Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all of the information must be completed to prevent any delays in processing the application.

No, you do not have to complete the application personally. If you sign the Authorization Letter the manager or management company can complete the application on your behalf.

The City will not issue new STR certificates to properties located in R-1, R-1B or R-2 zoning districts. If your property is located in a zoning district other than R-1, R-1B or R-2, please fill out the STR application.

Property zoning district information can be found at https://www.chathamtax.org/.

All applications will be reviewed in the order they are received and processed on a first come first serve basis. Your current STR Certificate will remain valid until a renewal decision is made.

Your unit parcel number or PIN can be found at https://www.chathamtax.org/.

If completing online, you will have the option to pay online. You will also have the option to apply online, and then complete payment in person at city hall. 

If manually completing an application, once your application has been approved, you must make payments at City Hall, 403 Butler Avenue, or South Annex, 1509 Strand Avenue. Payme is by cash, check or credit card (convenience fees may apply). A certificate will not be issued until payment is received.

Determining the fee you need to pay for your STR is based on the occupancy for the property. Each applicant will pay a $200.00 base fee. In addition to the base fee, each applicant will be responsible for an additional occupancy fee based on the rental unit’s occupancy using the following formula:

1. Total Occupancy of one to five persons: $10.00 per person
2. Total Occupancy of six to 10 persons: $15.00 per person
3. Total Occupancy of more than 10 persons: $20.00 per person

For example, a five-bedroom house would be 10 plus two equaling 12 total. Therefore, the fee should be calculated as $200.00 + $20.00 per person ($20 x 12) equaling a total of $440.00.

Determining the maximum occupancy of an STR is calculated as two adults per bedroom plus two additional adults for the dwelling. For example, a four-bedroom house would be eight plus two, equaling 10 in total.

The number of bedrooms must be consistent with the property records found at https://www.chathamtax.org/. 

Yes, a monthly room tax return must be completed even if no taxes are due.

You will need to contact your 3rd party vendor or log into your account.

If your STR is a one- or two-family unit, it is required to have a sign that is not less than 18 inches by 24 inches and not larger than 24 inches by 24 inches. It should be located on the address side of the property and be legible and visible from the street. It should include a name and an emergency contact phone number.

If the unit is a multi-family unit, a sign 8 ½ inches by 11 inches should be legible and visible from a publicly accessible area outside of the unit. It should include a name and an emergency contact phone number.

More information about the signage requirements can be found in Tybee Island City Code Section 4-051.(5).

It is like a business license that allows you to operate your property as a business. An OTC is required if you conduct business on your STR property and do not qualify for an exemption. Those requiring an OTC should submit an OTC application with the STR application.

The cost is $135. We will notify you that your application is approved for payment. Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card (convenience fees apply).