Overview: Are STRs Allowed in Fairburn, GA?

Yes—short-term rentals (STRs) are explicitly permitted in Fairburn, Georgia, subject to city ordinance, zoning, safety inspections, and licensing. The city defines an STR as a residential structure rented for overnight accommodation for 1 to 24 consecutive nights, with an annual cap of 180 days of rental activity per calendar year. Fairburn provides a clear, staged licensing process and a dedicated compliance hotline. As an investor, you will be responsible for zoning verification, building and fire safety inspections, obtaining a business license and occupational tax license, collecting and remitting state and local taxes, and maintaining a designated Local Contact Person who can respond to complaints within two hours.

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How to Start a STR Business in Fairburn

The city has published a streamlined process with step-by-step guidance. The recommended flow ensures that zoning, safety, and licensing are completed in the correct order.

1. Confirm Zoning Eligibility

• Submit the Short-Term Rental Zoning Verification Form (PDF or online). Approval confirms your property is on a residential legal lot of record within allowed zoning districts.

2. Schedule Inspections

• Building Official inspection: Required for all STRs (fee applies). The Building Official will determine occupancy limits.
• Fire Marshal inspection: Required if the occupancy is 6 or more. Fire safety compliance must be verified prior to license issuance.

3. Prepare Documentation and Identification

• Fire Safety Checklist (for all properties; Fire Marshal inspection if occupancy ≥ 6).
• Proof of insurance showing the premises is used for an STR.
• Property layout diagram with on-site parking spaces shown.
• If on septic: Approved commercial permit from the Fulton County Board of Health Environmental Health Division.
• Valid verifiable U.S. photo ID for owner(s); non-citizen owners must provide immigration documentation.
• Federal Tax ID (IRS EIN).
• Sales and Use Tax number (Georgia Department of Revenue).
• Local Contact Person designation (must be age 25+ and available 24/7 with two-hour response time).
• Surrounding Property Owners Notification letter (to the closest 10 properties).

4. Apply for Licenses

• Short-Term Rental Business License Application and Sworn Acknowledgement.
• Occupational Tax License Application (regulatory fee applies).
• Ensure all due city taxes are paid before a business license will be issued.

5. Tax Setup and Ongoing Compliance

• Collect 10% accommodation tax: 7% Georgia Sales & Use Tax and 3% Fairburn Hotel/Motel Tax.
• File state sales tax monthly; file city hotel/motel tax quarterly.
• Track annual rental days to stay within the 180-day cap.
• Maintain availability and response for the STR hotline and respond to neighbor complaints within two hours.

Investor Tip: Start with the zoning verification and inspection scheduling early, as inspections may take up to two weeks. Completion certificates from the Building Official and Fire Marshal must be presented to finish licensing.

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Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Key application package

• Short-Term Rental Zoning Verification Form (PDF or Online)
• Fire Safety Checklist (PDF) — Fire Marshal inspection if occupancy ≥ 6
• STR Business License Application and Sworn Acknowledgement (PDF)
• Occupational Tax License Application (Online)
• Property layout diagram with parking plan
• Proof of insurance covering STR use
• Federal Tax ID (IRS EIN)
• Georgia Sales & Use Tax Number
• Septic commercial permit (if applicable) — Fulton County Board of Health
• Surrounding Property Owners Notification letter
• Local Contact Person designation and contact information

Fees and charges (as listed in city materials)

• Building Official inspection: $50 (scheduled via Building Dept.)
• Fire Marshal inspection: As required for occupancy ≥ 6 (contact Fire Dept.)
• Occupational Tax regulatory fee: $100
• Short-Term Rental application fee: $125

Tax collection and remittance

• 10% total tax on gross rent: 7% Georgia Sales & Use Tax (monthly filing) and 3% Fairburn Hotel/Motel Tax (quarterly filing).
• Obtain state tax account from the Georgia Department of Revenue (Sales & Use Tax Unit). No fee for registration.

Ongoing operational requirements

• Maintain a Local Contact Person (age 25+) available 24/7; respond to complaints within two hours.
• Cap rental days at 180 per calendar year.
• Enforce parking on hard-surface areas only (no grass/dirt/public right-of-way).
• Observe occupancy limits determined by the Building Official and Fire Marshal.
• Maintain the STR property in compliance with local codes; promptly address hotline or neighbor complaints.

Compliance escalation

• Citations in any 12-month period: 1st = up to $250; 2nd = up to $500; 3rd = $1,000 and revocation of the STR business license for 24 months.
• Unlicensed rentals cited at $500, compounding daily until brought into compliance.

References and downloads (see Source Links)

• STR Owner Guidebook (April 2019)
• STR Ordinance (October 18, 2019)
• STR page overview and forms (Planning & Zoning, Building, Fire, Licensing)

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Specific Regulations for STRs in Fairburn

Allowed zoning

• STRs are permitted on single-family and residentially zoned lots: AG (Agricultural), R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4.

