AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Augusta is familiar with short-term home rentals, but with the growth of companies like Air BnB and VRBO, it’s not just for the Masters anymore.  

“Destination Augusta knows visitors enjoy short-term rentals, and we’re very thankful for that. We haven’t heard any complaints or problems,” said Jennifer Bowen of Destination Augusta.  

City planners tell commissioners that there are about 700 short-term rental properties available in Augusta.

They said the pros for new regulations would be improve the quality of life for neighborhoods and generate tax revenue, but the recommendation from the Planning Department and law enforcement is that no new regulations are needed.  

“That’s why we came back today, so we could hear from the Sheriff’s Office, the Marshal’s Office, and Planning and Development, and as you heard, there have not been a lot of calls,” said Commissioner Stacy Pulliam.  

About a half dozen locations in Georgia have short-term rental regulations in place, and city planners say they will continue to monitor the situation, but some commissioners want more than that.  

“We need to go ahead and put stipulations together like Macon and Savannah. We need to be following suit,” said Commissioner Catherine Smith McKnight.  

But for now, Augusta will maintain the status quo for hundreds of short-term rentals.