Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Short Term Rentals topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Kennesaw council debates short-term rental rules; staff to return with implementation plan
Summary
Council discussed a proposed short-term rental ordinance covering zoning, a licensing program, buffers, a 150-license cap and enforcement fines; staff recommended a cautious rollout and the council directed staff to return with schedule and implementation details for October 1 launch and a six-month review.
City staff presented a proposed short-term rental ordinance intended to balance neighborhood protection with opportunities for responsible operators. Mariah Nall, the business license manager, outlined zoning limits (initially six residential zoning districts), operational standards (parking, occupancy limits, health and safety inspections), a licensing process with annual renewals, proof of liability insurance, and enforcement penalties ($500 first violation, $750 second within 12 months, revocation after a third violation). "We will be ready to accept and begin issuing licenses on October 1," Mariah Nall said.
Council members debated buffer distances (options modeled at 250, 500 and 1,000 feet), an initial cap of 150 licenses with a waiting list, whether attached units (townhomes) should be eligible, and how to prevent clustering and investor-driven concentration. Staff presented parcel counts under different buffers (approximately 163 parcels at 500 feet, 357 at 250 feet, 76 at 1,000 feet) to show how buffer selection affects availability.
Several councilors urged a conservative trial approach to minimize enforcement burden on staff and avoid sudden market-driven spikes. Staff said new compliance software has been acquired and requested time to populate and test systems; staff recommended an October 1 start for applications and a six-month data collection period before expanding zoning eligibility. Council discussed fees: a $50 STR license, a class-1 occupational tax starting around $86.33 depending on gross receipts, and hotel/motel tax collection; some councilors suggested the license fee might need to be higher to cover staff time.
Council agreed on a compromise path—favoring a lesser buffer (many members suggested 250 feet) and an initial cap (150)—and directed staff to return with an implementation timeline and further data. The transcript records the summary: "So you've heard from counsel. 1 50 cap, 2 50 buffer." Staff committed to bring the item back for council review (a timeline was set to revisit after a trial period and specific follow-up meetings were scheduled). The ordinance includes grandfathering for existing lawful operators but provides that if an operator ceases operation or property status changes the grandfathering may not continue.
Next steps: staff will finalize ordinance language, implement software tracking, confirm fee structure, and return to council with implementation details and a review date. The council did not record a final, formal vote adopting the ordinance during this work session.
