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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Ringgold, GA, but they are subject to specific zoning requirements and regulations. The city has established a regulatory framework for STRs, with an active ordinance (#2021-1122-01) governing their operation. While the regulatory environment is described as "low" compared to other jurisdictions, investors must navigate zoning restrictions and municipal oversight.

The city has 34 active STR listings generating significant revenue (median annual income of $31,211 per listing), indicating a viable market. However, recent council discussions show ongoing consideration of STR regulations, suggesting the regulatory landscape may continue to evolve.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Ringgold

Step 1: Zoning Compliance

• Verify zoning requirements: STRs must be located in R3 (multi-family residential) or A1 (agricultural) zoning districts
• If your property is zoned R2 (single-family residential): You will need to pursue rezoning to R3, which requires city council approval
• Recent precedent: In January 2022, the city council denied a rezoning request from R2 to R3 specifically for STR purposes, indicating council scrutiny of zoning changes for STRs

Step 2: Business Registration

• Register your business with the City of Ringgold
• Obtain necessary occupation tax certificates
• Complete required tax registrations (state and local)

Step 3: Licensing and Permits

• Check current licensing requirements: While AirROI reports low regulations, verify if any specific STR permits or licenses are required
• Fire and safety inspections: May be required depending on property type and occupancy
• Building compliance: Ensure property meets all local building codes

Step 4: Tax Obligations

• Hotel/Motel Tax: Prepare to collect and remit the hotel/motel tax (ordinance #2022-0411-01 establishes this tax)
• Income tax: Report STR income on federal and state tax returns
• Sales tax: Review state requirements for sales tax on lodging

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Based on the available information, the following requirements may apply:

City-Level Requirements

• Business License/Occupation Tax Certificate
• Zoning Compliance Documentation (proof of R3 or A1 zoning)
• Hotel/Motel Tax Registration (if applicable)
• Potential STR Permit (verify current requirements)

County-Level Requirements

• Catoosa County Business License (verify if required)
• Fire Safety Inspections (as applicable)

State-Level Requirements

• Georgia Sales Tax Registration (if required for lodging)
• State Income Tax Registration

Recommended Documentation

• Property Insurance (liability coverage for STR operations)
• STR Management Plan (guest communication, emergency procedures)
• Local Contact Information (24/7 response capability)

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City of Ringgold Regulations

Zoning Requirements:

• STRs permitted only in R3 (multi-family residential) or A1 (agricultural) zoning districts
• R2 (single-family residential) zoning does not permit STRs
• Rezoning from R2 to R3 requires city council approval (recently denied in January 2022)

Operational Requirements:

• Hotel/Motel tax collection and remittance required (Ordinance #2022-0411-01)
• Compliance with standard residential zoning regulations
• Adherence to building and fire safety codes

Regulatory Oversight:

• City council maintains authority over zoning changes
• Planning and Zoning Commission reviews development-related matters
• Potential for evolving regulations (council continues to discuss STR issues)

Catoosa County Regulations

• County-level zoning may apply to properties outside city limits
• Standard county business license requirements
• County tax assessments and collection

State of Georgia Regulations

• Georgia hospitality tax laws apply to short-term rentals
• State sales tax requirements for lodging businesses
• Georgia Fair Housing Act compliance
• State building and fire safety codes

Contact Information

City of Ringgold

Main Office:

• Address: 150 Tennessee Street, Ringgold, GA 30736
• Phone: (706) 935-3061
• Website: www.cityofringgoldga.gov

Key Departments:

• Planning & Zoning: Contact through main office
• Business Licenses: Contact through main office
• Code Enforcement: Contact through main office
• Tax Commissioner: Contact through main office

Mayor and Council:

• Mayor Nick Millwood
• City Council Members: Earl Henderson, Jake Haynes, Sara Clark, Rhonda Swaney, Kelly Bomar

Email Contact:

• General inquiries: Available through city website contact form

Catoosa County

County Administration:

• Phone: (706) 935-3030
• Address: 7966 Nashville Street, Ringgold, GA 30736
• Website: www.catoosa.com

Tax Commissioner:

• Phone: (706) 935-3541

Planning & Zoning:

• Phone: (706) 935-3026

State of Georgia

Georgia Department of Revenue:

• Website: dor.georgia.gov
• Phone: (877) 423-6711

Georgia Department of Community Affairs:

• Website: dca.ga.gov
• Phone: (404) 679-4941

Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Sources

1. City of Ringgold Public Notices - Contains ordinance #2021-1122-01 SHORT-TERM RENTALS and other relevant municipal ordinances
2. Ringgold STR News Article - January 2022 city council discussion and decision on STR zoning

Market Analysis Sources

3. AirROI Ringgold Market Report - Current market data, regulations overview, and performance metrics

Municipal Resources

4. City of Ringgold Business Portal - Business licensing and registration information
5. Ringgold Forms and Applications - Permit and license applications
6. City of Ringgold Fees - Associated costs and fee schedules

Investment Considerations

Market Performance:

• 34 active listings with strong growth (20.7% YoY)
• Median annual revenue: $31,211
• Average daily rate: $192
• Occupancy rate: 44.8%

Regulatory Risk:

• Low current regulation but active city council discussion
• Zoning restrictions limit available properties
• Potential for future regulatory changes

Recommended Due Diligence:

• Verify current zoning and STR regulations before purchase
• Consult with local planning department on specific property compliance
• Review recent city council meeting minutes for regulatory updates
• Consider engaging local legal counsel familiar with Ringgold regulations

Success Factors:

• Properties in R3 or A1 zoning districts
• Professional management and guest services
• Competitive pricing based on local market data
• Compliance with all municipal requirements

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This guide is based on publicly available information as of the most recent data provided. Regulations may change, and investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions.