FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — There could soon be a change to the short-term vacation rentals ordinance in Fannin County that some fear could tank the market if it moves forward.
Fannin County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jamie Hensley said the purpose and goal of the ordinance is to appeal to both residents and those wanting to invest in properties in the area.
"The focus is to balance the interest of those who are blessed to call our area home and the interest of those who have invested in the area and make their properties available to visitors," Hensley stated.
However, Holly Nelson, a realtor with Engel & Volkers North Georgia Mountains, said there are legitimate concerns about the impact a change in the ordinance could have on property values.
Nelson said what the BOC is proposing is that when property owners go to get their short-term vacation rental permit, they'll have to provide their septic permit on file.
"They're saying they're going to limit our occupancy based on whatever our septic permit is on file," Nelson said.
She added, "That poses a problem because say back in the 90's and early 2000's you could build on a half-acre of land, you can't do that anymore, so there's no way for these folks to even upgrade their septic to adjust to the current occupancy rate that they base their nightly rental rates on."
Nelson said when many of the homes were built back then, they were two and three-bedroom properties but have since been upgraded to four and five-bedroom homes.
Nelson said it's no secret that short-term vacation rentals have helped the Blue Ridge area thrive, attracting people from all across the southeast to the north Georgia mountains.
Even Hensley said that Blue Ridge is one of the state's top five tourist destinations and that they appreciate the economic influx.
Hensley also explained the idea is still a work in progress as they continue to get input from the public.
"The overall objective is to balance enjoyment of the area with protecting the environment and safeguarding visitors and residents alike," he said.
Nelson said if the change to the ordinance does pass, they fully believe it will devalue the short-term nightly rates.
"I think in the long run what we're going to see is all across the county it's going to devalue the properties because we're not going to be able to get the return on investment that the people are getting right now," Nelson explained.
Nelson said the BOC is also looking at a noise ordinance and safety regulations, and she completely understands and is on board, as most people in the county are, to keep everyone safe. However, she said the issue arises when correlating the septic permit and occupancy of a property.
There will be time for public input on Tuesday at the Board of Commissioners' meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Jury Assembly Room on the third floor of the Fannin County Courthouse.
