Short-Term Rental Regulations Guide: Stone Mountain, GA

Executive Overview

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Stone Mountain, GA. However, the regulatory environment is complex due to the dual jurisdiction of the City of Stone Mountain and DeKalb County. Unlike some jurisdictions with blanket ordinances, Stone Mountain operates on a case-by-case basis for STR approvals, while unincorporated DeKalb County has comprehensive regulations covering STRs.

Market Context

Stone Mountain currently has approximately 511 active short-term rental listings with a median revenue of $25,425 annually, indicating a viable but carefully regulated market. This suggests investor interest exists, but operators must navigate both city and county requirements depending on property location.

Regulatory Framework: City vs. County

Stone Mountain City Regulations

Stone Mountain does not maintain a comprehensive short-term rental ordinance. Instead, the city processes STR requests through Special Use Permits (SUPs) on a case-by-case basis. This approach was demonstrated when the City Council approved a SUP for a property at 5275 West Mountain Street in April 2024.

Key City Requirements for STRs:

• Special Use Permit (SUP) required for each property
• Variance application may be needed if owner resides outside DeKalb County
• Occupancy limitations: Maximum 2 adults per stay
• Stay duration limits: Maximum 14 days per stay
• Annual inspections mandatory
• Emergency contact information must be prominently displayed
• Smoke alarms required in each bedroom

DeKalb County Regulations (Unincorporated Areas)

For properties located in unincorporated DeKalb County (outside Stone Mountain city limits), comprehensive STR regulations apply:

County Requirements:

• Definition: STRs are rentals for 30 consecutive days or less
• 8% excise tax on all short-term rentals
• Annual permit required from Business License Division
• Permits are non-transferable and location-specific
• Application requirements: Owner/property contact info, 24-hour designated agent contact, parking space details, signed acknowledgment of requirements
• Annual renewal mandatory
• Neighborhood protection: Owners must ensure guests don't disrupt neighborhood quiet enjoyment

Starting Your STR Business in Stone Mountain

Step 1: Property Location Assessment

Critical First Step: Determine whether your property is within Stone Mountain city limits or in unincorporated DeKalb County, as this dictates your regulatory pathway.

Step 2: For City Properties (Inside Stone Mountain)

Route: Special Use Permit Process

1. Pre-application consultation with City Planner Richard Edwards (contact city hall)
2. Submit SUP application to Planning & Zoning Department
3. Submit variance application if owner resides outside DeKalb County
4. Attend Planning Commission hearing (recommendation provided)
5. Attend City Council meeting for final approval
6. Comply with conditions such as emergency contact display, smoke alarms, inspections

Typical Timeline: 2-3 months for complete approval process

Step 3: For County Properties (Unincorporated Areas)

Route: Business License Division Permit

1. Contact DeKalb County Business License Division
2. Submit annual STR permit application with required documentation
3. Pay 8% excise tax
4. Renew annually

Required Documents, Permits, and Guidelines

Stone Mountain City Requirements

• Special Use Permit Application
• Variance Application (if applicable)
• Site plan showing parking and property layout
• Emergency contact information display plan
• Property insurance documentation
• Business license (if operating as commercial entity)

DeKalb County Requirements

• STR Permit Application (Business License Division)
• Owner and property contact information
• 24-hour designated agent contact details
• Parking space number and location
• Signed acknowledgment of requirements
• Payment of 8% excise tax

Operating Guidelines and Restrictions

City Properties

• Maximum occupancy: 2 adults per stay
• Maximum stay duration: 14 days
• No party houses or events permitted
• 24/7 on-call maintenance required (property management team)
• Local property manager recommended within 15-30 minutes

County Properties

• 30-day maximum stay (state definition)
• No specific occupancy limits mentioned
• Must not disrupt neighborhood quiet enjoyment
• Annual inspections required
• Guest behavior monitoring expected

Contact Information

City of Stone Mountain

Address: 875 Main St, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Phone: 770-498-8984
Fax: 770-498-8609

Key Contacts:

• City Manager (Interim): Miglena Dimov - 470-275-3025 - mdimov@stonemountaincity.org
• Planning & Zoning: Contact through main number
• Building Permits: departments/building_department/index.php

DeKalb County

Business License Division: Contact through main website
Project Manager - STR Ordinance: Racquel T. Jackson - rtjackson@dekalbcountyga.gov
Special Projects Coordinator: Yvonne Trammell - yktrammell@dekalbcountyga.gov

Financial Considerations

Tax Obligations

• City Properties: Standard property taxes, potential business license taxes
• County Properties: 8% excise tax on all STR revenues
• State Sales Tax: May apply depending on booking platform

Permit and Application Costs

• City SUP Application: Varies - contact city for current fees
• Variance Application: Additional fee if required
• County STR Permit: Contact Business License Division for fees
• Annual renewal fees for both city and county permits

Strategic Recommendations

1. Professional Management Recommended: The city case study shows preference for properties with 24/7 local management within 15-30 minutes

2. Compliance Framework: Implement comprehensive guest screening, clear house rules, and immediate response protocols for complaints

3. Insurance Considerations: Ensure adequate liability coverage for short-term rental operations

4. Neighbor Relations: Proactive communication with adjacent property owners can smooth approval process

5. Documentation: Maintain meticulous records of all permits, inspections, and guest interactions

Source Links

• DeKalb County STR Information
• DeKalb County STR Ordinance
• Stone Mountain City Forms & Applications
• Stone Mountain City Code of Ordinances
• Stone Mountain STR Case Study
• STR Profit Map - Stone Mountain

Important Note: Regulations are evolving. Both jurisdictions are actively developing STR policies, so investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions. The 180-day implementation period for DeKalb County's new ordinance suggests ongoing regulatory development that may affect future requirements.