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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Locust Grove, GA, but they are subject to specific municipal regulations that were enacted in December 2022. The City of Locust Grove has established a comprehensive ordinance that requires strict compliance with permitting, inspection, and advertising requirements for all short-term rental properties operating within city limits.

Short-term rentals in Locust Grove are defined as residential properties available for lease on online platforms (such as Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) for periods typically less than 30 days. The city has implemented a permitting system that requires each individual property to obtain its own permit, with all inspections conducted by city inspectors and specific advertising requirements mandating the display of occupational tax license numbers in all promotional materials.

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

Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance

Before proceeding with any STR operation, confirm that your property is located within Locust Grove city limits and is zoned appropriately for residential short-term rental use. Henry County ordinances do not apply within city limits, so municipal regulations govern all STR activities within Locust Grove.

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

• City Short-Term Rental Permit: Each STR property must obtain its own dedicated permit from the City of Locust Grove
• Occupational Tax License: Required from the city, with the license number prominently displayed in all advertisements
• Henry County Business License: If operating in unincorporated Henry County areas (note: this does not apply within Locust Grove city limits)

Step 3: Prepare for Inspections

All properties must be inspected by city inspectors before receiving permits. Ensure your property meets all safety, health, and zoning requirements prior to scheduling inspection appointments.

Step 4: Establish Compliance Systems

• Designate a local contact available 24/7 for emergency situations and neighbor concerns
• Implement parking management systems that comply with municipal limits
• Develop advertising strategies that include required license information

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Requirements (City of Locust Grove):

1. Short-Term Rental Property Permit

   • Application must be submitted for each individual property
   • Required for all STR operations within city limits

2. Occupational Tax Business License

   • Must be obtained from city authorities
   • License number must be displayed in all online and print advertisements
   • Subject to renewal requirements

3. Property Inspection Clearance

   • All inspections conducted by certified city inspectors
   • Properties must meet all safety and zoning standards
   • Re-inspections may be required for permit renewals

Henry County Requirements (for reference, does not apply within Locust Grove city limits):

1. County Occupational Tax License

   • Cost: $60 base fee plus percentage of gross receipts
   • Issued by Henry County Tax Commissioner's Office
   • Required for STRs in unincorporated county areas

2. Local Contact Designation

   • 24/7 availability requirement
   • Must be able to respond to neighbor concerns and emergencies

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Locust Grove Regulations:

Permitting and Licensing:

• Individual permits required for each STR property
• Occupational tax license number must be posted in all advertisements
• Permit renewals subject to compliance verification

Inspection Requirements:

• All properties must pass city inspector evaluations
• Inspections cover safety, health, and zoning compliance
• Re-inspection requirements for permit renewals

Advertising Standards:

• Occupational tax license number display mandatory in all promotional materials
• Compliance with Truth in Advertising laws

Henry County Regulations (for unincorporated areas):

Property Use Restrictions:

• Prohibits leasing STRs for party hosting purposes
• Residential use limitations apply to all STR operations

Operational Requirements:

• 24/7 local contact designation mandatory
• Contact must be available to address neighbor concerns and emergencies

Parking Limitations:

• Maximum parking: One vehicle per bedroom, OR
• Parking limited to what can be accommodated in garage, carport, or driveway
• Street parking restrictions may apply

Business License Requirements:

• Base fee: $60 plus percentage of estimated gross receipts
• Annual renewal required
• Issued through Tax Commissioner's Office

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Locust Grove (Primary Authority for City Properties)

• Website: locustgrove-ga.gov
• Municipal Information: Available through city website
• Permit Applications: Contact city offices directly through official website

Henry County Authorities (For Reference - Does Not Apply Within City Limits)

• Tax Commissioner's Office: Issues county business licenses
• Website: henrycountytax.com
• Phone: Contact through tax commissioner's office website

Important Regulatory Notes

Jurisdictional Boundaries: Henry County ordinances explicitly do not apply within city limits. Properties located within Locust Grove city boundaries are governed solely by municipal regulations, while properties in unincorporated Henry County are subject to county ordinances.

Party House Restrictions: While Henry County regulations specifically prohibit party hosting at STRs, Locust Grove's municipal code may have different or additional provisions. Investors should verify specific party-related restrictions with city authorities.

Inspection Authority: City inspectors have primary authority for all STR properties within Locust Grove. Property owners must ensure compliance with city inspection schedules and requirements.

Source References

1. Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Locust Grove Ordinance Regulates Rentals
2. The Henry Reporter - Henry County Adopts Short-Term Rental Ordinance
3. Henry Herald - Henry County Board Approves Short-Term Rental Ordinance
4. City of Locust Grove - Code of Ordinances

Disclaimer: This guide is based on information available as of the sources cited. Investors should verify current regulations with official city authorities before making investment decisions, as ordinances may be amended or updated.