Homer, Georgia Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Homer, GA?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Homer, Georgia, which is located within Banks County. Banks County has adopted a comprehensive short-term rental ordinance that explicitly permits STR operations subject to specific licensing, regulatory, and compliance requirements. The county requires all STR operators to obtain a license before operating, with a strict deadline for existing operations to register by September 1, 2024, to maintain legal status.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Homer?

Homer hosts earn a median $22,840/year with $131 ADR and 46% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $24,685+ per year.

See the full Homer market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Homer, GA

Starting a short-term rental business in Homer requires following a structured process governed by Banks County's STR ordinance:

1. Pre-Application Phase

Property Assessment: Ensure your property meets all minimum requirements (1000 sq ft heated space minimum, no tiny homes, only one dwelling per parcel)
Code Compliance Review: Verify the property complies with current international, state, and county building, zoning, fire prevention, and health codes
Zoning Verification: Confirm the property is zoned appropriately for STR use

2. Application Process

Complete Application: Submit a short-term rental license application to the Banks County Department of Planning and Zoning
Pay Application Fee: Include the $150 non-refundable application fee
Public Hearing: Applications are reviewed and decided upon in a public hearing with the Board of Commissioners, following a Planning Commission recommendation

3. Post-Approval Requirements

License Display: Post the rental license inside the unit
Emergency Contact Posting: Display emergency contact information and rules of conduct
Insurance Maintenance: Maintain required homeowner's insurance coverage
State Tax Registration: Register with the Georgia State Department of Revenue for tax compliance

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Licensing Requirements

Short-Term Rental License (Banks County)
- Annual renewal required
- Valid for one year only
- Non-transferable between properties or owners
- $150 annual fee (non-refundable upon rejection)
State Tax Registration (Georgia Department of Revenue)
- Required for hotel/motel tax compliance
- Subject to state and local tax obligations

Required Documentation for License Application

Property address of the STR unit
Proof of property ownership
Proof of homeowner's insurance coverage
Maximum occupancy and parking limitations documentation
24/7 contact information for STR agent/owner
Signed acknowledgment of ordinance requirements
Agreement to assure neighborhood compliance and quiet enjoyment

Technical Requirements

Operable interconnected hard-wired smoke detection system with battery backup (outside each bedroom)
Carbon monoxide detection system for units with LP or natural gas
Compliance with building, zoning, fire, health, and sanitation codes
For registered nonconforming uses: operable battery-operated smoke detectors acceptable

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Operational Definitions and Time Limits

Definition: Rental of any residential home or portion of a residential home to transient guests for no longer than 7 consecutive days
Maximum Stay: 7 consecutive days maximum per rental period

Occupancy and Parking Limits

Maximum Occupancy:

Two persons per bed plus a maximum of four bunks
Absolute maximum of 12 occupants per rental unit

Maximum Parking:

One car per bedroom plus one additional car per residence
Absolute maximum of 6 vehicles per property

Physical Property Requirements

Minimum Size: 1000 square feet of heated space (new rentals)
Structure Type: Only one dwelling per parcel (primary or rental)
Accessory Structures: No vacation rentals permitted in outbuildings or accessory structures
Prohibited Structures: No recreational vehicles, campers, tents, or temporary structures
HUD Homes: Manufactured homes (HUD approved) are allowable regardless of size
Tiny Homes: Prohibited under the ordinance

Agent Responsibilities

STR operators or agents must:

Be available 24/7 to handle problems
Post emergency contact information prominently in the unit
Accept responsibility for violation notices
Monitor compliance with ordinance requirements
Ensure use doesn't disrupt neighborhoods or interfere with neighbors' quiet enjoyment

Tax Compliance

Subject to hotel-motel tax under OCGA Section 48-13-51
Must register with Georgia State Department of Revenue
Responsible for applicable state and local taxes

Nonconforming Use Rights

Existing STRs can maintain nonconforming status if registered by September 1, 2024
Non-registered existing STRs will be treated as new uses
Relinquished or revoked nonconforming licenses cannot be reinstated

Enforcement and Penalties

Violations result in citations and fines
Multiple citations can lead to license suspension or revocation
Existing non-compliant STRs face daily fines after September 1, 2024

Contact Information for Local Authority

Banks County Planning & Zoning Department

Address: 150 Hudson Ridge, Suite 4, Homer, GA 30547
Phone: 706-677-4272
Email: PlanningOffice@co.banks.ga.us
Responsible For: STR licensing, applications, renewals, and ordinance compliance

Source Pages and Resources

Primary Regulatory Sources

Official Documents

Additional Resources

Social Media Updates

Banks County Planning Board Facebook Page

Important Notes for Investors:

The $150 application fee is non-refundable if your application is rejected
All new applications require public hearing approval
Existing operators must register by September 1, 2024, to maintain legal operations
Annual license renewal is mandatory for continued operation
Properties must maintain continuous compliance with all technical and operational requirements

Next step

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Ask the AI Advisor about Homer

Homer is a small, unhurried town in northeastern Georgia, serving as the county seat of Banks County. With a population of roughly 1,100 residents, it has the character of a traditional Southern county seat — tree-lined streets, a compact historic core, and a strong sense of agricultural heritage. The community sits in the Georgia Piedmont on the southern edge of the Appalachian foothills, and its quiet rural setting makes it a natural jumping-off point for travelers exploring the broader northeast Georgia region. Homer lies about 70 miles northeast of Atlanta, placing it within a comfortable drive of the metro area while feeling a world away in pace and atmosphere.

One of the closest major draws to Homer is Lake Lanier, a sprawling reservoir created by Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River. The lake is one of the largest in the Southeast and supports a wide range of recreation, including boating, fishing, swimming, and lakeside camping at its many parks and marinas. From Homer, the lake's southern reaches are roughly 30 to 40 minutes west, making day trips easy and giving visitors access to waterfront dining, beaches, and on-water activities without a long commute.

A little farther south, about 45 minutes from Homer, the college town of Athens offers a distinct contrast. Home to the University of Georgia, Athens is well known for its lively music scene, historic downtown, antebellum architecture, and a deep roster of restaurants, breweries, and galleries. Visitors coming from Homer often spend a day wandering the tree-shaded streets around the university, browsing the local boutiques, and sampling the food scene that has earned the city a reputation as one of Georgia's most rewarding cultural stops.

To the north of Homer, the terrain rises into the foothills of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, a vast protected landscape of hardwood ridges, waterfalls, and trout streams. Within about an hour's drive, travelers can reach trailheads, scenic byways, and small mountain towns that showcase the more rugged side of north Georgia. The proximity to these national forests gives Homer an easy hook for guests interested in hiking, leaf-peeping in autumn, or simply escaping into cooler, higher-elevation air during the summer months.

Homer's appeal as a short-term-rental base comes from the combination of a genuine small-town setting and surprisingly easy access to a wide mix of regional experiences. Guests can spend a morning on Lake Lanier, an afternoon exploring Athens, and a full day hiking in the national forests, all while returning in the evening to a quieter, more affordable corner of Georgia. For travelers who want the space and calm of rural north Georgia without giving up proximity to lakes, college-town culture, and mountain scenery, Homer offers an unusually well-rounded home base.

Homer, Georgia

Challenging To Investors

STR Regulations for Homer, Georgia