step

Found a property in Eufaula?

Paste any address and get estimated revenue, cash-on-cash return, and comparable STR performance in under 5 minutes. 3 free analyses per day.

Ask the AI Advisor about Eufaula

Free brief

Get the free Eufaula STR Investment Brief

Revenue data, top neighborhoods, seasonal trends, and the key regulations for Eufaula, Alabama in one email.

Eufaula

Market Saturation Score

036912
Moderate Saturation
7/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
5–7 declining months: moderate saturation risk - market may be nearing capacity.
View Full Eufaula Market Analysis

Photos of Eufaula

Overview of Eufaula

Eufaula is a small city in Barbour County in southeastern Alabama, sitting along the Chattahoochee River across from Georgia. With a population of roughly 12,000 to 13,000 residents, it carries a quiet, historic character shaped by its antebellum architecture, tree-lined streets, and proximity to one of the largest lakes in the region. The city is best known as a gateway to Lake Eufaula and as a stop on Alabama's historic homes trail, drawing visitors interested in both outdoor recreation and Old South heritage. Eufaula lies about 80 miles southeast of Montgomery, the state capital, and roughly 45 miles south of Columbus, Georgia, giving it a convenient position between two larger metropolitan areas while retaining a small-town feel.

Just south of the city, Lake Eufaula, also known as Walter F. George Lake, stretches for about 45,000 acres along the Chattahoochee River and forms the centerpiece of the region's outdoor recreation. The lake is renowned for bass fishing, hosting major tournaments each year, and offers boating, swimming, and lakeside camping. Lakepoint State Park, situated on its shores within a short drive of downtown, provides cabins, a marina, and beach access, making it a popular draw for families and anglers who want a longer stay on the water.

Within the city itself, the Eufaula Historic District preserves a remarkable concentration of antebellum homes, churches, and commercial buildings, with much of the downtown area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sites such as Shorter Mansion, Fendall Hall, and the Kendall Manor draw visitors who come for guided walking tours and seasonal events. The district's blend of Greek Revival, Italianate, and Federal architecture gives the town a distinctive visual character that sets it apart from many other small Alabama cities.

Just outside town along the river, the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge protects bottomland hardwood forest and wetland habitat, offering wildlife viewing, hiking, and hunting opportunities in a tranquil setting. The refuge is a favorite for birders, particularly during migration seasons, and adds a quieter natural complement to the larger lake activities nearby. Its proximity to downtown makes it an easy half-day excursion for guests based in the city.

Eufaula's combination of historic charm, water-based recreation, and easy access to both Montgomery and Columbus makes it a compelling base for short-term rentals. Visitors can spend mornings touring historic homes, afternoons fishing or boating on the lake, and evenings enjoying a relaxed downtown atmosphere without the crowds of Alabama's larger tourist destinations, giving owners a steady mix of leisure travelers, tournament anglers, and history-minded tourists throughout much of the year.

Want to know if a property in Eufaula is a good investment?

Enter an address to get instant revenue potential and comps.