Each tourist accommodation must meet the standards set out in Georgia Rules and Regulations for Tourist Accommodations (Chapter 290-5-18).  This makes our department responsible for routine inspections and plan reviews.  The routine inspections, which are performed twice a year, cover many aspects of the tourist accommodations, such as water supply, toilet facilities, sewage disposal, plumbing, garbage and refuse disposal, insect and rodent control, heating and fire safety, swimming pools, laundry rooms, grounds, and food service.  Through these inspections our office hopes to supply a safe and pleasant stay for every tourist staying at one of our tourist accommodations.

Permit Requirement  |  Plan Requirements  |  Application Procedures

Permit Requirements

Any person operating a tourist accommodation shall possess and display prominently in public view and as designated by the health authority, a valid permit issued by the health authority on forms prepared by the Department (Georgia Rules and Regulations for Tourist Accommodations Chapter 290-5-18).

1. A permit shall not be transferable with respect to person or location.
2. To be eligible for a permit the tourist accommodation shall be in satisfactory compliance with these rules and regulations and the provisions at law which apply to the location, construction and maintenance of tourist accommodations and the safety of persons therein.
3. The permit shall be the property of the health authority and shall be returned within seven days to the local health authority when the tourist accommodation ceases to operate or is moved to another location.
4. Private Camps: Camps or facilities owned and operated solely for members only will be inspected only at the health authority's discretion or upon request by the owner or operator.
5. For information on application procedures and forms (See Application Procedures)

Tourist Accommodation Plan Requirements

Plans and specifications for remodeling tourist accommodations and construction of new tourist accommodations must be submitted for review and approval.  Plans must be submitted fourteen (14) days prior to beginning construction.   Additional plans for kitchen will be required if food is to be prepared and served to guests.  A copy of the menu or list of foods to be served will be required also.  If no construction changes are to be made to an existing building, requirement for plans will be at the discretion of the health authority.

1. Site plan (include location of garbage disposal)
2. Arrangement of rooms (including what each is used for)
3. Construction materials (for floors, walls, and ceilings)
4. Mechanical details (for HVAC, electrical, and lighting)
5. Plumbing details (for water supply and waste or sewer disposal)
6. Food service plans (See requirements for Food Service Permit and Food Service Plan Requirements)
7. Swimming pool plans (See requirements for Swimming Pool Permit and Swimming Pool Plans)

Tourist Accommodation Application Procedures

1. Application for a permit to operate such tourist accommodations shall be made in duplicate upon forms provided by the Department. Such forms shall be completed in all details and signed by the applicant or his authorized agent and submitted at least 10 days before the scheduled opening. The original shall be filed with the Health Authority.
2. Upon receipt of an application for permit the Health Authority shall review the application and shall take such action relative to approve or deny the permit as is provided in accordance with the provisions of O.C.G.A. Chapter 31-28 and these regulations.
3. The permit if granted or a statement of reasons if denied shall be forwarded to the tourist accommodation operator by the Health Authority.

Tourist Accommodation Permit Application Form