Thinking about turning a Chickamauga property into a short-term rental to earn extra income? The rules are not one-size-fits-all, and your exact address determines which permits and taxes apply. If you want to start strong or keep an existing rental compliant, you need a clear, local roadmap. This guide breaks down where STRs are allowed, the licenses and taxes you must handle, and a practical checklist to stay on track. Let’s dive in.
Who regulates STRs locally
In Georgia, cities and counties set most short-term rental operating rules such as where STRs are allowed, permits, and enforcement. State-level taxes also apply, and platforms may or may not collect them for you. Always confirm which jurisdiction your property falls under and follow that set of rules.
Inside Chickamauga city limits
Chickamauga adopted a short-term vacation rental ordinance that created a Short-Term Vacation Rental District along several main corridors. Within that district, both residential and commercial properties can apply to operate as STRs, and operators must obtain a city business license and name a local contact for complaints and response. City reporting has also referenced a local occupancy tax historically around 5 percent, so confirm the current rate and filing method with city finance. See coverage of the city’s rules in this local report: How to rent your home on Airbnb in Chickamauga. To verify the latest ordinance and zoning map, check the city’s ordinances page.
In unincorporated Walker County
Outside city limits, Walker County requires an occupation or business license for STR operators, and the Planning and Zoning office will review zoning for your address. The county also charges a hotel or motel lodging tax that increased to 8 percent effective October 1, 2020. Find licensing details on the county’s business license page and lodging tax information on the county’s hotel or motel tax page.
Taxes on short-term rentals
Understanding taxes is essential because you may be the one required to collect and remit them.
State taxes you must consider
- State sales tax: 4 percent on lodging charges for reservations of 89 nights or fewer. See Georgia details in the platform tax overview.
- State hotel or motel fee: 5 dollars per night for the first 30 days of a reservation. Review the state rule here: Georgia hotel or motel fee regulation.
Local occupancy taxes
- Chickamauga: historically reported at around 5 percent. Verify the current percentage and filing schedule with the city finance office. See the original reporting here.
- Unincorporated Walker County: 8 percent lodging tax. See the county’s lodging tax page.
Who collects and remits
Some booking platforms collect and remit certain taxes in some jurisdictions, but not all. Do not assume your platform covers every tax. Check the platform’s Georgia policy and your listing’s tax settings, and register to file where needed. The platform tax overview is a good starting point.
Zoning, safety, and operating basics
Zoning and where STRs are allowed
- Chickamauga: The city created an STR overlay district. Confirm whether your address is inside the district and eligible for a permit, then follow the city’s application and licensing steps. Start with the city’s ordinances page and the local reporting cited above.
- Walker County: The county will confirm zoning compatibility when you apply for your occupation or business license. Start with the business license page.
Safety equipment and inspections
Expect basic life-safety requirements such as working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors when fuel-burning appliances are present, portable fire extinguishers, clear egress, and posted emergency information and house rules. State fire safety rules set minimum standards that many local programs reference. Review the Georgia fire safety framework here: State fire safety rules. Ask the city or county if an inspection or safety checklist is required with your application.
Common local operating rules
While details vary, many programs include:
- A 24 or 7 local contact who can respond to complaints.
- Posted house rules, visible street address numbers, and occupancy based on bedrooms or code.
- Parking rules, quiet hours, and limits on events or parties.
- Possible limits on exterior signage that advertises an STR.
- Inspections at application or renewal and penalties for violations. See common enforcement tools summarized in this regional report.
Step-by-step compliance checklist
Use this quick roadmap whether you are launching or auditing an existing rental.
- Confirm location and zoning
- Check if the property is inside Chickamauga city limits or in unincorporated Walker County. Verify eligibility inside the city’s STR district on the ordinances page or confirm county zoning via the business license page.
- Apply for local licenses
- Inside Chickamauga: Obtain the required city business license and any STR registration, and confirm the current city occupancy tax rate and filing method.
- In unincorporated Walker County: Apply for the county occupation or business license and set up lodging tax reporting using the county’s forms on the lodging tax page.
- Set up state tax accounts
- Register for Georgia state sales tax and the state hotel or motel fee if your platform does not collect on your behalf. Confirm platform collection status using the platform tax overview.
- Prepare safety and house rules
- Install and test smoke and CO detectors, provide fire extinguishers, post an emergency plan and house rules, and list a 24 or 7 local contact. Ask whether a city or county inspection is required and review the state fire safety rules.
- Check insurance and HOA rules
- Confirm your homeowners policy covers STR activity or add a rider, and review any HOA covenants that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals.
- Keep records and file on time
- Track bookings, taxes collected, and remittances. Walker County requires monthly lodging tax reporting for operators, and both city and state filings can carry penalties for late payment.
Penalties and enforcement
Local governments can use tools such as fines, administrative hearings, license suspension or revocation, and tax audits for unpaid taxes. Repeated, verified violations of noise, parking, or safety rules can trigger escalating penalties. For a sense of common municipal practices, see this regional enforcement summary.
Buying or selling with STR potential
Understanding where STRs are permitted, what taxes apply, and how to comply can shape your purchase or sale strategy in Chickamauga or unincorporated Walker County. If you are evaluating a home with STR potential, bring zoning and tax checks into your due diligence so you can price, furnish, and market with confidence.
Ready to find the right North Georgia property or position your home for the best outcome? Let our local team guide your plan from first showing to final paperwork. Connect with Jooma Homes LLC to get started.
FAQs
Is Airbnb allowed in Chickamauga city limits?
- Yes, in areas covered by the city’s Short-Term Vacation Rental District, and you must follow city licensing and contact requirements. Verify your address before listing.
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in unincorporated Walker County?
- Expect 4 percent state sales tax, the 5 dollar per night state hotel or motel fee for the first 30 days, and an 8 percent county lodging tax on short stays.
Do booking platforms collect all my STR taxes for Chickamauga or Walker County?
- Sometimes, but not always, so confirm your platform’s Georgia policy and be ready to register and remit any taxes it does not cover.
What happens if neighbors complain about my STR in Chickamauga or Walker County?
- Many programs require a 24 or 7 local contact to respond quickly, and repeated violations of noise, parking, or safety rules can lead to fines or suspension of your license or permit.
Where can I verify the exact STR boundaries inside Chickamauga?
- Start with the city’s ordinances and maps and then confirm details with City Hall to ensure your address is eligible for an STR.
Has Georgia passed a statewide law limiting local STR bans?
- A 2023 to 2024 bill, HB1121, sought to limit some local restrictions but did not become law in that session. You should still check for any new updates at the state level.
