Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed in Carrollton, GA?

• In unincorporated Carroll County, short‑term rentals (STRs) are allowed, subject to a county license, inspections, and operating rules.
• Within the City of Carrollton’s municipal limits, the Times‑Georgian reports that the City Council approved a short‑term rental ordinance defining STRs as rentals of 30 days or less, and establishing a local contact/agent. However, the city‑specific ordinance text and municipal licensing procedures were not provided in the source set; investors should confirm current city requirements with City Hall before operating in the city limits.
• For practical guidance, this guide sets out Carroll County’s rules, which apply to properties outside municipal boundaries. If your property is inside Carrollton, follow the city’s separate approval process and any stricter county rules that may still apply.

Source: Carroll County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 22, Article IV (Short‑Term Rentals) and Times‑Georgian reporting on the City of Carrollton’s STR ordinance approval.

How to start a short‑term rental business in this market

• Confirm jurisdiction:
  • Unincorporated Carroll County: proceed under county rules below.
  • City of Carrollton: confirm city licensing/approval and comply with city rules and the county’s requirements if applicable.
• Site selection and zoning:
  • In unincorporated Carroll County, STRs are permitted in the Agricultural (A) zoning district as a conditional use. You must obtain a conditional use permit before licensing.
• Prepare the property:
  • Ensure sufficient on‑site, hard‑surfaced parking (gravel, concrete, or asphalt).
  • Plan for two adults per bedroom occupancy.
  • Prepare written house rules addressing noise, parking, occupancy, and eviction provisions.
• Submit a county STR license application to the Carroll County Community Development Department (annual).
• Complete required inspections:
  • Fire Marshal inspection for life safety codes before operation; re‑inspection at least once every five years.
• Post required documents and information inside the unit:
  • License, agent contact, occupancy, and parking limits.
• Register and remit state and local taxes (hotel/motel tax).
• Manage operations:
  • Maintain an on‑call local agent; include the license number on all online listings.
  • Enforce house rules and neighborhood‑friendly operations to avoid violations.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

Carroll County (unincorporated) requires:

• Annual STR license application (Carroll County Community Development Department) with a non‑refundable fee of $200.
• Application content:
  • Property address.
  • STR agent name, address, telephone, email (24‑hour contact).
  • Agent’s signed acknowledgment of the ordinance and its requirements.
  • Number and location of parking spaces.
  • Agent’s commitment to prevent neighborhood disruption.
  • Any additional information requested by the Community Development Department.
• Written house rules (to be posted in the unit) acknowledging:
  • Noise limits per Carroll County’s noise control ordinances (noise monitoring device is encouraged).
  • Maximum occupancy: two adults per bedroom.
  • On‑site parking limit: one vehicle per bedroom; parking only on hard‑surfaced areas; no parking in yards or county right‑of‑way.
  • Agreement that violations may result in immediate termination/eviction and liability for county fines.
• Fire Marshal inspection (life safety codes), required once every five years.
• Conditional Use Permit (Agricultural zoning) in unincorporated county areas before licensing.
• Taxes:
  • State and local taxes, including hotel/motel tax under O.C.G.A. § 48‑13‑51(a)(5) and (b)(7)(a).

City of Carrollton (municipal approval reported):

• City STR ordinance described in local news as establishing STRs as rentals of 30 days or less and designating a local agent.
• Contact City Hall for the current city application form, fees, inspection requirements, and approval procedures.

Specific regulations (county, city, and state)

Carroll County (Chapter 22, Article IV):

• License and compliance:
  • Annual license required; fee $200; non‑transferable; location‑specific; must comply with all applicable laws.
  • Agent responsibilities:
    • Available at all times; posted contact information inside the unit; receive service of notices; monitor compliance; list the license number on all online listings.
  • Occupancy and parking:
    • Maximum occupancy: two adults per bedroom.
    • Parking: one vehicle per bedroom, on hard‑surfaced surfaces only; no parking in yards or county right‑of‑way.
  • Signage:
    • No external signage. Inside the unit, post the license and required information (agent contact, license number, maximum occupancy, maximum vehicles).
  • Inspections:
    • Fire Marshal inspection for life safety; at least once every five years.
  • Violations and enforcement:
    • Three convictions or judgments for code violations at the same property/owner/agent results in revocation of all STR licenses and a 12‑month bar on new applications.
    • General violations punished per Carroll County Code § 1‑13; each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense.
    • Appeals go to the Community Development Appeals Board within 30 days; decisions may be appealed via certiorari to Superior Court.
    • County may enforce under any other legal remedy and abate nuisances.
  • Taxes:
    • STRs must collect and remit applicable state and local taxes, including hotel/motel tax per O.C.G.A. § 48‑13‑51.

Carrollton (City):

• City ordinance reportedly approved defining STRs as 30 days or less and requiring a local agent; city‑specific licensing, fees, inspection processes, and enforcement procedures were not included in the provided sources.
• Contact the City of Carrollton for current requirements.

Georgia (State level):

• Hotel/motel tax applies to STRs per O.C.G.A. § 48‑13‑51(a)(5) and (b)(7)(a).

Contact information

• Carroll County Community Development Department (licensing and inspections):
  • Phone: 770‑834‑6631 (general contact; verify department extension if possible)
  • Website: www.carrollcountyga.gov
  • Department location: 901 Hay’s Mill Rd., Carrollton, GA 30117
  • Application portal: Submit applications to the Community Development Department per the ordinance.
• Carroll County Fire Marshal’s Office (life safety inspections):
  • Coordinate inspections through the Community Development Department or the Fire Marshal’s office.
• City of Carrollton (municipal STRs and approvals):
  • Phone: 770‑834‑6631 (confirm the appropriate department; City Hall is located at 115 West Center St., Carrollton, GA 30117)
  • Website: Times‑Georgian lists the City Council meets at the Public Safety Complex, 115 West Center St., Carrollton.

Links to source pages

• Carroll County Code of Ordinances – Chapter 22, Article IV (Short‑Term Rentals):
  • www.carrollcountyga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6079
• Carroll County Resolution and Ordinance Amending Zoning for STRs (conditional use in Agricultural district):
  • www.carrollcountyga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4539/Short-term-Rental-Ordinance
• Times‑Georgian article on Carrollton City Council approving an STR ordinance and related governance:
  • www.times-georgian.com/news/local/carrollton-rejects-county-splost-agreement/article_d5e8bec1-b457-5d0a-beb5-6946a3a5262e.html

Operational checklist

• Verify zoning and jurisdiction (county vs. city).
• Secure conditional use approval (if needed) in unincorporated county.
• Select and brief an on‑call agent; provide 24‑hour contact.
• Draft and post house rules: noise, occupancy, parking, eviction, license posting.
• Apply for the annual county license and pay $200 fee.
• Pass the Fire Marshal inspection; plan for a five‑year re‑inspection.
• Register for and remit state and local taxes (hotel/motel tax).
• Include the license number on every online listing.
• Maintain diligent guest screening and enforcement of rules to avoid the three‑strike revocation threshold.