The Snellville City Council recently adopted new regulations on short-term rentals, defined as dwellings rented out for 30 consecutive nights or less, like those used through companies like Airbnb.
Snellville chose to preemptively pass the ordinance, despite no current issues of illicit activity in the city.
There is “evidence that there can be unsafe short-term rentals, that minimum life safety codes are not enforced and that unregulated commercial use of these structures can become havens for criminal activity affecting the quality of life in the surrounding communities,” the new ordinance reads.
Under the new guidelines, a separate business license is required for each short-term rental unit. Owners with multiple short-term rentals can apply for a business license for such units.
Applications for a short-term rental business license must be filed with the city’s Planning Department by the owner prior to renting out the property.
The ordinance limits occupants to 2 per bedroom, plus 2 additional residents. Six additional visitors are allowed. Sufficient parking for renters must be provided on paved parking spaces within the property, not on the right-of-way, and owners must have security cameras recording all entry ways to the dwelling and driveways.
Violations come with a warning, followed by fines and eventual license revocation.
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