Gilmer County Short-Term Rental Rules for Cabin Buyers

What the rules cover

Gilmer County regulates short-term rentals (stays of 30 consecutive days or less) in unincorporated Gilmer County under Code of Ordinances Chapter 45, Article I, 'Short-Term Rental Host License', adopted by Resolution No. 24-188 on November 14, 2024. The county's Planning & Zoning page says all short-term rental properties had to be registered by July 1, 2025. (Gilmer County, checked 2026-10-16)

What a license takes

Under Chapter 45, each short-term rental needs its own host license, which expires December 31 and must be renewed every year. The owner must be the applicant and must attest that a qualified professional has done a safety inspection, with an updated inspection every three years. The owner must also certify liability insurance that covers short-term rental use and name a responsible party who can respond to complaints within four hours, 24/7. The owner must certify that no deed restrictions, covenants or unpaid POA dues prohibit short-term rental use, send good-neighbor letters to owners within 250 feet, and include the license number in all advertising. (Gilmer County Code, Chapter 45, checked 2026-10-16)

The license does not come with the cabin

Gilmer County short-term rental host licenses are non-transferable, so a buyer of an existing rental cabin must get a new license. (Gilmer County Code, Chapter 45, checked 2026-10-16)

This is the rule buyers most often miss. A listing that says “turnkey rental” or “strong rental history” is describing the seller’s business. After closing, you apply for your own license, and any bookings the seller took for dates after closing need a plan.

Occupancy, parking and quiet hours

Chapter 45 sets maximum occupancy at two people per bedroom (sleep area) plus two. It defines a bedroom by what building permit, environmental health, tax assessor or site-inspection records show. Guest vehicles may be parked only in the driveway or garage, not on public or private road rights-of-way or grassy areas. Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sunday evening through Friday morning, and 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. Friday evening through Sunday morning. (Gilmer County Code, Chapter 45, checked 2026-10-16)

Private roads

If a short-term rental is reached only by a road that crosses private property and is not maintained by the county, Chapter 45 requires the owner to attest to having a maintenance agreement with the road's owner or owners. (Gilmer County Code, Chapter 45, checked 2026-10-16)

Fees and fines

The county's STR portal FAQ lists an annual fee of $225 for a new short-term rental host license and $300 for renewals. The county lists a $900 fine for operating without a license and a $250 violation fee each time an ad is missing the license number. (Gilmer County STR portal, checked 2026-10-16)

Taxes you collect

Inside a city, or inside an association

Chapter 45 applies only outside the city limits of Ellijay and East Ellijay. Inside a city, ask city hall. Inside an association like Coosawattee River Resort, its own rental program applies too.

Coosawattee River Resort requires every owner who rents to guests to register for its cabin rental program, and enrollment is free. The association charges an administration fee each time a new rental, lease or contract for deed starts, for both short-term and long-term arrangements. The fee amounts are set by the board and available from the CRRA office. The fine for not submitting the required rental fee is $500 per occurrence, and renters must renew their ID cards every six months to use the amenities. (Coosawattee River Resort Association, checked 2026-10-16)

Questions buyers ask

Rules and fees change. Every rule on this page links to the office that sets it; confirm with that office before you rely on it.