According to published reports, the City of Decatur has ended its grace period for short-term rental registrations, meaning property owners must now comply with the city’s new licensing requirements or risk enforcement.
Grace Period Ends for Short-Term Rentals
The City of Decatur approved its short-term rental ordinance in March and opened registration on April 1. Property owners then had three months to register their rentals and meet the city’s new requirements.
That grace period officially ended on July 1.
City officials say they will continue accepting applications. However, owners who operate short-term rentals without approval may now face enforcement under the ordinance.
The rules apply to homes, apartments, condominiums, and other residential properties offered for short-term stays through platforms such as Airbnb and similar rental services.
New Rules for Property Owners
The ordinance establishes several requirements for short-term rental operators across Decatur.
The city limits the total number of permitted short-term rentals to 150. It also enforces density restrictions to prevent too many rentals from operating in the same area.
In addition, owners must complete city inspections, provide adequate off-street parking, maintain local contact information, and follow the city’s complaint review process.
Property owners or their designated local representatives must live within 50 miles of the rental property. Overnight parking cannot exceed the number of approved off-street parking spaces.
Fines and Enforcement Now in Effect
City officials say properties that receive three verified complaints may lose their operating permit.
Meanwhile, owners who continue operating without city approval could face fines of up to $500 per day.
Planning Director Chad Bowman said the ordinance creates a clear process for property owners while helping the city manage short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods.
Officials encourage owners who have not yet registered to complete the application process as soon as possible. Most complete applications are expected to take seven to 10 business days to process, although timelines may vary depending on application volume and whether additional information is needed.
City leaders say the ordinance aims to balance opportunities for property owners with protections for neighborhoods by creating consistent rules for short-term rentals throughout Decatur.
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