The rules in one table
These are the rules for unincorporated Fannin County, from Short-Term Vacation Rental Ordinance 2025-02, revised August 26, 2025. The county began issuing certificates on November 1, 2023 (Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02).
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Who needs a certificate | Every rental of 30 days or less, before it is operated, rented or advertised (Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02) |
| Certificate fee | $225 new, $225 a year to renew; expires December 31; $25 late fee (Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02) |
| County lodging tax | 6% of rent, including mandatory cleaning, admin and pet fees (Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02) |
| Filing | Monthly, due by the 20th; 15% late penalty; file even when a platform remits (Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02) |
| State fee | $5 per night, Georgia hotel-motel fee (Georgia Department of Revenue) |
| Fine for renting without one | Up to $1,000 a day; each day is a separate violation (Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02) |
| Buying a rental | Transfer for $50 if you apply within 7 days of the sale; 30-day grace period (Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02) |
What the county requires at the cabin
- A contact who answers 24 hours a day and can be at the property within two hours of a complaint (Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02).
- One guest party per dwelling, with the maximum number of overnight guests posted inside (Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02).
- Smoke detectors in every bedroom and on every habitable floor, carbon monoxide detectors where codes call for them, and a 2A10BC fire extinguisher on each level (Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02).
- Weekly trash pickup or within 24 hours of departure, parking on the property and never on the road, and a reflective 911 address marker (Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02).
- Working internet or cell service, or a dedicated emergency phone (Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02).
- No commercial events; no firearms, fireworks, explosives or uncontained fires on the grounds (Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02).
Septic and second buildings
Every rental unit must be on septic or sewer, and if the Board of Health finds the septic system has failed, the certificate is suspended until it is fixed (Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02). Renting more than one structure on a property also needs a Tourism Accommodation Permit from the health department (Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02).
Buying a cabin that is already a rental
The county asks buyers not to apply until closing is done, and the application needs a copy of the warranty deed (Fannin County lodging tax page). Then the clock is short: apply within seven days of the sale to keep renting through a 30-day grace period. A buyer or seller staying in the home for under 30 days around closing does not need a certificate, provided the home is not otherwise rented short-term that year (Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02).
The application also asks you to affirm that renting does not break covenants, deed restrictions or HOA rules, and that you carry short-term rental liability insurance (Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02). Read the covenants before you count on rental income.
Inside city limits
The county ordinance covers unincorporated Fannin County. Blue Ridge, McCaysville and Morganton are cities. If a cabin is inside one, ask that city what applies before you buy. We could not confirm the City of Blue Ridge’s current rental rules from its website when we checked.
This page summarizes the ordinance for buyers. It is not legal advice. Read the ordinance itself or call the county before you rely on it.
Rental questions
Do I need a permit to rent my Blue Ridge cabin on Airbnb or VRBO?
Outside city limits, yes. Every short-term rental in unincorporated Fannin County needs a county certificate before it is rented or advertised. A new certificate is $225, renewal is $225 a year, and certificates expire on December 31.
Source: Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02, checked Oct 16, 2026
What happens to the rental certificate when I buy a cabin that is already a rental?
It can transfer. Apply within seven days of the sale and you get a 30-day grace period to keep renting; the transfer fee is $50. The county asks you to apply only after closing, with a copy of the warranty deed.
Source: Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02, checked Oct 16, 2026
What does a short-term rental in Fannin County owe in lodging tax?
The county levies a 6% lodging tax, reported monthly and due by the 20th, and Georgia adds a $5-per-night state fee. Cleaning and other mandatory fees count as taxable rent.
Source: Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02, checked Oct 16, 2026
Do the county rental rules apply inside Blue Ridge city limits?
The county ordinance covers unincorporated Fannin County. Inside the City of Blue Ridge, McCaysville or Morganton, ask that city about its own rules before you buy.
Source: Fannin County rental ordinance 2025-02, checked Oct 16, 2026
For cabin owners
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