Short-Term Rental Rules: A Stillwater Checklist

Thinking about turning your Stillwater home into a short-term rental, but not sure where to start? You want clear rules, a simple checklist, and links to the right offices so you can move forward with confidence. In this guide, you will learn exactly which rules apply in Stillwater, how to get licensed in Hall County, what taxes to plan for, and how to avoid common penalties. Let’s dive in.

Confirm your jurisdiction

Before anything else, confirm whether your address sits in unincorporated Hall County or inside the City of Buford. This decides which rules and licenses apply. You can check your parcel and city limits using the Hall County GIS map. If your property is inside Buford city limits, contact the City Clerk or Business License office to confirm city requirements.

• Use the Hall County GIS to verify city limits and zoning. Hall County GIS parcel viewer
• If inside Buford, call the city to confirm licensing rules. City of Buford business license page

Hall County STR basics

If your Stillwater address is in unincorporated Hall County, the county’s STR code applies. Hall County defines a short-term rental as lodging for at least 2 nights and no more than 30 consecutive nights. STRs are allowed in all residential zoning districts, but you must meet licensing and operating conditions.

• Review the county’s overview and steps. Hall County STR information page
• Read the full rules, including occupancy, parking, and penalties. Hall County STR Code PDF

License and inspections

You must obtain a Hall County STR business license before advertising or renting. Licenses expire December 31 each year and must be renewed annually. The county mails notice to nearby residences within 500 feet after approval.

A building inspection is required prior to licensing. If you plan for 16 or more occupants, the Fire Marshal may require additional fire and life safety measures and inspections. Use the county’s application packet to get started.

• Begin with the county’s application. STR Business License Application

Occupancy and parking

Hall County’s typical occupancy is two guests per bedroom plus three additional guests per property. Homes with more than six bedrooms face a 15-guest cap unless you meet higher life safety standards. Parking must be on your parcel’s hard-surfaced areas. On-street or right-of-way parking is not allowed.

Advertising must match your licensed occupancy and rules. STRs may not be marketed or used as event venues, including weddings, parties, or corporate events. Multiple simultaneous reservations that act like a tourist accommodation are not permitted in residential zoning.

Local contact duties

Each STR must list a local contact person age 21 or older who can respond 24/7 and reach the property within one hour when the county notifies you of a complaint. You can serve as your own contact or appoint an agent, but you remain responsible for compliance. Keep the contact information posted inside the property and updated with the county.

Timeline and fees

County review often takes a few business days, and building inspections typically happen within about a week. Inspection fees are noted in county guidance. Confirm current amounts and scheduling with the Business License office.

Taxes and reporting

Georgia applies state sales tax to short-term lodging and a State Hotel-Motel Fee of 5 dollars per night for stays up to 30 nights. Local jurisdictions also commonly impose a hotel-motel tax, and Hall County operates a reporting portal for these filings. County notices indicate that effective August 1, 2025, all STR license holders must submit a monthly Hall County Hotel-Motel Tax Report, even if a platform collects some taxes for you.

• Review the state’s 5 dollar fee rule. Georgia DOR hotel-motel fee
• Access local reporting and updates. Hall County Hotel-Motel Tax Portal

Large platforms sometimes collect and remit some taxes, but this varies and does not remove your recordkeeping and local reporting duties. Reconcile platform reports with your own books monthly.

• Check platform collection practices. Airbnb tax collection guidance

HOA and covenants

Hall County requires you to submit HOA covenants with your license application. The county will deny a license if your covenants prohibit short-term rentals. Do not rely on listing notes. Ask the HOA or property manager for the recorded CC&Rs and any rental amendments before you invest in setup.

• See the county’s requirement to submit covenants. STR Business License Application

Enforcement and penalties

Hall County operates a 24-hour complaint line and online form. The local contact must respond promptly and may be required to visit the property. Penalties escalate within a 12-month window, with fines up to 2,000 dollars and possible 24-month license revocation for repeated violations. Operating without a license can trigger daily fines for each day you advertise or rent.

• Learn how complaints and penalties work. Hall County STR information page and STR Code PDF

Stillwater STR checklist

Use this quick sequence to stay on track in Stillwater.

1. Confirm jurisdiction

• Look up your address in the GIS to verify unincorporated Hall County or City of Buford. If inside Buford, call the City Clerk to confirm rules.
  • Hall County GIS parcel viewer
  • City of Buford business license page

2. Review HOA covenants

• Obtain recorded CC&Rs from your HOA or property records. If covenants prohibit STRs, the county will deny the license.
  • STR Business License Application

3. Apply for Hall County STR license

• Complete the application, submit required documents, and schedule the building inspection. Post your license inside the home once issued.
  • Hall County STR information page

4. Appoint a local contact

• Designate a contact age 21 or older who can respond 24/7 and reach the property within one hour. Post updated contact info inside the home.

5. Set occupancy, parking, and rules

• Align your listing with the licensed occupancy. Provide guest instructions for on-site parking only. Do not advertise or host events.

6. Confirm insurance and safety

• Verify your insurance covers STR use. Install and maintain required life safety equipment per inspection results, and follow any Fire Marshal directives for higher occupancy.

7. Handle taxes and reports

• Register for applicable state and local taxes, reconcile platform remittances, and file monthly Hall County Hotel-Motel Tax Reports as required.
  • Hall County Hotel-Motel Tax Portal and Georgia DOR hotel-motel fee

8. Publish compliant listings

• Include occupancy, quiet hours, parking, and your license details if required. Identify the responsible guest and require acknowledgment of rules.

9. Keep records and respond to complaints

• Maintain booking logs, tax filings, and guest communications. Respond quickly to any county notice and document your corrective actions.

10. If inside City of Buford

• Confirm Buford’s business license requirements and any city STR policies. Always get written confirmation from the city.
  • City of Buford business license page

Ready to assess your Stillwater property or plan a compliant launch? If you would like straight answers, a clear timeline, and a smooth path to market, reach out to the Angela Harrison Team | Frederica Realty. We are here to help you move forward with confidence.

FAQs

What is a short-term rental in Hall County?

• Hall County defines an STR as lodging rented for at least 2 nights and no more than 30 consecutive nights, subject to licensing and operating rules.

How many guests can I host in Stillwater?

• The county standard is two guests per bedroom plus three additional guests per property, with a 15-guest cap for homes over six bedrooms unless higher life safety standards are met.

Do I need a local contact person on file?

• Yes, you must list a 24/7 local contact age 21 or older who can reach the property within one hour of a county notice and is posted inside the home.

Does Airbnb collect all my taxes for Hall County?

• Platforms may collect some taxes, but you are still responsible for records and local filings, including Hall County’s monthly Hotel-Motel Tax reports when required.

Can my HOA block short-term rentals?

• Yes, if your covenants prohibit STRs, Hall County will deny the license, so always review recorded CC&Rs before you proceed.

What are the penalties for violations?

• Fines escalate within a 12-month period up to 2,000 dollars with possible 24-month license revocation, and unlicensed operation can trigger daily fines for each day advertised or rented.