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BUSINESS REGISTRATION
SHORT-TERM RENTALS
The City of Pooler has adopted a Short-Term Rental Ordinance to regulate residential properties used as short-term rentals, aiming to protect public health, safety, and the well-being of the community. This ordinance establishes procedures for the operation of short-term rentals and outlines requirements for owners, agents, and operators to ensure compliance with zoning, safety, and tax regulations.
Forms:
- New Short Term Rental Application
- New Short-Term Rental Code Compliance Affidavit
- Short-Term Rental Agent Change
- Good Neighbor Rack Card
Fees:
- Application – $350.00
- Renewal (Annual) – $250.00
Requirements: Owners operating a short-term rental without a business license must submit proof of past operations and comply with the new rules by June 16, 2025 (within 90 days from the effective date of the ordinance, which is March 18, 2025). Owners renewing their business license will need to comply with the new ordinance when they file for their annual renewal by December 1st each year.
Operation: To operate a short-term rental in Pooler, individuals or entities must obtain both a business license and a short-term rental certificate. The certificate is non-transferable and can only be used by the entity to whom it is issued. It is valid until December 31st each year, and certificates cannot be issued for properties within 500 feet of an existing licensed short-term rental.
Application and Agent Designation: Applicants for a short-term rental certificate must submit an annual application to the City, including property details, ownership documentation, and a designated rental agent (who may be the property owner). The agent is responsible for managing the rental and ensuring compliance with all regulations, including emergency contact information within the rental. Applicants must also provide a non-refundable fee, floor and site plans, proof of property ownership, proof of insurance, and a notification to adjacent property owners. The agent must be available to address any issues that arise and ensure adherence to city regulations. If the rental agent changes, the City must be notified within five business days.
Certificate Issuance and Renewal: Applications are reviewed by the City, and certificates are issued within 60 days if all conditions are met. Certificates must be renewed annually before expiration, with renewals accepted on a first-come, first-served basis starting December 1st. Failure to renew results in automatic termination of the certificate, and the rental property is no longer authorized for use.
Compliance and Violations: Short-term rentals must comply with safety, zoning, and building codes, including fire safety and emergency exit requirements. Violations can result in fines, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses (ranging from $500 to $1000). The City may suspend or revoke the short-term rental certificate for repeated violations, and owners have the right to appeal such decisions. Non-compliance with the ordinance could lead to further legal action. To register a complaint, call (912) 330-2605 or visit https://secure.hostcompliance.com/pooler-ga/complaints/type.
Taxes: All short-term rental operators must comply with local occupation taxes and applicable state and local hotel-motel excise taxes, as set by state law and the City’s regulations.
Zoning and Permitted Use: Short-term rentals, including both Home-based Lodging and Home-based Lodging, Hosted uses, are permitted in residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-A, RA-1, RA-2, and PUD). Specific requirements include no external signage, adequate off-street parking, and restrictions on events and gatherings. The number of guests must comply with building code occupancy limits, and a minimum of one parking space is required for every three adult occupants.
Regulations for Existing Short-Term Rentals: Entities currently operating short-term rentals with a valid business license must comply with the new ordinance, excluding the distance requirement from other licensed rentals. Those operating without a license must submit proof of twelve (12) months prior operations before March 15, 2024 and comply within ninety (90) days, or they will be deemed in violation.
OCCUPATIONAL TAX (BUSINESS LICENSE)
Below you will find the applications. Each provide you with a checklist to be reviewed carefully to ensure all necessary supporting documentation is provided when the application is submitted. Online payments may be made at www.poolerpay.com.
Upon submission of your application, it will be forwarded to our Planning & Development Department for review. A Building/Life Safety Inspection is required for any existing spaces or buildings prior to the issuance of an Occupational Tax Certificate. Any building or space that has been newly constructed or renovated within the past six (6) months is not required to be inspected.
HOME OCCUPATIONS AND HOME BUSINESS OFFICES
ALCOHOL LICENSING & MONTHLY MIXED DRINK EXCISE TAX
Beginning January 12, 2022, all New Alcoholic Beverage License Applications will need to be submitted online via the Georgia Department of Revenue website. Once the initial online application is submitted, please call the Business Registration Clerk to provide notification of your submitted application.
