HomeMy Public PortalAbout020_032_STVR Application Packet FILLABLE_201501081006041567 CITY OF SAVANNAH
SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS (STVRS)
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As a popular visitor destination, Savannah STEP-BY-STEP CERTIFICATION
attracts visitors from around the world who PROCESS
prefer a residential, home-like setting for their
stay. This has resulted in the growth of short- To secure a short-term vacation rental
term vacation rentals as a type of lodging certificate, the following information must be
accommodation. submitted to the City for review and approval:
1 . Short-term Vacation Rental Application
In 2014, the City of Savannah approved a 2. Short-Term Vacation Rental Agent Written
zoning text amendment defining short-term Certification Form
vacation rentals and specific conditions 3. Sworn Code Compliance Verification Form
associated with the use. A short-term 4. Written Exemplar Agreement between
vacation rental is an accommodation for Property owner/rental management
transient guests where, in exchange for company and tenant
compensation, a residential dwelling unit is 5. Proof of Property Ownership
provided for lodging for a period of no more 6. Proof of Insurance
than 30 consecutive days. Such use may or 7. Non-Refundable Annual Fee
may not include an on site manager. A Once these items are processed by the City,
residential dwelling includes all housing types the applicant will need to secure a Business
and excludes group living or other lodging Tax Certificate from the City's Revenue
uses. Department. Once the Business Tax
An ordinance was also adopted to better Certificate has been issued, the City will
manage short-term vacation rentals by provide the applicant with a Short-term
providing standards for life-safety and building Vacation Rental Certificate. This document
codes, clarifying compliance with revenue must be posted in a visible area inside the
requirements and protecting the quality of our property.
neighborhoods. It requires owners of short- Each month, the applicant must remit the
term vacation rentals to obtain a certificate if hotel/motel tax to the City's Revenue
they wish to rent their dwelling. Department.
As a type of lodging establishments, owners I
are subject to all applicable state and local
taxes to include the hotel/motel tax.
Division ll, Code of General Ordinances, Part 8, Planning and Regulation of Development,
Chapter 1 1 -Short Term Vacation Rentals
CITY OF SAVANNAH
SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS (STVR's)
CONTACTS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is my rental property considered a short-term vacation rental?
A short-term vacation rental (STVR) is defined as an accommodation for transient
guests where, in exchange for compensation, a residential dwelling unit is provided
for lodging for a period of time not to exceed 30 consecutive days. Such use may or
may not include an on-site manager. A residential dwelling includes all housing types
Short- Term Vacation Rental and excludes group living or other lodging uses.
Applications
What are the zoning conditions that apply to short-term vacation rentals?
City of Savannah The zoning conditions for STVR are:
P.O. Box 1027 • No more than 2 adults per bedroom plus 2 adults for each rental unit
Savannah, GA 31402 • No change to the outside appearance of the dwelling unit or premises
• Parking - Studio-up to 3 bedrooms: The requirement for the type of dwelling unit,
Phone: (912) 525-1500 4+ bedrooms: The requirement for the type of dwelling unit, plus 1 space for each
Fax: (912) 525-1629 2 additional bedrooms
www.savannahga.gov/tourism How long is the short-term vacation rental certificate valid for?
The STVR certificate is valid until December 31 and must be renewed annually.
How much is the annual certificate?
The initial fee is $150 for the first year. Renewals are $50 every year after the first year.
If I sell my property, is my short-term vacation rental certificate transferable?
Business Acceptance The STVR certificate is non-transferable per section 8-10011 of City Code.
Application (Zoning)
& Does my certificate apply to multiple properties?
Code Compliance A separate application must be obtained for each property used as a STVR.
Verification Form What if I don't get a short-term vacation rental certificate?
(Building Inspection) Failure to secure a STVR certificate will result in City enforcement which may include
5515 Abercorn Street legal action.
Savannah, GA 31405 What happens if I receive a violation?
The staff board will issue a written finding identifying the infraction. With each code
Phone: (912) 651-6510 violation, a fine will be incurred by the property owner. If three code violations are
received within a 12-month period, the City will revoke the STVR certificate.
Why do I have to have to designate an agent?
The City requires that the property owner designate an individual to serve as a rental
Business Tax Certificate & agent to respond to issues associated with the STVR. The agent may be the property
Hotel/Motel Tax owner.
132 E. Broughton St. If I rent my property for more than 30-days, do I have to pay hotel/motel tax?
P.O. Box 1027 For properties rented for 90-days or less, hotel/motel taxes must be remitted on the
Savannah, GA 31402 first 30 days of the rental.
Phone: (912) 651-6450 If I use a property management company, do I need to have a business tax
certificate?
As an owner of a STVR, you will need to obtain a business tax certificate. This
requirement also applies to individuals who are using property management
companies.
QUESTIONS? Where do I turn in my Short-Term Vacation Rental Certificate Application?
