Chatham County commissioners approve short-term rental changes

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - The Chatham County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved changes to the county’s short-term vacation rental ordinance Friday morning.

The new ordinance empowers homeowners associations to enforce their neighborhood regulations with the full backing of county code enforcement. Officials say the added oversight is designed to address ongoing neighborhood complaints and prevent hazardous conditions, including septic system overflows tied to rental mismanagement.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Chatham County commissioners to vote on short-term rental changes

While the county cannot legally issue a blanket ban on short-term rentals, local leaders emphasized that property owners must adhere to their specific HOA rules.

Chatham County Commission Chairman Chester Ellis said the approved measure is a starting point, but not the final step.

“This is a work in progress,” Ellis said. “We know, even what we passed today, we’re going to have to come back and do some tweaking. But I say this to all of the neighborhoods and all of the neighbors, you need to let us know what’s going on because you’re there.”

Both community members and representatives from the local real estate industry spoke during the public hearing in support of the changes. Several speakers called for additional county regulations in the future to curb problematic operators while protecting property owners who operate in full compliance.

Residents with ongoing questions or comments regarding the ordinance can email STVR@chathamcounty.org.