Definition and operating limits

• STR: Residential structure rented for 1–24 consecutive nights; maximum 180 rental days per calendar year.

Occupancy limits

• Determined by the Building Official during inspection. The city’s published rule for STRs is two (2) adults per bedroom plus an additional three (3) adults for the property. Bedrooms are inspected prior to permit issuance. Properties with occupancy of six or more require Fire Marshal inspection.

Local Contact Person

• Required for every STR; must be age 25+ and have access/authority to manage the property. Local Contact must respond to violation notifications 24/7 within two hours. Owners may designate a managing agent; however, owners remain ultimately responsible for compliance.

Neighbor notification and complaint handling

• STR owner must mail notice to the closest ten surrounding property owners (both sides, directly to rear, and across the public right-of-way). Include the Local Contact’s information and the 24/7 STR hotline.
• Complaints are logged via the hotline; the Local Contact is notified to resolve issues. If unresolved within two hours, a violation may be issued.

Parking standards

• No parking on the public right-of-way or along roadways at any time. Parking must be on designated hard surfaces (gravel, concrete, asphalt). Parking in enclosed garages is allowed. Violations may result in enforcement.

Enforcement and penalties (12-month window)

• 1st violation: Written notice and fine up to $250.
• 2nd violation: Written notice and fine up to $500.
• 3rd violation: $1,000 fine; revocation of business license for 24 months; no reapplication on the violating property for 24 months.
• Unlicensed STRs: $500 citation with daily compounding until compliance.

Tax requirements

• State: 7% Sales & Use Tax on gross receipts; monthly filing through Georgia DOR.
• City: 3% Hotel/Motel Tax on gross receipts; quarterly filing within 30 days after each quarter ends.

State-level overlays (Georgia)

• Sales & Use Tax registration is mandatory for STR operators. Hotel/Motel Tax may also apply at the state level depending on activity; the city guide references remitting the 7% state sales tax portion to the Georgia Department of Revenue.

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Local Authority Contacts for STRs

City Hall (Licensing and Administrative)

• Address: 56 Malone Street SW, Fairburn, GA 30213
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 145, Fairburn, GA 30213
• Main Line: 770-964-2244
• Fax: 770-969-3474

Planning & Zoning (Zoning Verification)

• Phone: 770-964-2244, Ext. 121

Building Department (Inspections and Occupancy Determinations)

• Phone: 770-964-2244, Ext. 400

Fire Department / Fire Marshal (Fire Safety and Inspections for Occupancy ≥ 6)

• Phone: 770-964-2244, Ext. 503

Occupational Tax / Business Licensing

• Phone: 770-964-1441
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

STR Compliance Hotline (24/7)

• Phone: (770) 738-9565
• Online complaint portal: safe.hostcompliance.com/fairburn-ga/tips

Georgia Department of Revenue (Sales & Use Tax Registration and Filing)

• Phone: 877-423-6711
• Address: 1800 Century Blvd. NE, Suite 12000, Atlanta, GA 30345
• Website: dor.georgia.gov

Fulton County Board of Health (Septic Permits)

• Phone: Contact via county environmental health division (refer to county services for current contact)
• Note: Obtain approved commercial permit for STR properties served by septic systems.

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Source Links

• Fairburn STR Landing Page and Forms: www.fairburn.com/short-term-rental-properties
• STR Owner Guidebook (April 14, 2019): www.fairburn.com/sites/default/files/uploads/ShortTermRental/fairburn_str_owner_guidebook_-april_14_2019-_final.pdf
• Notice Letter Template to Surrounding Property Owners (Nov 4, 2020): www.fairburn.com/sites/default/files/uploads/ShortTermRental/UpdatedFiles/notice_of_short_term_rental_letter_-_11.04.20.pdf
• Fairburn FAQ Page (additional departmental context): www.fairburn.com/faq

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Investor Checklist (At-a-Glance)

• Confirm zoning (AG, R-1–R-4) via Planning & Zoning.
• Schedule Building Official inspection ($50); Fire Marshal inspection if occupancy ≥ 6.
• Secure proof of insurance; prepare property layout and parking diagram.
• Obtain IRS EIN; register for Georgia Sales & Use Tax (monthly filings).
• Collect surrounding property owner notifications (10 nearest).
• Designate Local Contact Person (age 25+, 24/7 availability).
• Submit STR Business License and Sworn Acknowledgement; Occupational Tax License Application.
• Implement occupancy and parking standards; monitor 180-day cap.
• Remit 7% state Sales & Use Tax monthly; remit 3% city Hotel/Motel Tax quarterly.
• Maintain responsiveness to STR hotline complaints (two-hour window) to avoid penalties.