Overview

Short-term rentals are allowed in McDonough, GA, but regulations vary depending on whether your property is located within the city limits of McDonough or in unincorporated Henry County.

Properties located within unincorporated Henry County must comply with the county's short-term rental ordinance (Henry County Ordinance 3-3-Article VII), which requires an Occupational Tax Certificate to operate. However, county ordinances do not apply within city limits, so properties within McDonough city limits may be subject to different regulations at the city or state level.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Step 1: Determine Your Property's Jurisdiction

• If your property is in unincorporated Henry County: Follow Henry County's licensing process
• If your property is within McDonough city limits: Contact McDonough City Hall for specific city requirements

Step 2: For Properties in Unincorporated Henry County

1. Pre-Application Meeting

   • Contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 770-288-7526 to schedule a due diligence meeting
   • Discuss zoning compliance and property-specific requirements

2. Property Preparation

   • Conduct building inspection with licensed inspector
   • Ensure property meets all building and life safety codes
   • Prepare required documentation

3. Application Submission

   • Complete Short-Term Rental Application
   • Submit online through Henry County's portal or in person
   • Include all required documents (see below)

4. Approval Process

   • Application reviewed by multiple departments
   • Upon approval, receive email with payment instructions
   • Pay Occupational Tax Certificate fee
   • Receive certificate via email

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documents for Unincorporated Henry County Properties:

1. Short-Term Rental Application (completed and notarized)

2. Local Emergency Contact Information

   • Must reside within 20 miles of the property
   • Copy of driver's license required
   • 24-hour availability required

3. Property Information

   • Number of bedrooms and square footage of each room
   • Date of first rental
   • Property address and parcel ID

4. Notifications

   • Proof of notification to all property owners within 300 feet
   • Include local emergency contact information
   • Use QPublic Schneider Corp for property owner information

5. HOA Documentation

   • Letter from HOA allowing short-term rental OR
   • Proof that no HOA exists

6. Building Compliance

   • Signed Affidavit from licensed Building Inspector
   • Copy of Building Inspector's state license/certificate
   • Building inspection report

7. Business Structure Documentation

   • For LLCs/Inc: Updated paperwork from Georgia Secretary of State
   • Property owner must be listed on LLC or Inc documents

8. Legal Status Affidavit

   • Completed per Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act
   • Includes citizenship verification or alien registration documentation

9. Private Employer Affidavit

   • Required per O.C.G.A. § 36-60-6(d)
   • Federal work authorization verification if applicable

10. Additional Requirements

    • Copy of rental brochure
    • Parking plan (per ordinance requirements)
    • Business plan with estimated gross receipts

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Henry County (Unincorporated Areas)

Key Requirements:

• Must obtain Occupational Tax Certificate before operating
• Property must comply with Henry County Ordinance 3-3-Article VII
• Local emergency contact required (must live within 20 miles)
• Building inspection and life safety compliance required
• Parking limitations: One car per bedroom or parking capacity of driveway/garage

Prohibited Activities:

• Hosting parties at the property
• Any use that constitutes a nuisance to surrounding neighborhood
• Use that changes residential character of dwelling

Tax Obligations:

• 8% monthly Hotel/Motel excise tax
• Payment due by 20th of following month
• Must report gross receipts monthly, even if zero
• Failure to submit monthly tax can result in license suspension

Business License Fees:

• Base fee: $60 plus percentage of estimated gross receipts
• Certificate renewable annually (expires December 31)

McDonough City Limits

No specific city ordinances for short-term rentals were found in the provided content. Properties within McDonough city limits are not subject to Henry County's STR ordinances and would be governed by:

1. State of Georgia regulations
2. Any applicable McDonough city ordinances (contact city hall for specifics)

State of Georgia

As of the latest available information, Georgia maintains a relatively landlord-friendly environment with minimal state-level restrictions on short-term rentals. However, investors should verify current state regulations as laws may change.

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Henry County Tax Commissioner

• Address: 140 Henry Parkway, McDonough, GA 30253
• Phone: 770-288-8180 (Option 5)
• Website: henrycountytax.com
• Office Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday

Planning and Zoning Department (Due Diligence Meetings)

• Phone: 770-288-7526

Building Department

• Contact: Through Planning and Zoning Department for inspection requirements

McDonough City Hall (for properties within city limits)

Specific contact information not provided in source content. Verify with local resources.

Important Deadlines and Compliance Notes

• Application Deadline: All applications expire 60 days from submission date
• Certificate Start Date: Begins on application date
• Certificate Renewal: January 1st of each year
• Monthly Tax Payment: Due by 20th of each month for prior month's gross receipts
• Building Inspection: Required before certificate issuance

Source Links

1. Henry County Tax Commissioner - Short-Term Rental Information
2. Henry County Short-Term Rental Application
3. Henry County Short-Term Rental Application - Building Inspection Report
4. Henry County Hotel-Motel Occupancy Tax Return Form
5. Henry County Online Application Portal
6. QPublic Schneider Corp - Henry County Property Search
7. Henry County Code of Ordinances - Sec. 3-3-Article VII
8. Henry County adopts short-term rental ordinance
9. Henry County Board of Commissioners approves short-term rental ordinance

This guide is based on information available as of the knowledge cutoff date and may be subject to change. Always verify current regulations with local authorities before investing.