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Chatham County imposes temporary moratorium on new short‑term rental applications
Summary
The Chatham County Commission approved a resolution imposing up to a 120‑day moratorium on new short‑term vacation rental (STVR) applications in unincorporated parts of the county, preserving existing and pending applications and directing staff to draft regulations.
The Chatham County Board of Commissioners voted July 10 to impose a temporary moratorium on acceptance of new short‑term vacation rental (STVR) applications in unincorporated Chatham County.
Commissioner Hoxie, who introduced and read the resolution, said the pause will allow staff to "establish a framework of regulations" and review existing ordinances that govern STVRs. The resolution specifies the moratorium will last for up to 120 days from enactment and set an expiration time of 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 7, 2026, unless shortened or extended by future board action. The board included an explicit carve‑out: applications submitted or renewals filed before the moratorium’s effective date are not affected.
A commissioner briefly proposed an amendment to make the moratorium effective Aug. 1 and to "forgive" applicants already in the pipeline, but that amendment failed for lack of a second. The board then proceeded to consider the resolution as introduced.
A commissioner who spoke to reporters during the meeting stressed the moratorium applies only to unincorporated Chatham County, saying, "This only affects unincorporated Chatham County. It has nothing to do with rentals in Tybee, Thunderbolt, Garden City, Pooler, Port Wentworth." The resolution text also notes that the moratorium is limited to new applications, permits and certificates and "shall not constitute a zoning action" under the Georgia Zoning Procedures Act (OCGA 36‑66‑1).
The resolution directs county staff to study the effects of STVRs on health, safety and welfare and to draft proposed definitions and regulatory language for the board to consider. The board approved the resolution on voice vote; the transcript records Commissioner Whiteley voting in favor and the chair announcing, "It passes." The meeting record does not contain a complete roll‑call tally in the transcript excerpt.
The moratorium takes effect immediately as a temporary measure to give staff and the board time to craft long‑term rules for short‑term rentals in unincorporated areas. The resolution says staff will return with recommendations and that existing lawful STVR operations and timely renewal applications may continue during the pause.
