Georgia county rules
Oconee County, GA vacation rental rules and taxes
Oconee County, next to Athens, allows short-term rentals only when the owner lives on the property and is there overnight during every stay. Watkinsville has about 70 listings; the county adds a 6% hotel-motel tax outside city limits.
Checked against official sources November 6, 2026What to do
Then your city or area
Permits, zoning, and the hotel-motel tax are set by each city, and by the county outside city limits. Pick your area.
Towns
Unincorporated Oconee County
Oconee County allows a short-term rental only as an accessory use in its agricultural and residential zones, and only if the owner lives there and stays overnight while guests are present. You need a yearly license, an annual inspection, and one paved parking space per bedroom.
Full guideWatkinsville
We found no short-term rental permit or rules in Watkinsville’s code. Stays owe 8% sales + 5% city hotel-motel tax + $5/night; Airbnb collects these on its bookings.
Sources
- Georgia Airbnb market data (active listings) · AirROI
- Sales and use tax rate chart, effective October 1, 2026 · Georgia Department of Revenue
- Hotel/motel excise tax rates and revenue report · Georgia Department of Community Affairs
- Short Term Rental Application (with UDC §352) · Oconee County Planning and Code Enforcement
- Code section · Oconee County (Municode)
A plain-language summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you apply. Spot something out of date? Email hello@licensedrental.com.