Please follow the instructions on the application to perform your background check and fingerprints. If fingerprinting services are unavailable, please contact us. All required forms need to be completed, notarized, and returned to City Hall with payment. Online payments may be made at www.poolerpay.com.
All applications will be reviewed by the Planning & Development and Police Departments; final approval will be given by the Mayor and Council at a scheduled Council Meeting, which will require the applicant’s attendance.
Georgia DOR Alcoholic Beverage License Application Website
City of Pooler Alcoholic Beverage License Application – New
City of Pooler Alcoholic Beverage License Application – Renewal
Effective November 15th, 2021, the City of Pooler’s Mayor and Council approved a new ordinance to amend Chapter 6 – Alcoholic Beverages. Here you will find the link to the approved ordinance, which is effective immediately.
All restaurants or local businesses who are applying for or in possession of the Retail Liquor/Sell by the Drink only license will need to submit a monthly Liquor (Distilled Spirits) by the Drink Excise Tax Return. Below you will find the required form. This tax return must be filed and paid by the 20th of the month following the period for which the tax is due to avoid penalty and interest. Failure to pay the tax by the due date will result in the imposition of penalty and interest. If the 20th falls on a weekend or Federal Holiday the return needs to be filed and paid, or postmarked, by the following business day. Contact the Finance Coordinator at [email protected] with any questions.
BUSINESSES WITH NO LOCATION IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA
A business license with the City of Pooler is required if an out-of-state business does not have a licensed location within the State of Georgia and will have one or more employees or agents who exert substantial efforts within the jurisdiction of the City for the purpose of soliciting business or serving customers/clients. This also includes anyone who owns personal or real property which generates income and which is located within the jurisdiction of the City. Online payments may be made at www.poolerpay.com.
Ordinance for Business with No Location in the State
RENEWAL PROCEDURES
OCCUPATIONAL TAX
Occupational Tax (Business License) fees shall be payable January 1 of each year. All renewal applications will be sent out between October and November of the previous year for all active licenses and permits. Every year, each business will need to fill out the renewal form completely. Below you will find a link to our renewal ordinance and all the necessary forms. See below FAQ #7 for description of penalties if tax remains unpaid. Online payments may be made at www.poolerpay.com.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSES
The Alcoholic Beverage License renewal process for 2025 is now open. Online payments may be made at poolerpay.com. Below you will find links to the required forms to process your renewal if you choose to mail your documents.
All Alcoholic Beverage licenses must be paid in full by December 13 to avoid a 25% penalty. After this date, businesses will only have until December 31 to pay their renewal fees with penalties; this includes customers paying online. If the renewal remains unpaid by January 1, all alcohol sales must stop; a new application must be submitted with a new background check, and all procedures for new applications will be required. No alcoholic beverage sales will be allowed during this new reapplication process until the Mayor and Council have approved the licensee again during a regularly scheduled council meeting.
SPECIAL EVENTS
SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT (NO ALCOHOL)
To ensure your event is successful, please submit your application at least thirty (30) days before the event date. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept or process applications submitted with less than thirty (30) days’ notice. Additionally, please refrain from advertising, collecting fees, or taking orders (including online and on social media) until your application has been approved by the City’s Mayor and Council. Thank you for your cooperation in meeting these conditions.
- The application must be completed in its entirety. To speed up the process, please attach proposed event flyers, routes, maps, and any other supporting documents related to the event.
- Contact Business Registration at (912) 748-7261, ext. 118, to schedule an appointment to submit the application and pay the non-refundable fee of $300/day ($500/day for amusement park, carnival, or circus events) or email the form with supporting documents to [email protected] and make a card payment over the phone. This permit is issued for a maximum of thirty (30) days.
- If seeking a waiver of fees, please indicate this on the application and attach, if applicable, your 501(C)(3) IRS letter. Please note that only Mayor and Council can waive fees.
- If your event will have food vendors (i.e., food trucks), state so on the application and indicate that food will be sold/provided. If food vendors are not indicated on the application, they will not be allowed at the event. (If alcohol will be served, this is not the correct form; please fill out the Temporary/Special Event Dispensing Alcohol Permit application.)