Contact the Tourism Submit applications to the Tourism Management & Ambassadorship Department at
Management & P.O. Box 1027, Savannah, GA 31402 or email the form to tourism @savannahga.gov.
Ambassadorship Where do I pay my Hotel/Motel Taxes ?
Department at Hotel/Motel Taxes are due each month. Mail the hotel/motel monthly return form
912-525-1500 or along with payment to the Revenue Department, P.O. Box 1228, Savannah, GA
tourism @savannahga.gov 31402-1228.
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TOURISM MANAGEMENT
& AMBASSADORSHIP
ANNUAL SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL CERTIFICATE APPLICATION
Please submit the following information to the Tourism Management &
Ambassadorship Department:
• A separate application must be submitted for each short-term vacation rental property
• The following must be included with your application:
O Business Acceptance Application/Letter to confirm property is in the appropriate
zoning district
• Short-Term Vacation Rental Agent Written Certification Form
• Sworn Code Compliance Verification Form
Er Written Exemplar Agreement between Property owner/rental management
company and tenant
O Proof of Property Ownership
O Proof of Insurance
O Non-refundable initial annual fee payable to the City of Savannah at $150.
Renewals are $50 every year after the first year.
• Once this information is processed, the applicant will be notified to obtain a business
tax certificate from the Revenue Department. When the business tax certificate is
issued, the Short-Term Vacation Rental Certificate will be issued.
• All short-term vacation rental property owners will need to secure a business tax
certificate.
• Submit information to: Tourism Management & Ambassadorship Department, P.O.
Box 1027, Savannah, GA 31402 or email to tourism@savannahga.gov
Owner(s) of the unit for which a short-term vacation rental certificate is sought
If the owner is not a natural person, the applicant will need to ident all partners, officers and/or
directors of any such entity, including personal contact information.
Property Owner Name(s):
Property Owner Address:
Property Owner Phone: Email:
P.O. BOX I027, SAVANNAH, GA 31402
PHONE 912.525.1500 TOO 912.651.6702 FAX 9I2.525.1629 SAVANNAHGA.GOV
Short-term Vacation Rental Unit Information
Address of Short-term Vacation Rental Property:
Property Identification Number of Property:
Number of Bedrooms: Number of Parking Spaces:
Location of Off-Street Parking Spaces:
Rental Agent Contact Information
Rental Agent Name:
Address:
24-hour contact phone number: Email:
I, , the undersigned
applicant:
• Acknowledge receiving a copy of Part 8, Chapter 11, Sec 8-10012 entitled Short-term
Vacation Rental Certificate, have reviewed it, understand its requirements, and will comply
with regulations contained within this section;
• Agree to use my best efforts to assure that use of the premises by short-term vacation rental
occupants will not disrupt the neighborhood, and will not interfere with the rights of
neighboring property owners to the quiet enjoyment of their properties;
• Certify that I have answered all the questions contained herein and know the same to be true
and correct. Further, I understand that any Tourism Management and Ambassadorship
approval issued,based upon false information or misrepresentation provided by the applicant,
will be null and void and subject to penalty as provided by law and ordinances; and
• Authorize the City of Savannah to verify information contained in the application.
Signature of Applicant Date
Print Name
P.O. BOX I027, SAVANNAH, GA 31402
PHONE 912.525.1500 TDD'912.651.6702 FAX 912.525.1629 SAVANNAHGA.GOV
CITY OF REVIEW#
4
BUSINESS ACCEPTANCE APPLICATION
i 5515 Abercorn Street Savannah,GA 31405
DEVELOPMENT S ERVI C ES P.O.Box 1027 Savannah,GA 31402-1027
DEPARTMENT Phone:912.651.6530/Fax:912.651.6543
www.savannahga.gov
This form will assist the Development Services Department in reviewing your proposed business. Please submit this
application with your Business Tax Certificate application. A Building Permit, Site Plan, and/or a Zoning Board of Appeals
application, etc. may be required in order to complete the approval process. Additionally, inspections and other fees may
be required.
PROJECT ADDRESS: PIN:
NAME OF BUSINESS: PHONE#:
NAME OF OWNER/CORP:
EMAIL ADDRESS: PHONE#:
PREVIOUS BUSINESS USE OR ACTIVITY:
PROPOSED BUSINESS USE OR ACTIVITY
HOME OCCUPATIONETYPE: RETAILOTYPE:
VEHICLE REPAIR❑ VEHICLE WASH ❑ MEDICAL OFFICE❑ PROFESSIONAL OFFICE❑ BANK❑ RESTAURANT❑ BAR/NIGHTCLUBEI
HAIR/NAIL SALON❑ LODGING 0 #OF BEDROOMS: SHORT TERM VACATION RENTALD #OF BEDROOMS:
CHILD CARE❑#OF CHILDREN PERSONAL CARE HOME IOI YPE: #OF PEOPLE:
OTHER:
SQUARE FOOTAGE: SEATS(IF APPLICABLE): EMPLOYEES:
It is the responsibility of every business owner or operator to make certain that the type or nature of business activity
being conducted at any location in the City of Savannah is permitted by and conforms to the Zoning Ordinance and
Building Regulations of the City before signing a lease/contract and operating the business.
