Despite recommendations for denial from the NPU’s and the ZRB, the Atlanta Council approves new STR legislation

The legislation clarifies the definition and the permitted locations of short-term rentals within the City of Atlanta.
Source: Airbnb Website - Atlanta Area

This past year and as reported What Now Atlanta in October, City Planners have sought to provide a regulatory framework for short-term rentals (STR’s) in the City of Atlanta.

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Despite recommendations of denial from 13 NPU’s and the Zoning Review Board, on December 6, in a nearly unanimous vote, the Atlanta City Council approved the zoning ordinance amendments, which clarifies the definition and use of the short-term rental and allowing the operation of STR’s in all residential districts, residential subareas of Special Public Interest Districts and where a dwelling unit permitted subject to other regulations in the Atlanta City Code.

This legislation follows action by the Council when they adopted the “City of Atlanta Short Term Rental Ordinance” earlier this year which established a legal process whereby residents may be authorized to rent their primary residence to short-term visitors, called “home-sharing.” Starting in March 2022, the Short-Term Rental Ordinance requires hosts who wish to engage in short-term rentals to apply for a license with the City and post their short-term rental license (STRL) on all advertisements.

According to information obtained from Airbnb and supported by a City Factsheet, STR’s are a tool for economic empowerment for Atlanta residents, helping local families pay their bills by sharing their homes. New hosts with only one listing in Atlanta collectively earned $8.5 million in the first half of the year. Most hosts on Airbnb are everyday people sharing the homes in which they live, and the typical Host earns $9,600 each year (as of April 30, 2021).  Additionally, Airbnb guest spending supports local businesses. A recent Oxford Economics study found that Airbnb guest spending in Atlanta supported 3,400 jobs in 2019, including:

  • 1,200 in the restaurant industry
  • 1,200 jobs in the retail industry
  • 400 jobs in the transportation industry
  • 600 jobs in the entertainment industry.

In a statement submitted to What Now Atlanta from Tom Martinelli, the Airbnb Southeast Public Policy Director states, “With this 14-1 vote to approve the STR zoning ordinance, the Atlanta City Council has provided additional clarity to communities across Atlanta. The vote empowers entrepreneurs across the City as they use the ownership economy to create income, jobs, and build generational wealth. Airbnb looks forward to working with Mayor-Elect Andre Dickens and his administration throughout 2022 to support the City’s implementation of new STR rules, facilitate responsible hosting, and support tourism recovery.”  

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Source: Airbnb Website – Atlanta Area
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Source: Airbnb Website – Atlanta Area
Dr. Anita Archambeau

Dr. Anita Archambeau

Anita Archambeau, DPA AICP, is a freelance writer, adjunct professor, and consulting urban planner. She has over 25 years of community and economic development experience in local government. When she’s not working, you can find her exploring local craft breweries, walking her two beagles, or traveling to visit her adult children living in New York City and Minneapolis.
Dr. Anita Archambeau

Dr. Anita Archambeau

Anita Archambeau, DPA AICP, is a freelance writer, adjunct professor, and consulting urban planner. She has over 25 years of community and economic development experience in local government. When she’s not working, you can find her exploring local craft breweries, walking her two beagles, or traveling to visit her adult children living in New York City and Minneapolis.

6 Responses

    1. Thank you for your comment. This piece is not meant to be an investigative inquiry but a report on the status of the STR ordinance adoption with information obtained by the City of Atlanta and as offered by Airbnb and as stated in the story. Would you mind reviewing documentation Z-21-85 Fact Sheet.pdf – Google Drive? Feel free to email me directly with any further concerns ~Anita

  1. There was a shooting at an Airbnb party house down the street from me in 2020. Just what we need is more transient visitors to our intown neighborhoods along with an impotent police force that’s not staffed enough to enforce any laws.

  2. Short Term Rentals adds a valuable housing option for our city. The local Marriot sold rooms for over $1,000 a night before the SEC championship game. Homepark STRs were rented for less than $200. Many neighbors use STR when their homes are under renovations. Recent Hurricane victims found housing here. These homes are not just for tourists. Responsible hosts support the city and bring value. These hosts are always drowned out by NIMBYs and Media.

    1. That’s really optimistic about people in general that are either here for a party or if by natural disasters are certainly not going to be in a position to be neighborhood cheerleaders. I have no faith that this will do nothing but promote strong HOA’s.

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