- The Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Parks & Recreation Director will review your completed application. At that time, each will make a recommendation for approval or denial and indicate what special stipulations, if any, must be completed prior to the application being presented to Mayor and Council. Following, Business Registration will contact you to inform you of the recommendation made and/or stipulations required by each department and provide you with contact information, if needed, to coordinate the use of police officers and/or emergency management personnel. You, the applicant, will contact all department personnel to schedule the use of staff as required.
- Business Registration will inform you when your application will be reviewed by the Mayor and Council (during a regularly scheduled council meeting). Please make plans to attend this meeting.
- If approved, the permit will be emailed and mailed to you within 2-3 business days of the meeting. If your application is not approved and you would like to appeal, contact [email protected].
TEMPORARY/SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT (DISPENSING ALCOHOL)
To help ensure everything goes smoothly, please submit your application at least thirty (30) days before your event. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept or process applications received with fewer than thirty (30) days’ notice. Additionally, we kindly ask that no advertisements, fee collections, or orders be made by the applicant (including online and on social media) until your application has been approved by the City’s Mayor and Council.
- The application must be completed in its entirety. To speed up the process, please attach proposed event flyers, routes, maps, and any other supporting documents related to the event.
- All commercial businesses and non-profit organizations, regardless of possessing an active city-issued alcoholic beverage license, must also apply for the State of Georgia’s Special Event Liquor License on their website. (This is NOT applicable to private events [i.e., weddings, family reunions, baby showers] unless a licensed business will be catering; in such case, the licensed catering business must apply for the State’s Special Event Liquor License).
- All applicants must visit the Pooler Police Department to have a background check completed. This service is available Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. There is a $20 fee (subject to change). Questions may be directed to (912) 748-7333.
- Contact Business Registration at (912) 748-7261, ext. 118, to schedule an appointment to submit the application and background check and pay the non-refundable fee ($100/day plus $20 administrative fee) or email the form with supporting documents to [email protected] and make a phone payment with a card (Visa or MasterCard only). This permit is issued for a maximum of two (2) days.
- If seeking a waiver of fees, please indicate this on the application and attach, if applicable, your 501(C)(3) IRS letter. Please note that only Mayor and Council can waive fees.
- If your event will have food vendors (i.e., food trucks), state so on the application and indicate that food will be sold/provided. If food vendors are not indicated on the application, they will not be allowed at the event. (If alcohol will not be served, this is not the correct form; please fill out the Special Event Permit application or contact us for more information).
- The Zoning Administrator, Police Chief, and Fire Chief will review your completed application. At that time, each will make a recommendation for approval or denial and indicate what special stipulations, if any, must be completed prior to the application being presented to Mayor and Council. Following, Business Registration will contact you to inform you of the recommendation made and/or stipulations required by each department and provide you with contact information, if needed, to coordinate the use of police officers and/or emergency management personnel. You, the applicant, will contact all department personnel to schedule the use of staff as required.
- Business Registration will contact you to inform you when your Temporary/Special Event Permit application will be reviewed by the Mayor and Council (during a regularly scheduled council meeting). Please make plans to attend this meeting.
- If approved, the permit will be emailed and mailed to you within 2-3 business days of the council meeting and a copy of your permit will be uploaded to the State’s website. Please note that all alcohol must be purchased from a wholesaler and not from a liquor store. If your event permit is not approved and you would like to appeal, contact [email protected].
Temporary/Special Event (Dispensing Alcohol) Ordinance
Temporary/Special Event (Dispensing Alcohol) Permit Application
FAQS
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE FOR A BUSINESS REGISTRATION APPLICATION?
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE FOR AN ALCOHOL BEVERAGE LICENSE REGISTRATION APPLICATION?
WHAT IF MY BUSINESS IS ALREADY ESTABLISHED AND I ONLY NEED A CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP?
ARE THERE ANY LOCATION RESTRICTIONS FOR THE ISSUANCE OF AN ALCOHOL BEVERAGE LICENSE?
ARE THERE ANY PENALTIES IMPOSED FOR UNPAID LICENSE OR TAX FEES AND WHEN ARE THEY APPLIED?
WHAT TYPE OF PAYMENTS ARE ACCEPTED?
All applications can be paid by debit/credit card, check, money order, cashier’s checks, or cash. Payments for new license registrations and renewals are now available through www.poolerpay.com (3.5% service charge will be applied).