Barnesville, Georgia Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Barnesville?

Barnesville hosts earn a median $19,056/year with $106 ADR and 56% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $22,584+ per year.

See the full Barnesville market breakdown

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

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

Accessory Dwelling Units

Registration Application: Filed with Zoning Department
Property Inspection: City inspection required to confirm compliance
Deed Restriction: Filed with Lamar County Tax Assessor
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

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

Risks and Limitations

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

Recommendations

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

Source Documents

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
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.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Barnesville

Barnesville is a small, welcoming city in central Georgia that serves as the seat of Lamar County. With a population of roughly 6,000 to 7,000 residents, it carries the unhurried character of a classic Southern small town, where tree-lined streets and locally owned storefronts sit just a short drive off Interstate 75. The city is perhaps best known for hosting the annual Buggy Days festival, a nod to its nineteenth-century heritage as a center of horse-drawn carriage manufacturing, and it is also home to Gordon State College, which gives the town a youthful, community-oriented feel. Barnesville lies about 60 miles south of Atlanta, making it a quiet rural escape within easy reach of the state's largest metropolitan area.

Just outside Barnesville, High Falls State Park offers a refreshing natural retreat roughly 20 minutes to the west. The park is built around a series of cascading waterfalls on the Towaliga River and includes a small lake for fishing, a swimming beach, rental cabins, tent and RV campsites, and several miles of hiking trails. Its mix of dramatic waterfalls and gentle waterway makes it one of the most photographed natural sites in the region and a popular weekend destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

A short drive northwest of town brings visitors to Indian Springs State Park, one of Georgia's oldest state parks. Historically regarded as sacred by the Creek people for its naturally warm mineral springs, the park today features a small lake, a museum housed in a stone springhouse, picnic areas, and wooded walking paths. The combination of cultural history and tranquil outdoor space makes it a rewarding stop for guests interested in the deeper layers of Georgia's past.

Downtown Barnesville itself adds to the appeal, with a compact historic district that includes the old Lamar County courthouse and a handful of locally owned shops and eateries. Visitors can stroll past well-preserved late-Victorian and early-twentieth-century architecture, and the surrounding countryside offers rolling farmland, peach orchards, and quiet back roads ideal for cycling or scenic drives. The town's annual Buggy Days celebration each spring brings antique carriages, parades, and live music to the streets, giving short-term rental guests a chance to experience a genuine small-town tradition.

Barnesville's appeal as a short-term rental base lies in this balance of small-town Southern charm and easy access to both natural and cultural attractions. Its proximity to Atlanta and I-75 makes it convenient for weekend travelers, while High Falls, Indian Springs, and the surrounding Middle Georgia countryside provide enough variety to fill several days of exploring.