Proposed Tybee Island STR Ordinance Would Bring Changes to Short-Term Rentals

Tybee Island officials are reviewing a draft short-term rental ordinance that would significantly change how STRs are regulated, enforced, and transferred across the island. While the proposal still needs approval ( June 2026 at the earliest) and could change before adoption, property owners, buyers, investors, and residents should understand the key points being discussed.

One of the biggest shifts in the draft ordinance is a much stronger enforcement structure. Every STR would be required to maintain a live-response contact available at all times. The contact person must respond to complaints within 30 minutes and be onsite within one hour if necessary. The city would also gain authority to conduct “test calls” to verify compliance.

The draft ordinance also creates a formal violation escalation process. Multiple violations within a 12-month period could trigger hearings, suspension of STR privileges, or revocation of STR certificates. Management companies would also face accountability for repeated violations across properties they manage.

Parking regulations are another major focus. The proposal limits the number of vehicles at a property to the number of legal off-street parking spaces. RVs, boats, commercial vehicles, and motor homes would be prohibited from parking at STR properties. In some situations, garages could no longer be converted into living space if the property lacks sufficient parking.

The ordinance continues Tybee’s non-transferable STR certificate structure, meaning STR certificates generally terminate when a property sells. However, the draft includes a temporary exception through January 1, 2028, allowing certain buyers in residential zoning districts a one-time opportunity to apply for an STR certificate without joining the waiting list, provided deadlines are met. The ordinance would allow certain family transfers upon death. 

One important distinction in the proposal is the treatment of owner-occupied STRs. Properties that serve as the owner’s primary residence would be exempt from STR caps and waiting lists, though they would still need to comply with operational regulations.

The draft ordinance also establishes updated sector caps for STRs in residential zoning districts:

• Sector 1: 200
• Sector 2: 250
• Sector 3: 225
• Sector 4: 225

Overall, the proposed ordinance represents a significant shift toward tighter operational oversight, stricter compliance standards, and more formal enforcement procedures for Tybee Island short-term rentals. 

Feel free to reach out for a copy of the draft ordinance.