Savannah

Overlay district

Short-term vacation rentals are permitted within the short-term vacation rental overlay district, which includes the Downtown, Victorian and Streetcar local historic districts.[1, 7] For zoning and parking questions, the city asks you to request a Zoning Confirmation Letter, which has a $50 request fee.[2]

Ward cap

Since Sept 29, 2017, rentals the owner doesn't live in are limited to 20% of residential parcels per ward in the Downtown and Victorian districts.[2, 7] Owners who want a certificate in a capped ward can submit the city's waitlist form, and the city contacts them when a spot opens.[2] Renewals of certificates issued before Sept 28, 2017 can't be denied for the cap, and a new owner gets the same treatment only by applying within six months of the title transfer.[2, 4]

Streetcar district

In the Streetcar district, rentals on TN-2 parcels need an owner-occupied unit.[2, 7] The zoning code states this two ways: one section says two or more dwelling units with one owner-occupied, and another says one dwelling per parcel with an owner-occupied principal unit.[7]

Owner holds the certificate

The application comes from the owner of record, is made under oath, and you need a Business Tax Certificate from the Revenue Department before the city issues the certificate.[3, 4] No certificate can be transferred or used by anyone other than the person it was issued to.[4]

If you're the operator

If you aren't the owner, the owner holds the certificate and you can serve as the designated agent, who must be a natural person over age 18.[4] Managing a rental for an owner for pay may need a Georgia real estate license, since the Real Estate Commission's rules count property management services as a brokerage engagement.[8]

Application papers

File a sworn code compliance form, a written exemplar rental agreement, proof of current ownership, and proof of insurance that says the premises are used as a short-term vacation rental.[4] The agent must also certify in writing that they will perform the agent's duties.[4] Condos must file a condominium declaration that permits leasing for less than 30 days or doesn't prohibit it.[4]

Neighbor notice

Before the first certificate is issued, notify every adjacent owner of record and give the city proof.[2, 4] The notice includes the address, parking, maximum occupancy, a copy of the rental agreement, the owner's name and the rental agent's contact details.[4]

Rental agent

The owner names an agent who must be reasonably available and appear at the unit within two hours after the city notifies them of an issue.[4] Missing two or more complaints can be grounds for penalties, and you must tell the city within five business days if the agent changes.[2, 4]

Ads and posting

Put your certificate number and the exemplar rental agreement in every ad and listing.[2, 4] Post a copy of the certificate and the rental agreement in the unit, showing the agent's contact details, the tax certificate number, maximum occupancy and maximum vehicles.[2, 4]

Occupancy and upkeep

No more than four adults in a unit with up to two bedrooms, and two adults per bedroom in units with three or more.[2, 7] The city verifies bedrooms against the building code, and the exterior can't change or show signs of the rental.[7]

City hotel/motel tax

Short-term vacation rentals must remit the city's hotel/motel tax to the Revenue Department by the 20th of the following month.[5] The rate is 8%, effective Sept 1, 2023.[5]

Sales tax

Chatham County's combined sales tax rate is 7%, which includes the state's 4%.[6] The city says to remit it to the Georgia Department of Revenue by the 20th of the following month, and payments over $500 must be electronic.[5]

State fee and booking sites

Georgia charges a state hotel-motel fee of $5 per night, and the state's FAQ says the marketplace innkeeper, usually a booking platform, collects and remits it on each night of the stay.[9] The fee stops on the 31st day of continuous occupancy.[9]

Longer stays

The city defines a short-term vacation rental as 30 consecutive days or less.[1] State sales tax doesn't apply to rooms furnished to one person for 90 continuous days or more.[10]

Complaints

Neighbors can file on the Vacation Rental Complaint Portal or call the 24/7 hotline at 912-226-0320, and the city says all information received will be investigated.[11] The city also tracks licensed rentals on a public portal that it updates daily.[12]

Fines

Violations of the chapter carry fines of $500 for a first violation, $750 for a second within 12 months and $1,000 for a third within 12 months.[4] The fines can't be waived or reduced.[4]

Revocation

Three code violations at a property within 12 consecutive months lead the city to revoke pending certificates and reject all applications for that property for 12 consecutive months.[4]

Appeals

You can appeal a revocation, suspension or denial to the city manager in writing within 30 calendar days.[4] A timely appeal stays the action while the city manager decides.[4]

Outside city limits

Unincorporated Chatham County has its own short term rental ordinance, so these city rules don't apply there.[13] A local news report says county commissioners approved changes on Sept 25, 2026, and we didn't find the ordinance text.[14]