AUGUSTA, Ga. — Augusta is moving toward its first complete rewrite of local zoning rules since 1963, and a public hearing set for Wednesday gives residents a chance to weigh in on a draft that would change how homes can be rented, expanded and built across the consolidated city.
One of the most closely watched pieces deals with short-term rentals. Any stay shorter than 30 days, even a single booking, would put a property in that class under the draft. Those rentals would be barred from ordinary residential areas and permitted only in farm zones, medical districts and a trio of downtown areas.
Hosts would each need a permit from the city and would pay the local 8% lodging tax, with that money divided between the Coliseum Authority and Destination Augusta. Guests would be limited to two adults for each bedroom and six in total, and a third violation could bring a fine and the permanent loss of a permit.
That local tax would apply even to homeowners who rent for 14 days or fewer during Masters week and leave that income off a federal return.
The rewrite also sets new rules for accessory dwelling units, from apartments attached to a house to separate cottages in a back yard and older buildings converted into living space, a change city planners describe as a way to widen housing choices.
Commissioner Don Clark has pointed to corporate and out-of-state buyers of single-family homes in his district as one reason for tighter rental rules. A county parcel review found about 2,500 companies own roughly 9,600 homes in Augusta.
The city planning director expects the rental section to be finished when the plan returns to commissioners for a second look in November. Comments can also be submitted online.
Section: More Augusta GA politics news
Filed under: Augusta GA Politics News
