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

Yes. Short-term rentals are allowed in the City of Monroe subject to the requirements and standards in Chapter 22 of the City’s Code of Ordinances and the occupational tax/registration process. Investors must obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate, complete the City’s Code Compliance Verification process for STRs, and satisfy any applicable state-level obligations (Georgia hotel/motel tax and employer E‑Verify compliance where applicable).

How to Start a STR Business in Monroe, GA

1. Confirm eligibility and zoning

• Identify a property within City of Monroe limits (zoning and parcel information are required on the Code Compliance Verification form).
• Ensure the property can meet occupancy, parking, and local contact requirements (see “Specific Regulations” below).

2. Prepare application packages

• Submit a City of Monroe Occupational Tax Application indicating “Short Term Rental” as the business activity.
• Complete and submit the City’s Short-Term Rental Code Compliance Verification form.
• Prepare required submittals (see “Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines”).

3. Secure registrations and tax accounts

• Obtain and maintain a valid Georgia hotel/motel tax occupancy registration certificate for the rental property.
• Set up and comply with Georgia’s transient accommodation tax reporting if applicable.

4. Employer compliance (if applicable)

• If you employ staff and have more than 10 employees on January 1 of the year, register with and use E‑Verify; complete the Private Employer E‑Verify affidavit in the City application.
• If you have 10 or fewer employees on January 1, mark the appropriate exemption on the E‑Verify affidavit.

5. Submit, pay, and schedule

• Submit the complete application package (including notarized signatures) to the Code Department and pay required fees.
• Permit inspections are referenced in the application (Code Department may enter and inspect the property under the City Code).
• Display the approved Occupational Tax Certificate and Code Compliance Verification form on the premises as required by City Code §22-384.

6. Operate compliantly

• Maintain local contact, occupancy limits, parking documentation, and posting of required certificates on the STR premises.
• Renew occupational tax certificate annually; maintain hotel/motel tax compliance.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Core City application package:

• Completed City of Monroe Occupational Tax Application (select “Short Term Rental” under Reason for Application).
• Completed and signed Short-Term Rental Code Compliance Verification Form (with all property, owner, and local contact details; zoning; occupancy limits; parking details; parcel number; etc.).
• Diagram and photographs of the premises, including locations of designated parking spaces.
• Valid Georgia Hotel/Motel Tax Occupancy Registration Certificate for the STR property.
• Fees (as required by the City).
• Notarized signatures are required for application certification and regulation/posting acknowledgments.
• Additional required affidavits:
  • Private Employer E‑Verify Affidavit (City of Monroe; determine exemption or compliance based on employee count as of January 1).
  • Affidavit Verifying Status for City of Monroe Public Benefit Application (U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or qualified alien/non-immigrant status).
• ID copy requirement: front and back of the ID used for the affidavit.

Employer and tax setup:

• E‑Verify registration (if more than 10 employees as of January 1; see “Specific Regulations”).
• Georgia hotel/motel tax account and filings.
• NAICS code and business description must be included on the occupational tax application.
• Indications on whether a sign will be installed (a separate sign permit may be required for commercial signage).

Permits and post-issuance obligations:

• Post both the approved Occupational Tax Certificate and the Code Compliance Verification form in plain view on the STR premises (per City Code §22-384).
• Sign permit: “For Commercial Businesses, will a sign be installed on the building or property (permit required)?” If “Yes,” obtain a sign permit from the City.

Notes:

• Incomplete or incorrect applications may be rejected; applicants are responsible for ensuring all materials are submitted and that they comply with Chapter 22 (STR regulations) and all other applicable ordinances.

Specific Regulations (City of Monroe, Walton County, State of Georgia)

City of Monroe (Chapter 22 – Short-Term Rentals)

• Eligibility and local contact:
  • Owner or local property manager must reside within 50 miles of the STR.
• Occupancy limit:
  • Maximum occupants = 2 persons per bedroom + 2 additional persons (includes any owner occupants). The number of bedrooms must be specified on the verification form.
• Required submittals (per the City’s verification form):
  • Completed Occupational Tax Application.
  • Completed & Signed Code Compliance Verification Form.
  • Fees.
  • Diagram & photographs of premises (including designated parking locations).
  • Valid Hotel/Motel Tax Occupancy Registration Certificate.
• Posting requirements:
  • Copy of the approved Occupational Tax Certificate and Code Compliance Verification form must be posted in plain view for all occupants on the STR premises per Section 22-384 of the City Code.
• Inspections and compliance:
  • By signing the application, the property owner authorizes City Code Department personnel to enter and inspect the property for all purposes allowed by the City’s Code of Ordinances.
• Additional business/occupational tax considerations:
  • If a sign is installed for the STR business, a permit is required.
  • Disclosure questions and affirmations apply to the occupational tax certificate (e.g., past convictions).
  • NAICS code, business description, and business contact information are required on the occupational tax application.
• Zoning and parcel data:
  • Existing zoning and parcel number(s) must be listed on the STR verification form.
  • The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) boundary is shown on the City map; while zoning specifics are not detailed in the provided content, the DDA designation may be relevant to business operations or signage within that area.

Walton County

• No county-specific STR regulations are included in the provided content. Investors should verify whether any county-level taxes, permits, or business license requirements apply beyond the City requirements and state-level taxes.

State of Georgia (General obligations relevant to STR operators)

• Hotel/Motel Tax:
  • Georgia transient accommodation taxes apply; ensure registration, collection, and remittance with the Georgia Department of Revenue as applicable.
• Employer requirements:
  • Employers with more than 10 employees as of January 1 must register with and use the federal E‑Verify program; Georgia employers with 10 or fewer employees are exempt from E‑Verify requirements per O.C.G.A. § 13-10-90 (as referenced by the City’s affidavit form). Verify any updates with the Georgia Department of Driver Services or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

City of Monroe – Code Department / Occupational Tax

• Physical Address: PO Box 1249, Monroe, GA 30655
• Phone: 770-207-4674
• Email (as shown on application forms):
  • dchambers@monroega.gov
  • hbrookshire@monroega.gov
• Web: www.monroega.com

Department roles:

• Short-Term Rental Code Compliance Verification: Code Department
• Occupational Tax Certificate issuance and renewals: Code Department
• Sign permits (if applicable): City of Monroe (indicate on occupational tax application; then obtain separate sign permit)

Source Pages (Links)

• City of Monroe – Short-Term Rental Code Compliance Verification Form (Occupational Tax/STR): www.monroega.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/code_department/page/38855/short_term_rental_code_compliance_verification_form_occupational_tax_a.pdf
• City of Monroe – Short-Term Rental Application (duplicate version; includes mapping details): www.monroega.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/code_department/page/38855/short_term_rental.pdf
• City of Monroe Ordinance Download (PDF; includes Chapter 22 reference and Downtown Development Authority map): mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us/api/ordinanceDownload/13064/1218351/pdf?forceDownload=true

Action checklist for investors:

• Confirm the property’s zoning and parcel information with the City.
• Assign or engage a local contact within 50 miles of the property.
• Prepare all application forms and submittals; complete the required affidavits; obtain notarization.
• Secure and maintain a valid Georgia hotel/motel tax occupancy registration certificate.
• Post the approved Occupational Tax Certificate and Code Compliance Verification form on the STR premises.
• If hiring employees, verify E‑Verify obligations annually based on your January 1 headcount.
• Maintain diagrams/photographs of the premises and designated parking; ensure compliance with maximum occupancy limits.
• Renew the occupational tax certificate annually and keep all registrations current.