If you're considering hosting a short-term rental (STR) in Lawrenceville, Georgia, understanding the local regulations is crucial to ensure your operation runs smoothly and within the bounds of the law. Lawrenceville has specific rules and guidelines that every STR owner should follow, from occupancy limits to waste disposal. Let’s take a closer look at these regulations and how they affect you as a host.

Length of Stay: 29 Days or Less

A property is classified as a short-term rental based on the maximum length of stay allowed. To maintain its status, guests should stay for 29 days or fewer. If the rental exceeds this timeframe, it may be reclassified as a long-term rental, which comes with a different set of regulations and requirements.

Occupancy Restrictions: How Many Guests Can Stay?

Lawrenceville enforces an occupancy restriction for short-term rentals, limiting hosts to two guests per bedroom. For example, if your property has three bedrooms, you can host a maximum of six guests (2 per bedroom) This helps to maintain order in residential areas and ensures that STRs are not overcrowded.

Fees and Licenses: What’s Required?

In Lawrenceville, short-term rental owners must obtain the city license upon registration and pay a recurring annual fee of $100. Although property inspections are not mandatory unless complaints are filed, the city expects STR owners to keep their properties in safe and sanitary conditions at all times.

Zoning: Where Can You Operate?

Short-term rentals are permitted in most residential zoning districts in Lawrenceville as either permitted or conditional use. This means you can likely operate an STR in residential and commercial areas, but be sure to check the specific zoning of your property.

Occupancy Taxes and Fees: Know Your Obligations

In addition to registration fees, Lawrenceville applies a combined state and local sales tax of 14% on STRs. Plus, there’s an additional hotel-motel fee of $5 per night. These fees are essential to consider when setting your pricing strategy to ensure you remain compliant and profitable.

Insurance Requirement: Protect Yourself and Your Property

While Lawrenceville does not mandate liability insurance for short-term rental owners, it is strongly recommended. Having coverage can protect you from potential claims involving injury, theft, or property damage. Additionally, it is advisable to use listing platforms that offer liability insurance.

Building, Health, and Safety Regulations: Key Areas to Focus On

To ensure guest safety, Lawrenceville enforces building, health, and safety regulations. These include:

1. Structural integrity: The property must be in good condition, free of defects that could pose safety hazards.
2. Electrical and plumbing systems: Both must be up to code, ensuring no leaks or electrical risks.
3. Fire safety: Working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and clear fire escape routes are mandatory.
4. Health and sanitation: The property must be clean, pest-free, and hazard-free.

Parking and Advertising

Parking for short-term rentals (STRs) must be provided exclusively on hard, paved surfaces located within the boundaries of the rental property. This means that all designated parking areas should consist of durable, hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt, ensuring the safety and organization of vehicle parking. It is important to note that parking on public streets is strictly prohibited, as is parking on neighboring properties, which could lead to disputes or violations of property rights. Additionally, guests are not permitted to park in unpaved areas, such as lawns, yards, or grassy sections of the property, as this could damage the landscape and violate local regulations. Parking in the right-of-way, which could obstruct traffic or infringe on public spaces, is also forbidden.

Noise, Neighbor Notification, and Limits on STR Ownership

Lawrenceville enforces noise regulations, prohibiting excessive noise between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am. In addition, hosts must notify neighbors within 10 days of obtaining an STR permit, providing details about the property and ensuring the community is informed.

There’s also a limit to the number of STRs one person can own. In Lawrenceville, a person may only own two STRs, one of which must be their primary residence. This rule aims to prevent STR proliferation and maintain the neighborhood's residential character.

Events and Reservation Limits

Hosting large events or parties in STRs is strictly regulated. Events that create excessive noise, traffic, or parking congestion are prohibited.

Waste Disposal and Accessibility

STR owners are responsible for providing adequate waste disposal options for guests and ensuring waste is handled in a timely and sanitary manner. In terms of accessibility, all STRs must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), offering reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, such as ramps, accessible bathrooms, and other required features.

Emergency Contact Information: Always Be Available

To ensure safety and peace of mind, STR owners must provide emergency contact information to their guests, including the STR owner’s name and phone number, along with a local contact person available 24/7. This information must be clearly posted in the property, ensuring guests know who to contact in case of emergencies.

Conclusion

Running a successful short-term rental in Lawrenceville requires compliance with local laws and regulations. From maintaining guest records and providing adequate parking to ensuring the property is safe and clean, being aware of these rules will help you create a smooth experience for your guests and avoid any penalties. Sign up for the Lodge Compliance Premium version for an in-depth insight on the STR rules in Lawrenceville so you can protect your property, offer a great guest experience, and contribute to the overall health and safety of the community.