Savannah, Georgia Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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

YES, short-term rentals are allowed in Savannah, GA, but with significant restrictions and requirements. The City of Savannah explicitly permits short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) within designated overlay districts, but operates under a highly regulated framework designed to balance tourism economic benefits with neighborhood preservation.

STVRs are defined as accommodations where residential dwelling units are provided for lodging to transient guests in exchange for compensation, with stays not exceeding 30 consecutive days. The city has implemented a comprehensive regulatory system that includes geographic limitations, per-ward caps, strict occupancy limits, mandatory registration, and extensive operational requirements.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Savannah?

Savannah hosts earn a median $51,258/year with $256 ADR and 65% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $75,182+ per year.

See the full Savannah market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Savannah

Step 1: Verify Zoning Eligibility

Before proceeding, confirm your property location within the STVR Overlay District, which includes:

Downtown Historic District (all wards)
Victorian Historic District (all wards)
Streetcar Historic District (formerly Mid-City)

Properties outside these districts are not eligible for STVR operation. For zoning confirmation and off-street parking requirement verification since NEWZO implementation (September 1, 2019), request a Zoning Confirmation Letter for $50.00.

Step 2: Determine Ward Status and Cap Limitations

Critical limitation: All wards in both Downtown and Victorian Historic Districts have reached the 20% cap for non-owner occupied STVRs. This means:

Owner-occupied properties remain eligible (exempt from cap)
Non-owner occupied properties face a complete moratorium in capped wards
Waiting list available for non-owner occupied properties

If applying for a non-owner occupied STVR in a capped ward, submit the STVR Waiting List Form. The city maintains this list on a first-come, first-served basis and will contact applicants when ward openings occur.

Step 3: Navigate Application Requirements for Streetcar District

Properties in the Streetcar District with TN-2 zoning must meet additional requirements:

Property must contain two or more dwelling units
One unit must be owner-occupied
This requirement applies regardless of cap status

Step 4: Complete Application Process

All applications must be submitted through the STVR Registration Portal. The application is the only method for new STVR certificates and rental agent changes.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Core Documents and Permits

STVR Certificate (mandatory for operation)
Proof of Insurance (must indicate premise used as short-term vacation rental)
Exemplar Rental Agreement (posted in property and provided in all advertisements)
Zoning Confirmation Letter ($50 fee, recommended for properties near district boundaries)

Application-Specific Requirements

Adjacent Property Owner Notification for new applications
- Must notify all adjacent property owners prior to certificate issuance
- Required information: property address, parking location, occupancy limits, rental agreement copy, owner and agent contact information
Condominium Documentation (if applicable)
- Copy of condominium declaration permitting leasing for less than 30 days
- Or declaration with no STR prohibitions

Financial Requirements

New Application Fee: $400.00 (non-refundable)
Annual Renewal Fee: $250.00 (non-refundable)
Zoning Confirmation Letter: $50.00 (if requested)

Tax Registration and Compliance

State and local hotel/motel tax registration and remittance
Sales tax registration and compliance
Local occupancy tax compliance

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Savannah, GA

Geographic and Zoning Restrictions

Limited to STVR Overlay District (Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar Historic Districts)
Historic zoning takes precedence over NEWZO (effective September 1, 2019)
Residential overlay maps available through city's GIS system

Per-Ward Cap System

20% cap on non-owner occupied parcels in Downtown and Victorian Districts
Owner-occupied properties exempt from cap calculations
All wards currently at cap capacity for non-owner occupied STVRs
Waiting list maintained for non-owner occupied applications

Occupancy Limits

2-bedroom units or fewer: Maximum 4 adults
3+ bedrooms: Maximum 2 adults per bedroom
Bedroom compliance verification by Zoning Administrator
Guest acknowledgment required for occupancy and parking requirements

Operational Requirements

Certificate number must appear in all advertisements and listings
Exemplar rental agreement must be posted in the property
24/7 agent availability required
Owner must notify city within 5 business days of agent changes

Certificate Transfer and Grandfathering

Certificates are non-transferable
Pre-existing certificates (before September 28, 2017) are grandfathered and can be renewed
Title transfers of grandfathered properties: new application allowed within 6 months without cap denial
Post-September 28, 2017 applications subject to cap limitations

