Kennesaw, Georgia Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Kennesaw, Georgia, but the city has implemented strict regulations that significantly limit investment opportunities. Kennesaw recently approved its own short-term rental ordinance in July 2025, making it one of the most restrictive markets in the region. The city will begin accepting applications on October 1, 2025, with a maximum of 150 licenses issued across the entire city and a 250-foot buffer requirement between properties.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Kennesaw?

Kennesaw hosts earn a median $34,412/year with $186 ADR and 62% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $47,176+ per year.

See the full Kennesaw market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Kennesaw

Step 1: Verify Property Eligibility

Zoning Requirements: Your property must be located in single-family residentially-zoned areas
Buffer Compliance: Your property must be at least 250 feet from any other licensed short-term rental
Ownership Limits: You are limited to a maximum of two licenses per property owner

Step 2: Prepare for Application Launch

Application Timeline: Kennesaw begins accepting applications October 1, 2025
Current License Cap: Only 150 licenses will be issued citywide
Existing Operations: Currently operating STRs have 90 days to provide tax records and are exempt from new requirements if owned by the current homeowner

Step 3: Submit Application and Fees

Application Fee: $250 (significantly higher than Cobb County's $55)
Required Documentation: Complete city application with all required information
Annual Renewal: Applications must be resubmitted annually

Step 4: Ensure Tax Compliance

Hotel/Motel Taxes: Collect and remit all required state and local taxes
Tourism Fees: Pay any applicable tourism fees as prescribed by law
Platform Collection: If using Airbnb/VRBO, verify automatic tax collection and remittance

Required Documents, Permits, and Guidelines

Kennesaw City Requirements

Primary Requirements:

Kennesaw Short-Term Rental License (starts October 1, 2025)
Application fee: $250
Property must be single-family residential zoned
Must maintain 250-foot buffer from other STRs
Maximum 2 licenses per owner
Compliance with code enforcement requirements

Documentation Needed:

Property ownership verification
Zoning confirmation
Tax records (for existing operations seeking exemption)
Property address and description
Contact information for property owner/agent

Cobb County Requirements (If Applicable)

Since Kennesaw is within Cobb County, some county regulations may still apply:

Cobb County Short-Term Rental Certificate:

Annual application fee: $55
Separate certificate required for each STR property
Certificate expires December 31 annually
Property must be zoned Residential (R)
Commercial (C) zoning prohibited

Required Information for County Certificate:

Owner(s) name, address, telephone, email
Property address
Short-term rental agent contact information
Agent's sworn acknowledgment of regulations
Number and location of parking spaces

State of Georgia Requirements

Hotel/Motel tax collection and remittance
State and local lodging taxes
Tourism fees as applicable

Specific Regulations

Kennesaw City Regulations (2025 Ordinance)

Licensing Limits:

Maximum 150 licenses citywide
Maximum 2 licenses per property owner
250-foot buffer between properties

Zoning Restrictions:

Single-family residential zones only
Multi-family and commercial properties prohibited
Buffer zones strictly enforced

Existing Operations:

90-day grace period to provide tax records
Grandfathered from buffer and license caps if owned by current homeowner
Must be properly owned and maintained

Enforcement:

Code enforcement division handles compliance
Subject to city noise and disturbance ordinances
Violations subject to city penalties

Timeline:

Application period opens: October 1, 2025
Initial review: Spring 2026 after enforcement data collected
Ordinance subject to review and potential modification

Cobb County Regulations (Chapter 78)

Property Requirements:

Must be zoned Residential (R)
Commercial (C) properties prohibited
Each property requires separate certificate

Operational Requirements:

Maximum rental period: 30 consecutive days
Certificate must be displayed
Local agent required and designated
Parking requirements must be met

Penalties:

First violation: $500
Second violation: $750
Third violation: Certificate revocation and 12-month ban
Each day of unpermitted operation constitutes separate violation

Tax Obligations:

Hotel/motel taxes must be collected and remitted
State and local lodging taxes apply
Tourism fees as required by law
Owner/agent responsible for ensuring compliance

Contact Information

Kennesaw City Government

Business License Division:

Address: City Hall, Kennesaw, GA
Application period begins: October 1, 2025
Phone: (Contact city hall for specific department number)

Code Enforcement:

Handles compliance issues and complaints
Subject to city ordinances

City Council Contact:

Email: kennesawcouncil@kennesaw-ga.gov
Address: Kennesaw City Hall

Cobb County Government

Business License Division:

Address: 1150 Powder Springs St, Ste 400, Marietta, GA 30064
Email: comdev@cobbcounty.gov

Code Enforcement:

Phone: (770) 528-2180
Non-Emergency Police: (770) 499-3900
Email: codeenforcement@cobbcounty.gov
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 649, Marietta, GA 30061

Source Links

Important Considerations for Investors

Market Limitations:

Only 150 licenses available citywide
Buffer requirements significantly reduce available properties
Existing 70+ operations may occupy prime locations
City's review scheduled for Spring 2026 may result in further restrictions

Investment Strategy:

Properties must be in single-family zones
Consider proximity to attractions (Kennesaw Mountain, downtown, KSU)
Factor in $250 application fee plus annual renewal costs
Plan for compliance monitoring and enforcement

Risk Factors:

Ordinance subject to modification after 6-month review period
Buffer requirements may change
City may implement additional restrictions
Competitive limited license market

Success Factors:

Focus on prime locations near attractions
Ensure excellent guest experiences to avoid violations
Maintain strong relationships with neighbors
Stay informed about city council discussions and potential changes

Next step

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Ask the AI Advisor about Kennesaw

Kennesaw sits in the rolling foothills of northwest Georgia, in Cobb County, with a population of approximately 34,000 residents. The city carries a small-town character that feels removed from the bustle of metro Atlanta, even though it lies only about 25 miles northwest of the state's largest city. Best known as the gateway to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, the community blends preserved Civil War history with a walkable downtown, family-friendly parks, and a steady flow of visitors drawn to its hiking trails and museums. Its position just off Interstate 75 makes it a convenient base for travelers exploring the wider Atlanta metro or heading north toward the Appalachians.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park anchors the city's identity, preserving the site of a major 1864 engagement during the Atlanta Campaign. The park spans more than 2,900 acres and includes roughly 18 miles of trails, the most popular of which climbs to the summit of Kennesaw Mountain, where visitors are rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. From the city center, the main visitor area is about a ten-minute drive, and the park is open year-round, offering an accessible blend of history and outdoor recreation for both casual visitors and dedicated hikers.

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, located just off Main Street in Kennesaw's downtown, houses one of the South's most significant collections of railroad artifacts. The museum's centerpiece is "The General," the locomotive famously stolen by Union spies during the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862, and the building also features exhibits on Civil War-era railroading and local history. It sits within easy walking distance of many of the city's restaurants and shops, making it a natural anchor for a slow-paced day spent exploring the historic core.

Downtown Kennesaw itself rewards a more leisurely visit, with a compact historic district that includes the restored 1887 Kennesaw Depot, a cluster of locally owned restaurants and antique stores, and Depot Park, where the city hosts a regular farmers market and seasonal events. The walkable streets and shaded squares give the area a quaint Main Street feel that contrasts pleasantly with the surrounding suburban development, and most points of interest sit within a few blocks of one another.

With its combination of nationally significant history, accessible outdoor space, and proximity to both Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the attractions of the capital city, Kennesaw offers short-term rental owners a reliable year-round audience of history-minded travelers, hikers, families visiting Kennesaw State University, and road-trippers passing through the Southeast. The city's walkable downtown, abundance of nearby dining, and easy access to both mountain scenery and big-city amenities make it an inviting home base for a wide range of visitors.