Overview

Short-term rentals are NOT explicitly addressed in Barnesville's current zoning ordinance. The City of Barnesville does not have specific short-term rental regulations codified in the provided zoning documents. However, investors can operate STRs through existing zoning classifications, particularly as Bed and Breakfast operations in certain districts or through Accessory Dwelling Units with specific owner-occupancy requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Barnesville

Option 1: Bed and Breakfast Operation

Bed and Breakfast operations are permitted in specific zoning districts:

• Multi-Family Residential (R-2) District: "Bed and Breakfast Inn" is listed as a permitted use (Section 620.2(l))
• Agricultural (A) District: "Bed and Breakfasts" are listed as conditional uses requiring City Council approval (Section 605.3(a))

Option 2: Accessory Dwelling Unit

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) offer another pathway, but with significant restrictions:

• ADUs are permitted in the Historic Preservation Overlay District (H-P) only
• Critical Requirement: Owner-occupancy is mandatory for both the primary residence and ADU
• No STR Potential: ADU owners cannot rent the unit since they must occupy it and receive no rent

Option 3: Multi-Family Units

Multi-family units in R-2 districts could potentially operate as short-term rentals, though this would require interpretation of existing residential rental provisions.

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Bed and Breakfast Operations

1. Site Plan Approval: Required from Zoning Department including building placement and unit count
2. Building Permits: Must comply with building, fire, electrical, and plumbing codes
3. Certificate of Occupancy: Required before operation
4. Conditional Use Permit: Required for Agricultural district operations

Accessory Dwelling Units

1. Registration Application: Filed with Zoning Department
2. Property Inspection: City inspection required to confirm compliance
3. Deed Restriction: Filed with Lamar County Tax Assessor
4. Building Permits: Must meet all building code standards

General Requirements

• Public Utility Connections: Must tie into public water and sewer systems
• Parking Requirements: Must provide adequate off-street parking
• Building Codes: Compliance with all adopted codes (building, electrical, fire, plumbing)

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City of Barnesville Zoning Requirements

Bed and Breakfast Requirements

• R-2 Multi-Family District: Permitted by right
• Agricultural District: Conditional use requiring City Council approval
• Multi-Family Performance Standards: Maximum 8 units per building, 20-foot separation between buildings
• Parking: Off-street parking required, no more than 100 feet from unit entrance

Accessory Dwelling Unit Requirements

• Location: Only permitted in Historic Preservation Overlay District (H-P)
• Owner Occupancy: Mandatory for both primary residence and ADU
• Size Limits: 300-800 square feet, not exceeding 40% of total combined square footage
• Parking: One additional off-street space required
• Building Codes: Must meet all applicable codes
• Registration: Required with Zoning Department

Multi-Family Rental Standards

• Minimum Unit Sizes:
  • 1 bedroom: 800 square feet
  • 2 bedroom: 1,000 square feet
  • 3 bedroom: 1,200 square feet
• Density: Maximum 40% lot coverage by buildings
• Open Space: Minimum 20% of total acreage for developments over 10 units

Lamar County Health Department

• Swimming Pool Approval: Required for accessory pools
• RV Park Certification: Required for recreational vehicle parks (Section 870(e))

State of Georgia Requirements

Note: State-level STR regulations not included in provided documents.

Key Restrictions and Limitations

Home Occupation Restrictions

• No storage or sale of merchandise on premises
• Maximum 25% of floor area for home occupations
• Only owner-operators permitted
• No employees other than family members residing on premises
• Must be conducted entirely within dwelling

Zoning Compliance

• Properties must comply with all setback requirements
• Building height limitations vary by district (35-60 feet maximum)
• Facade requirements in residential developments

Contact Information

City of Barnesville

• Phone: Not provided in documents
• Email: Not provided in documents
• Website: Not provided in documents
• Department: Zoning Department (for permits and registrations)

Lamar County Tax Assessor

• Address: Contact City of Barnesville for county contact information
• Purpose: Deed restriction filing for ADUs

Lamar County Health Department

• Purpose: Health department certifications for pools and RV parks
• Contact: Through City of Barnesville for specific contact information

Investment Considerations

Opportunities

1. Bed and Breakfast Market: Established regulatory pathway in R-2 districts
2. Agricultural Tourism: Potential for rural bed and breakfast operations
3. Multi-Family STRs: Possible interpretation of existing rental provisions

Risks and Limitations

1. Regulatory Uncertainty: No specific STR regulations create legal ambiguity
2. Owner-Occupancy Requirements: ADU option essentially unavailable for STR use
3. Conditional Use Process: Agricultural district requires City Council approval
4. Zoning Compliance: Must adhere to all residential district standards

Recommendations

1. Consult with City Planning: Seek clarification on STR interpretation of existing codes
2. Legal Review: Have attorney review proposed STR operations for compliance
3. Neighborhood Impact: Consider local opposition to STR operations
4. Insurance: Secure appropriate liability and property insurance
5. Business Registration: Register business with city and obtain any required licenses

Source Documents

1. City of Barnesville Zoning Ordinance - Article VIII: Supplementary Standards for Specific Uses
   cms4files.revize.com/barnesville/document/docs/Article_VIII___Supplementary_Standards_for_Specific_Uses.pdf

2. City of Barnesville Zoning Ordinance - Article VI: Use Provisions by District
   cms4files.revize.com/barnesville/document/docs/Article_VI___Use_Provisions_by_District.pdf

Disclaimer: This analysis is based solely on the provided documents. Investors should consult with City of Barnesville officials for current regulations and interpretations before proceeding with any short-term rental operations.