Chatham County approves 120-day moratorium on new short-term vacation rentals

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Chatham County commissioners have approved a 120-day moratorium on new short-term vacation rentals amid concerns from residents about rental properties in their neighborhoods.

The county said the pause will give commissioners time to create clearer guidelines for rental homes to follow.

Commissioner discloses personal stake

District 4 Commissioner Brian Hussey, whose district largely sits between Savannah and Tybee Island, said the area is an important one for rental homes. Hussey disclosed he owns a short-term rental in the district but said he believes the moratorium will help create guidelines that benefit everyone.

“We realized very quickly that we needed more time to work on this, get public input, and come up with a good long term solution for everyone, both the owners of short term rentals, and the neighbors where short term rentals exist,” Hussey said.

Existing rentals not affected

Anyone with an existing short-term rental — or currently going through the approval process — will not be affected by the moratorium or the changes that follow.

Commissioners said it likely will not take the full 120 days to reach a solution.