Related Lodging Classifications

Bed and Breakfast Homestay: Room rental within owner-occupied dwelling
Bed and Breakfast: 2-5 rooms rental
Inn: 6-15 rooms with owner-occupancy or 24/7 onsite management

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact

Bridget Lidy, Director Planning and Urban Design Department

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1027
Savannah, GA 31402

Office Location: 20 Interchange Drive, Administration Building
Savannah, GA 31415

Phone: 912-651-3108
Email: planning@savannahga.gov

Services:

On-site drop box available
Zoning questions and confirmations
Application assistance

Complaint Reporting

24/7 Hotline: 912-226-0320
Online Complaint Portal: Vacation Rental Complaint Portal (link available through city website)

Department Hours

Standard city business hours (specific times not provided in content)

Source Links

Additional Resources

Exemplar Rental Agreement Template: Available through city document center
STVR Waiting List Form: Available through city forms center
Planning and Urban Design Staff Contact: www.savannahga.gov/1127/Zoning-Staff-Contact-Information

Related Ordinances

Bed and Breakfast Homestay: online.encodeplus.com/regs/savannah-ga/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-5979
Bed and Breakfast: online.encodeplus.com/regs/savannah-ga/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-5980
Inn Regulations: online.encodeplus.com/regs/savannah-ga/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-6110

This guide represents the comprehensive regulatory framework for short-term rentals in Savannah, GA as of the provided content. Given the complexity and frequent updates to local regulations, investors should verify current requirements with the Planning and Urban Design Department before making investment decisions or beginning application processes.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Savannah

Savannah is a historic coastal city in southeastern Georgia and serves as the seat of Chatham County. With an approximate population of 150,000, it is one of the oldest cities in the American South, founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe. The city is best known for its oak-shaded squares, moss-draped live oaks, restored antebellum architecture, and a walkable historic core that draws visitors year-round. Savannah also functions as a gateway to the Georgia Sea Islands and the state's Atlantic coastline, offering a rare blend of deep history and laid-back coastal living. It lies roughly 240 miles southeast of Atlanta, about a four-hour drive through the rolling Georgia piedmont, and sits about two hours south of Charleston, South Carolina.

At the heart of the city is the Savannah Historic District and Forsyth Park, a 30-acre green space anchored by a white cast-iron fountain installed in 1858. Framed by grand mansions and shaded by towering oaks, the park and surrounding blocks of restored townhouses are the visual signature of the city, and they sit within easy walking distance of most downtown lodging. Just south of downtown, the Wormsloe Historic Site preserves a colonial estate where a nearly mile-long avenue of live oaks leads visitors to the tabby ruins of the original 1739 home, offering one of the most photographed approaches in the region.

About 20 minutes east of the city center, Tybee Island marks the northern end of the Georgia coast. A small barrier community with five miles of public beach, a 19th-century lighthouse, and a relaxed seafood-and-sand character, it is a frequent day trip for Savannah visitors and a natural complement to the city's historic appeal. Closer to town, Fort Pulaski National Monument lies between Savannah and Tybee on Cockspur Island, where Union forces demonstrated the power of rifled artillery during the Civil War. The well-preserved brick fortification, surrounding marshlands, and short trails make it a popular half-day stop about a 20-minute drive from downtown.

Northwest of the city, Skidaway Island State Park offers a quieter nature experience with maritime forest, salt marsh boardwalks, and a chance to spot wading birds, all within roughly 25 minutes of the Historic District. For a different kind of cultural pull, Bonaventure Cemetery on the city's east side has become a destination in its own right, known for its Victorian statuary, massive oaks, and views across the Wilmington River.

For short-term rental operators, Savannah pairs year-round tourism drivers with a compact geography that makes almost every attraction a short drive away. Historic weddings, weekend escapes from Atlanta and Charleston, beach extensions to Tybee, and a steady calendar of festivals and conventions give the market consistent demand, while the city's preserved architecture and canopy of oaks provide a setting that visitors consistently return to.