Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in both Dawsonville, GA and Dawson County, but they are strictly regulated and require proper permitting at both the city and county levels.

• Dawson County: Requires an STRBB (Short-Term Rental Bed Breakfast) permit for any property rented for 2-30 days
• City of Dawsonville: Requires a separate city business license for properties within city limits
• Minimum Stay: 2 days (renting for less than 2 days is prohibited in Dawson County)
• Maximum Stay: 30 days for STR classification

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Step 1: Determine Your Jurisdiction

First, verify whether your property is located within the City of Dawsonville limits or in unincorporated Dawson County. Properties within the city require BOTH city and county permits, while properties in unincorporated areas require only the county permit.

Step 2: Secure Proper Zoning and Insurance

• Ensure your property zoning allows for short-term rentals
• Obtain appropriate insurance coverage indicating the property is used as a short-term rental
• Verify that all life safety and sanitation requirements can be met

Step 3: Complete Required Applications

For County Permit (Required for All STRs):

1. Complete and notarize the STRBB application
2. Gather all required documents from the application checklist
3. Pay the permit fee ($300 current, $350 for new applications after 10/01/25)
4. Submit via email or mail BEFORE advertising

For City License (If within City Limits):

1. Complete the City of Dawsonville Short-Term Rental License Application
2. Provide proof of ownership and current insurance
3. Provide notice to adjoining landowners
4. Pay applicable fees ($50 administrative + $225 full year or $112.50 half year)

Step 4: Await Approval

Submit all documentation before listing your property. Operating without proper permits can result in citations and revocation of license privileges.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Dawson County STRBB Permit Requirements:

• Completed and notarized STRBB application
• All required documents listed on page 2 checklist (ensure checklist is completed and signed)
• Certified Statement from the owner
• Bank card payment form
• Hotel/Motel Tax Form compliance
• Written confirmation complying with Sec. 30-510 - Life Safety and Sanitation

City of Dawsonville License Requirements:

• Completed license application with ownership verification
• Proof of insurance specifically indicating short-term rental use
• List of adjoining landowners with addresses for notification
• O.C.G.A. § 50-36-1(e)(2) Affidavit Verifying Status for City Public Benefit
• Secure and verifiable documentation as required by state law
• Business information including 24-hour contact person (Rental Agent)

Documentation for Both Jurisdictions:

• Proof of current ownership
• Current insurance documentation
• Floor plans (labeled for new applications, not required for renewals)
• Septic tank letter (not required for renewals)
• Maximum occupancy calculations
• Parking space confirmation
• Zoning verification

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Dawson County STR Regulations:

• Minimum Stay: 2 days (stays less than 2 days are prohibited)
• Maximum Stay: 30 days
• Permit Required: STRBB permit required for all rentals 2-30 days
• Fee Structure: $300 current permit fee; $350 for new applications effective October 1, 2025
• Life Safety Requirements: Must comply with Sec. 30-510 requirements
• Advertising Restrictions: Cannot advertise until all documents submitted and permit approved
• Application Timing: Renewals must be filed by November 20th annually to avoid late fees

City of Dawsonville Additional Regulations:

• Business License Required: Separate from county permit for properties within city limits
• Application Deadlines: November 20th annually for renewals (late fees apply after this date)
• Fee Structure: $50 administrative fee + $225 full year or $112.50 half year license fee
• Late Fees: $50 for late renewal applications
• Neighborhood Impact: Owner must agree to minimize neighborhood disruption
• Notification Requirements: Adjoining landowners must be notified of application

General Operating Standards:

• Properties must meet all life safety and sanitation codes
• Maximum occupancy must be clearly posted and enforced
• Required number of parking spaces must be provided and maintained
• Properties must comply with local noise ordinances
• Trash must be stored in lidded receptacles

State-Level Georgia Requirements:

• Hotel/Motel Tax: Must collect and remit applicable taxes
• O.C.G.A. Compliance: State affidavit requirements for public benefit licenses
• Secure Documentation: Provide verifiable identification documents as required by state law

Contact Information

Dawson County (Primary STR Authority)

Jennifer Wilson - Administrative Assistant
Email: jwilson@dawsoncountyga.gov
Phone: 706-344-3500
Address: 25 Justice Way, Dawsonville, GA 30534
Application Contact: ksizemore@dawsoncountyga.gov (for application and process questions)

County Main Line: 706-344-3500
Planning & Development Direct: 706-344-3604
Code Compliance: Available through main number

City of Dawsonville (Additional Requirement for City Properties)

Permit Technician
Email: permit.tech@dawsonville-ga.gov
Phone: (706) 265-3256
Address: 415 Highway 53 East Suite 100, Dawsonville, Georgia 30534
Website: www.dawsonville-ga.gov

Links to Source Pages

• Dawson County Short-Term Rentals Page 1
• Dawson County Short-Term Rentals Page 2
• City of Dawsonville STR Application
• Dawson County Planning & Development STR Information
• Dawson County STR FAQ
• Dawson County Code of Ordinances
• Dawson County On-Line Permit Portal

Important Notes for STR Investors

1. Dual Permitting: Properties within City of Dawsonville require BOTH county and city permits
2. Timing Critical: Applications must be submitted and approved BEFORE advertising
3. Fee Increases: County permit fees increase October 1, 2025 - factor this into business planning
4. Annual Renewal: Both permits/licenses require annual renewal with specific deadlines
5. Compliance Monitoring: Regular compliance with life safety, sanitation, and neighborhood standards is mandatory
6. Tax Obligations: Hotel/motel tax collection and remittance is required
7. Documentation Maintenance: Keep all permits, insurance, and compliance documents current and accessible

This regulatory environment requires careful attention to detail and proactive compliance management, but provides clear pathways for legal short-term rental operation in both Dawsonville and Dawson County.