15-1.1 Purpose.

A.

The purpose of this article is the establishment of land use regulations within the scope of the zoning powers of the municipal authority to govern bed and breakfast facilities in the city. The intent of this article is to promote economic development in the bed and breakfast industry without harming existing residential properties.

15-1.2 Definitions.

A.

A lodging room is defined as a room that is used for temporary occupancy for a fee.

B.

An owner is defined as an individual, partner, or officer of a corporation who is an officer registered with the Corporations Division of the Georgia Secretary of State with title to real property.

C.

A bed and breakfast hotel facility is defined as a commercial type establishment offering no less than three and no more than eight lodging rooms to be used for temporary occupancy for a fee and that serves meals to guests.

D.

A bed and breakfast home facility is defined as a residential type establishment, with commercial enterprise, offering no more than three lodging rooms for temporary occupancy for a fee and that may or may not offer food to guests.

E.

A bed and breakfast facility is not a rooming house or a boarding house.

15-1.3 Licenses.

A.

A bed and breakfast hotel facility shall obtain an occupational tax certificate from the city and must meet all requirements for food and lodging operations.

B.

A bed and breakfast home facility shall obtain a home occupational tax certificate from the city and is exempt from local food operations requirements providing that only breakfast is served, with breakfast being defined as pre-wrapped, commercially prepared portions.

C.

Fees for lodging in all bed and breakfast hotel and home facilities are subject to local and state taxation ordinances.

(Ord. No. 2017-04, Pt. I, §§ 1—3, 8-1-17; Ord. No. 2023-05, § 1(Exh. A), 6-20-23)

15-2.1 Occupancy restrictions.

A.

A bed and breakfast hotel facility must meet the following occupancy restrictions:

1.

Reserved.

2.

Occupancy of a lodging room shall require at least 40 square feet per individual.

3.

No occupancy shall exceed 14 days for any individual at a bed and breakfast facility.

4.

The owner of a bed and breakfast facility shall live in the bed and breakfast facility, on the property, or live adjacent to the property on which the bed and breakfast is located.

5.

Bed and breakfast facilities shall be available for occupancy on a continuous basis except for repairs, renovations, or the absence of the owner.

B.

A bed and breakfast home facility must meet the following occupancy restrictions:

1.

Provide no more than three lodging rooms with a minimum of 70 square feet per room.

2.

Occupancy of a lodging room shall require at least 40 square feet per individual when occupied by more than one person.

3.

Occupancy by guest(s) shall not exceed 14 consecutive days during any 90 day period.

4.

The owner of a bed and breakfast home facility shall live in the bed and breakfast facility or on the property on which facility is located. Change in ownership shall be reported to the municipality and may be subject to new licensing requirements.

5.

Bed and breakfast home facilities shall be available for occupancy on a continuous basis except for repairs, renovations, or the absence of the owner.

6.

Bed and breakfast home facilities shall be required to have a smoke alarm in each lodging room (guest room) and a fire extinguisher visible and accessible to guests. The facilities are subject to at least one annual inspection at the time of initial licensing and during renewal of the same.

15-2.2 Parking restrictions.

A.

Except where permitted by law, no parking shall be allowed on the street or in the front yard of bed and breakfast facilities.

B.

One parking space shall be maintained for each lodging room with a minimum width of eight feet and a minimum length of 15 feet.

(Ord. No. 2017-04, Pt. I, §§ 4—6, 8-1-17)

15-3.1 Signage.

A.

For bed and breakfast hotel facilities — One exterior sign is permitted not to exceed 12 square feet. The sign may not be attached to any structure on the premises. The sign may be lighted on two sides by an external light source not to exceed 2,400 lumens per light. A sign permit application must be submitted to the city clerk for approval and a sign permit fee must be paid according to the schedule of fees maintained by the city prior to the construction of an exterior sign.

B.

For bed and breakfast home facilities — No additional signage permitted.

(Ord. No. 2017-04, Pt. I, §§ 7, 8, 8-1-17; Ord. No. 2023-05, § 1(Exh. A), 6-20-23)