Inspections & Code Department is tasked with enforcing regulations related to short-term vacation rentals in accordance with Chapter 4, Article 9 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). You can review the short-term rental ordinance here: Short-Term Rental Ordinance

Owners desiring to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for a Short-Term-Vacation Rental must submit the following information:

• A completed short-term-vacation rental application (see link below)
• Copy of valid homeowners insurance policy with a minimum of $500,000 liability insurance on the property
• A digital floor plan (see link for example)
• A background check from the Columbus Police Department. The fee for a background check is $20.00 each. Background checks are required for the homeowner, applicant, and the 24/7 contact person. Background check must be done less than 30 days prior to the date of submission to our office. Applicants should contact the Columbus Police Department directly to obtain the background check.
• If background check reveals felonies within the last ten (10) years or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude within the last five (5) years, the application will not be accepted for processing.
• If the applicant is leasing the property to use as a short-term-vacation rental, a lease signed by both parties is required and the lease must state that it can be used for a short-term-vacation rental.
• Proof of neighbor notification in accordance with section 4.9.6 of the UDO. See link below for instructions.
• A completed certificate of occupancy application (see link below)
• Once all required documentation is submitted to our office an inspection of the property will be done prior to approval.
• A non-refundable application fee in the amount of $40.00 is required

Every house/unit you intend to use for a Short Term Rental, must obtain a separate permit. Each house/unit will be assessed the $40 short-term rental permit fee. If you submit multiple houses at one time, you only have to complete one background check.


Once you have a Certificate of Occupancy approved from Inspections & Code, you will need to go by the Business License Office to obtain a business license for Short Term Vacation Rental. If you have any questions, please contact Inspections & Code Office at 706-653-4126 or Inspections@columbusga.org.

Short Term Vacation Rental Application

Example Floor Plan

Certificate of Occupancy Application

Short Term Vacation Neighbor Notification