Short-term rental certificate grace period now over in Decatur

The City of Decatur approved the operation of short-term rentals within city limits back in March, with the stipulation that all STR owners apply for a short-term rental certificate under the city’s new regulatory program.

The grace period for short-term rental owners to certify their properties with the City of Decatur ended July 1.

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What this means for short-term rentals in Decatur

The City Council approved the ordinance earlier this year to create clear standards for short-term rentals in Decatur. Registration opened April 1, giving property owners three months to review the requirements, submit applications and bring existing short-term rentals into compliance before the grace period ended.

Owners and operators of STR properties inside the Decatur city limits must now register their properties with the city to remain in compliance with Decatur’s short-term rental ordinance.

The city continues to accept applications, but properties operating without approval may now be subject to enforcement under the ordinance.

“This ordinance gives property owners a clear path to operate legally, but it also gives the city a better way to manage short-term rentals in our neighborhoods. Now that the grace period has ended, we want owners who have not registered to take the next step and complete the process.”

_{Chad Bowman, City of Decatur Planning Director}

The ordinance applies to properties rented for short-term stays, including homes, apartments, condos and similar residential units offered through online platforms or other rental services.

Guidelines for Decatur STRs

Here’s what to know about Decatur’s short-term rental guidelines:

• Decatur has a limit of 150 permitted STRs citywide.
• The ordinance includes density rules that limit how many STRs may operate in close proximity.
• STR properties must meet city requirements for inspections, parking, local contact information and complaint review.
• Local owners or agents for STR properties must live within 50 miles of the property.
• Overnight vehicles may not exceed the number of approved off-street parking spaces.
• Properties may lose their permit if they receive three verified complaints under the ordinance.
• Property owners who continue to operate STRs without city approval may be fined up to $500 per day.

Most completed applications are expected to be processed within seven to 10 business days. Processing times may vary depending on the number of applications under review, the completeness of each application and whether city staff needs additional information from the applicant.

City officials encourage property owners to review the ordinance and application requirements before submitting. Doing so can help avoid delays and give staff the information needed to review the request.

“The goal is not to make the process difficult. The goal is to make sure short-term rentals operate under clear, consistent rules that protect the character of our neighborhoods and give property owners a defined process to follow.”

_{Chad Bowman, City of Decatur Planning Director}

Short-term rental registration information, requirements and the application portal are available online.

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