FANNIN COUNTY, STATE OF GEORGIA STR ORDINANCE 2023
Fannin County – Blue Ridge, GA
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Enchanted Mountain Retreats Vacation Rentals (STRs) and Property Management.
Key Takeaways
Short Term Vacation Rental Properties Ordinance
1. Application Process: STVR operators, management companies, or marketplace facilitators must apply for an Accommodation Excise Tax Certificate with the Lodging Division. The application requires various details such as property owner information, physical address of the STVR, maximum occupancy rate, contact information, and confirmation of compliance with regulations.
2. Fees and Taxes: There are application fees and annual renewal fees for the Accommodation Excise Tax Certificate. STVR operators are required to pay applicable accommodation excise taxes and submit tax reports to the county.
3. Regulations and Requirements: STVR operators must comply with noise ordinances, occupancy limits, emergency management requirements, and other community restrictions. They are also required to maintain records of booking dates, rental income, and taxes collected.
4. Penalties and Enforcement: Violations of the ordinance, including operating without a valid Accommodation Excise Tax Certificate or failure to comply with regulations, can result in fines and potential revocation of the certificate. The county has the right to audit STVR operators to verify tax compliance.
5. Appeals Process: There is a process for appealing decisions related to the issuance, renewal, suspension, or revocation of the Accommodation Excise Tax Certificate. Appeals are reviewed by the Board of Commissioners.
6. Exceptions: Certain situations, such as short-term occupancy by property buyers or long-term rentals, may be exempt from the STVR regulations.
7. Effective Date and Severability: The ordinance specifies its effective date and includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the ordinance is deemed invalid, the rest remains in effect.
Fannin County Noise Control Ordinance
1. Purpose: The ordinance is designed to safeguard the well-being of Fannin County residents by addressing excessive noise levels that could be detrimental to their health, safety, and overall quality of life. It also seeks to protect indigenous wildlife in the area by minimizing disruptive noises.
2. Regulations: The ordinance prohibits the use of sound amplifying devices outdoors during specific hours. For instance, between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday, and between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. However, exceptions may apply based on special event permits or other ordinances.
3. Exceptions: Certain situations are exempt from the ordinance’s regulations. These include emergency vehicle use, authorized school-related activities, and noncommercial public addresses. Additionally, the ordinance does not apply to sound amplification equipment used on private property if the sound doesn’t extend beyond the property boundary.
4. Prohibitions: The ordinance explicitly prohibits crypto mining activities within the county.
5. Enforcement: Enforcement of the ordinance falls under the jurisdiction of the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office or Code Enforcement Officer. Violators may face penalties, including fines of up to $1000.00 or imprisonment for 60 days, or both. Authorities have the discretion to issue warnings for first-time offenders.
6. Approval: The ordinance was approved by the Fannin County Board of Commissioners following the necessary procedures, including public hearings, agenda publication, and a majority vote on April 9, 2024.
