The Athens Clarke County Mayor and Commission discussed short term rentals at the recent work session on August 12.
Short term rentals or STRs have grown in prominence in recent years thanks to sites like Airbnb where customers can book lodging for 31 days or less. However, commissioners have received complaints from residents that STRs have negatively affected their neighborhoods.
The mayor and commission have also recognized how STRs negatively impact affordable housing in Athens. They discussed options to regulate how STR permits are approved and potentially enforcing rules that would revoke a person's ability to host an STR. No decision has been made at this time and the mayor and commission will reconvene in October to discuss the issue further.
