As your trusted partner in STR compliance, we want to address some recent confusion regarding Gilmer County’s Short-Term Rental Host License ordinance. We’ve noticed that there are multiple versions circulating online, and we’re here to set the record straight.
📄 Access the Official Ordinance
First and foremost, to ensure you’re working with the correct information, you can access the current official ordinance here: Official Gilmer County STR Ordinance
⚠️ Important Note: As of this writing, Gilmer County’s website still links to a previous version of the ordinance. Planning and Zoning confirmed that the version linked above is the one that was officially adopted, and they’ve already requested the county’s website be updated. It’s a known issue on their end as well, and they understand it’s frustrating for everyone trying to stay compliant.
The Correct Ordinance: What You Need to Know
The official and current STR ordinance for Gilmer County is comprehensive and includes several crucial requirements that every STR owner must understand and implement. Here are the key components:
1. License Requirements
- Every STR property must have a valid short-term rental host license
- Property management companies must maintain a valid occupational tax certificate
- Licenses expire on December 31st each year and require annual renewal
- Licenses are non-transferable
2. Critical Safety Requirements
- Mandatory safety inspections by qualified professionals
- Specific smoke detector requirements for all sleeping areas
- Fire extinguisher requirements (2A:10BC/5lb.) for every level
- Proper electrical safety measures, including GFCI protection
- Clear exit and egress requirements
3. 24/7 Responsible Party Requirements
- Must be available 24/7
- Required to respond within 4 hours to complaints
- Contact information must be prominently displayed in the rental
- Annual Good Neighbor Notification to properties within 250 feet
4. Property Documentation Requirements
- Posted floor plans showing fire exits and escape routes
- Clearly visible 911 address posting
- Comprehensive house rules
- Parking regulations
- Quiet hours observation
- Emergency contact information
5. Insurance and Tax Compliance
- Adequate property and STR liability insurance
- Proper hotel/motel tax collection and remittance
- License number must be included in all advertisements
Enforcement and Compliance
The ordinance establishes a clear violation process:
- Written warning with 30 days to correct
- Citation with fines if not corrected
- Potential 30-day license suspension
- Possible 12-month suspension
- Risk of permanent ban for continued non-compliance
How Georgia STR Compliance Can Help
As your dedicated STR compliance partner, we offer comprehensive solutions to make compliance simple and stress-free:
✓ Complete Safety Inspection & Installation Services
- Professional safety inspections performed by our qualified team
- Installation of required fire extinguishers (2A:10BC/5lb.), if needed
- Installation and placement of code-compliant smoke detectors, as required
- Full documentation of inspections and installations
- Follow-up on any additional required modifications
✓ Documentation Management
- Preparation of all required forms
- Organization of necessary permits
- Regular updates and renewal reminders
✓ 24/7 Local Contact Services for the 4-hour local contact requirement
- Professional response team available 24/7
- Guaranteed 4-hour response time to all complaints
- Detailed incident reporting and resolution
- Monthly subscription service for ongoing peace of mind
- Compliant with Gilmer County’s responsible party requirements
✓ Good Neighbor Notification System
- Timely distribution of required notices
- Documentation of all communications
- Updates when contact information changes
✓ Ongoing Compliance Monitoring
- Regular compliance checks
- Updates on ordinance changes
- Renewal deadline reminders
Don’t Risk Non-Compliance
Operating under outdated or incorrect ordinance information can put your STR business at risk. With fines, suspensions, and even permanent bans at stake, professional compliance management isn’t just helpful – it’s essential.
Ready to Ensure Your Compliance?
Contact Georgia STR Compliance today to:
- Schedule your professional safety inspection
- Get a quote for required safety equipment installation
- Learn about our monthly local contact service rates
- Discuss our comprehensive compliance solutions
📞 Call us for immediate assistance
📧 Email for detailed information
Remember: The key to successful STR operation is staying informed and compliant with current regulations. Let us handle the compliance details while you focus on growing your business.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. While Georgia STR Compliance, LLC strives to keep the information up to date and correct (even when others don’t 😉), we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information contained in this article.
Unlike certain county websites we know, we update our information regularly. However, any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. In no event will Georgia STR Compliance, LLC be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this information.
Pro tip: If you’ve been following the “evolution” of this ordinance (and by evolution, we mean the countless versions that have appeared and disappeared faster than a mountain sunrise), you know why professional compliance assistance is valuable. We keep track of the changes so you don’t have to play “Spot the Difference” with ordinance versions.
The ordinance requirements mentioned in this article are subject to change (as history has shown us, repeatedly 🙃). We recommend contacting Georgia STR Compliance, LLC directly for the most current information and professional assistance with your short-term rental compliance needs.
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