I understand that construction work to any space will require a permit prior to performance of said construction work,
which includes alterations, modifications, renovations, remodeling, signage, etc. or risk stop work fees, which currently
are$500.
I hereby certify that I have answered all of the questions contained herein and know the same to be true and correct.
Further, I understand that any Development Services approval issued, based upon false information or
misrepresentation provided by the applicant, will be null and void and subject to penalty as provided by law and
ordinances.
Printed Name—Business Owner Signature Date
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
Zoning District: Use#: Use Name: Parking Required: Parking Provided:
Reviewer/Date: ZBA❑ Site Plan❑ Special Use❑ Amendment❑Plan#(s):
Notes:
Building: No further review required: Inspection required: Permit required:
Reviewer/Date: Notes(Date of inspection, Permit#):
Revised:November 24,2014
A CITY OF
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DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL CODE VERIFICATION FORM
The City of Savannah has developed this form for the use of a residence rented as a short-term
vacation rental which is considered a lodging establishment. The following minimum safety
guidelines are recommendations only, and should not be construed to be all-encompassing.
Primary Exit:
1. At least one exit door with direct access to the outside, or to a protected corridor in the
case of a condominium or apartment building, should be provided per dwelling unit.
2. The exit door should be side hinged and not less than 3 feet wide x 6 feet 8 inches tall.
3. A landing should be provided on each side of an exterior exit door. The landing width
should not be less than the door served, and should be a minimum of 36 inches measured
in the direction of travel.
4. The exit door should open from the inside without the use of a key, tool or special
knowledge.
5. Handrails should be provided on at least one side of each continuous run of stairs.
6. Stairs and decks should be properly constructed and maintained.
Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings:
Basements and every sleeping room should have at least one operable window or door leading
directly to a public street, public alley, yard, court. Commercial buildings with three or more
condominiums or apartments protected by an operational sprinkler system are exempt from
having emergency escape openings.
Windows used as emergency sleeping room exits should have the following:
• Window sill height should not be higher than 44 inches above the floor.
• Minimum clear window opening of 5.7 square feet or 5 square feet if at ground level.
• Minimum clear window opening height, 24 inches.
• Minimum clear window opening width, 20 inches.
• Windows should be operational from the inside of a sleeping room without the use of
keys, tools or special knowledge.
• Bars, grills, and similar devices are not recommended over rescue openings. If present,
they must open from the inside without the use of keys,tools or special knowledge.
• Windows under decks should fully open and have a minimum 36 inch high direct path to
a public street,public alley, yard or court.
P.O. BOX I027, SAVANNAH, GA 31402
PHONE 912.651.6510 TOO 912.651.6702 FAX 912.651.6519 SAVANNAHGA.GOV
Smoke Alarms:
1. One listed 10 year battery smoke alarm is recommended inside and outside of each
sleeping room and on each additional story of the dwelling, including the basement.
2. ANSUUL 2034 listed or CSA 6.19 carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in the
general vicinity of each sleeping area.
Fire Extinguishers:
1. A minimum of one portable, 5 pound type ABC fire extinguisher per floor should be
provided and maintained.
2. It is recommended that one fire extinguisher be placed in the kitchen area.
In addition to the recommendations above, it is highly recommended that mechanical, electrical
and plumbing professionals inspect the building systems to ensure they are in good working
order.
The owner acknowledges that the residence was not designed, constructed or inspected as a
commercial lodging establishment. All of the foregoing information is hereby given and all of
the foregoing statements are hereby made on oath, willfully, knowingly, and absolutely, and the
same is and are hereby sworn to be true under penalty for false swearing, as provided by law.
I, , having been administered a lawful oath or affirmation, hereby
certify under penalty of false swearing (O.C.G.A. § 16-10-71) that the above information is true
and correct.
Property Owner's Signature Date
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day of
, 201 .
