Georgia city known for TV filming rejects proposal to ban business activity inside short-term rentals

Key Takeaways

Covington officials rejected a proposal to ban business activity inside short-term rentals
The mayor raised concerns about rentals being used for pop-up shops and other commercial events
A council member who owns several short-term rentals recused himself from the vote

A Georgia city known for drawing television and film fans has rejected a proposal that would have limited how short-term rental properties can be used during major events.

The Covington City Council voted 3-2 against an amendment that would have prohibited business activity inside Airbnb and Vrbo properties, according to “The Covington News.“

Covington is located about 35 miles east of Atlanta and has become a popular destination for fans visiting filming locations connected to television shows and movies. That tourism has also helped fuel demand for short-term rentals during conventions and organized fan events.

Council Member Charika Davis seemed concerned that amending the ordinance could affect its booming film industry if a director wished to rent a house to film in.

But Baggett said that film directors approach short-term rentals differently.

“If they’re filming, then they’ve gone around, they’ve knocked on the doors, they’ve told them,” Baggett said. “Some people get a nuisance fee. They’ve worked that out with their location people. There’s somebody there all the time.”

“When we agreed to have Airbnbs, we did not agree for people to open up mini businesses several times a year when these conventions come into town,” Baggett said, per the outlet. “And it truly has become a nuisance to the neighbors that were OK with them being Airbnbs, but are not OK with them being little mini-stores, where you’ve got people coming in the front door, people coming out the back door, people standing in line, the traffic issues.”

The mayor seemed particularly annoyed by one advertisement she had seen promoting $1,000, 12-minute meet-and-greets for fans.

Person wearing costume (Photo credit: Daniel Lombraña González via Unsplash)

“That is highway robbery, and it’s also—we look like a tourist trap,” Baggett said. “And our town can be known for a lot of things, but we’re not going to be known for a tourist trap.”

Her opinion didn’t matter though, for now at least.

Covington’s existing short-term rental rules will remain unchanged after it failed to get the votes it needed to pass.

Mayor Fleeta Baggett requested the amendment after hearing complaints about rental homes being used for pop-up shops, meet-and-greets and temporary stores during conventions and other events held across the city.

Baggett argued that the city’s decision to allow short-term rentals was not intended to let properties operate as temporary retail businesses several times a year.

Council rejects new limits on rental properties

Three Council Members —Anthony Henderson, Charika Davis and Dwayne Turner —voted against the proposal, while two others, Jared Rutberg and Kim Johnson, supported it.

Council Member Travis Moore did not participate in the vote because he owns multiple short-term rentals in Covington.

Planning Director Judy Thagard told council members that other communities have adopted rules preventing commercial businesses from operating inside short-term rentals. However, she said the city did not have a formal count of complaints and was relying largely on concerns raised through conversations with residents.

The debate comes as cities across the country continue to reconsider where short-term rentals fit within residential zoning rules. Some communities have focused on permits and occupancy limits, while others have expanded restrictions on how rental homes may be used.

Baggett also raised concerns that temporary businesses operating from rental properties may avoid the licenses and tax requirements imposed on traditional stores. The mayor separately cited reports involving alcohol being served at some properties without the required permits.

Covington already has a system for addressing repeat problems at short-term rentals. Under the current ordinance, the city can revoke a rental license after three code violations within a 12-month period.

Those rules will remain in place after the council declined to add the proposed restriction on commercial activity.