Locust Grove, Georgia Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Locust Grove?

Locust Grove hosts earn a median $34,755/year with $184 ADR and 67% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $41,578+ per year.

See the full Locust Grove market breakdown

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):

Short-Term Rental Property Permit
- Application must be submitted for each individual property
- Required for all STR operations within city limits
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
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):

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
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

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.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Locust Grove

Locust Grove is a small city in Henry County, Georgia, situated in the southern reaches of the Atlanta metropolitan area. With a population of approximately 5,600, it carries the feel of a growing commuter suburb that has retained a quieter, small-town rhythm. The city sits along Interstate 75, roughly 35 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta, making it a convenient stopover for travelers heading between Atlanta and Macon and a natural base for visitors exploring the southern suburbs and the rolling piedmont beyond. Locust Grove is best known regionally as a shopping and outlet destination, and as a jumping-off point for a handful of parks, racing venues, and animal sanctuaries scattered through Henry and surrounding counties.

For travelers who define a getaway by retail, Tanger Outlets Locust Grove is the city's marquee draw, with dozens of brand-name stores clustered in an open-air center just off the interstate. Shoppers can spend a full day browsing footwear, apparel, and home goods before walking back to a rental in the evening. The outlet is roughly minutes from anywhere in Locust Grove, and a short drive south of Atlanta. Further south along I-75, the same corridor draws visitors to Atlanta Motor Speedway in nearby Hampton, about 15 miles north of Locust Grove. The 1.54-mile quad-oval hosts NASCAR Cup Series races, weekend events, and touring car competitions, and the speedway's calendar alone can fill a weekend for motorsport fans.

A different kind of attraction sits much closer to town. Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary is a rescue and rehabilitation facility in Locust Grove that houses lions, tigers, bears, primates, and a menagerie of farm and exotic animals that have been surrendered, confiscated, or retired from other settings. The sanctuary offers guided tours and educational visits by appointment and has long been one of Henry County's most distinctive family-friendly stops. It is only a short drive from the city center.

Outdoor recreation lies within easy reach in several directions. High Falls State Park, centered on a broad stretch of the Towaliga River and a small lake with a waterfall namesake, is roughly 30 minutes north of Locust Grove and offers camping, fishing, a swimming beach, and miles of wooded trails. Closer still, Indian Springs State Park in Flovilla is about 20 minutes southwest, where mineral-rich springs, a lake, a museum, and shaded picnic areas make it a popular day-use destination.

Locust Grove's appeal as a short-term rental base comes from this convenient blend: easy interstate access to Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, walkable and quick errands around the outlet, and a surprisingly varied spread of family attractions, racing, and state parks all within a half-hour drive. The city gives visitors a calmer, more affordable alternative to staying in Atlanta itself while keeping the metro's dining, sports, and entertainment within a comfortable day's reach.