Notary Public
P.O. BOX I027, SAVANNAH, GA 31402
PHONE 912.651.6510 TOO 912.651.6702 FAX 912.651.6519 SAVANNAHGA.GOV
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TOURISM MANAGEMENT
& AMBASSADORSHIP
SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL (STVR)AGENT WRITTEN CERTIFICATION
Address of STVR Property:
Name of STVR Property Owner:
STVR Agent Name:
STVR Agent Address:
STVR Agent 24-hour phone: Agent Email:
I, representing am charged with
the following duties and responsibilities for maintaining good relations between guests residing in
the above-named property and the City of Savannah. As the short-term vacation rental agent, I
will:
1. Be reasonably available to handle any problems arising from use of the short-term vacation
rental unit;
2. Appear on the premises of any short-term vacation rental unit within two hours following
notification from the City of issues related to the use or occupancy of the premises. This
includes, but is not limited to, notification that occupants of the STVR unit have created
unreasonable noise or disturbances, engaged in disorderly conduct or committed violations of
the City of Savannah Code of Ordinances or other applicable law pertaining to noise,
disorderly conduct, overcrowding, consumption of alcohol or use of illegal drugs. Failure of
the agent to timely appear to two or more complaints regarding violations may be grounds for
penalties as set forth in this Chapter. This is not intended to impose a duty to act as a peace
officer or otherwise require the agent to place himself or herself in a perilous situation;
3. Receive and accept service of any notice of violation related to the use or occupancy of the
premises; and
4. Monitor the short-term vacation rental unit for compliance with Part 8, Chapter 11 entitled
Short-Term Vacation Rental of the City Ordinance.
I verify that I am a natural person and am over the age of 18 years old. I also acknowledge
receiving a copy of Part 8, Chapter 11, of City Code, have reviewed it, understand its
requirements, and will comply with its regulations.
I hereby certify that I have answered all the questions contained herein and know the same to be
true and correct. Further, I understand that any Tourism Management and Ambassadorship
approval issued, based upon false information or misrepresentation provided by the applicant,
will be null and void and subject to penalty as provided by law and ordinances.
Signature of STVR Rental Agent Date
P.O. BOX I027, SAVANNAH, GA 31402
PHONE 912.525.15OO TDD 912.651.6702 FAX 9I2.525.1629 SAVANNAHGA.GOV
CITY OF
TOURISM MANAGEMENT
& AMBASSADORSHIP
If the STVR rental agent changes temporarily or permanently, the property owner must notify the
Tourism Management Department in writing of the new agent's identity. Only one STVR agent
may be in place at any given time.
P.O. BOX I027, SAVANNAH, GA 31402
PHONE 912.525.15OO TDD'912.651.6702 FAX 912.525.1629 SAVANNAHGA.GOV
EXEMPLAR AGREEMENT
As part of the application, property owners must submit a copy of an exemplar agreement which is
executed between the property owner and occupant(s).
Welcome to Savannah! Vacation Rentals in Savannah is committed to providing you with the very best
experience. In addition, we work closely with our neighbors to ensure the quality of life that residents
and visitors both expect. Enclosed is information regarding neighborhood policies and local laws and
regulations. Please keep in mind that violations of any of these rules can lead to fines or even eviction
without refund. We know that you'll do your part to be a great neighbor in Savannah!
Please be mindful of the City of Savannah Noise Ordinance. As you are staying in a residential area, we
would like to remind you to observe neighborhood quiet times between the hours of 9pm— 8am. Please
remember that sound carries very well throughout Savannah, most especially in courtyards, porches,
patios, and verandas.
Guests must not exceed the listed occupancy of each property.
Guests must not exceed the maximum parking allotted to each property.
Guests must park only in designated parking places. Please be mindful of street sweeping zones and
parking meters throughout the city.
Savannah does have leash laws and leashes are required for any pet taken off property. Pet waste must be
cleaned up immediately.
While "to-go" cups are legal in parts of the city, public intoxication is unlawful and may result in heavy
fines and/or incarceration.
Savannah has very strict litter laws. Please be sure that all litter, trash, and cigarette butts are placed in
waste receptacles. Help keep Savannah beautiful!
Household trash and recycling must be placed in City of Savannah collection carts specific to the
property. Trash bags and recycling may not be left outside of the collection carts, left on porches, or left
in lanes.
Laundry and towels must not be hung to dry on any exterior portion of the property, including, porch
rails, fences, gates, or banisters.
Helpful Hints for your Stay in Savannah:
9-1-1 is the phone number for emergency services in the city.
Savannah is a walking city and our architecture and squares are best enjoyed on foot. Please remember to
only cross streets in designated crosswalks. And, as in most cities,jaywalking is punishable by a fine.
Obey all pedestrian signals and signage.
Bicycles are a great mode of transportation in Savannah; however, bicycles are prohibited in squares,
parks, and sidewalks throughout Savannah.
If you happen to be locked out of your property, please contact your rental agent. Neighbors and
surrounding businesses do not have spare keys to the property.
48-hour parking passes are available for $12 from Savannah's Parking Services Office at 100 East Bryan
Street, the Savannah Visitor's Center at 301 MLK Blvd, or by calling(912) 651-6470. The pass provides
parking at any meter,with a time limit of one hour or more. It also includes complimentary parking at any
of the City owned Parking Garages.
Short-term Vacation Rental Occupant Date