The community
Chestatee covenants and rules
Chestatee is governed by a recorded Declaration of Protective Covenants, bylaws and association policies. The rules buyers trip on most are the ban on short-term rentals, the parking policy that bars street parking, exterior changes needing a Modification Request, no private docks, and no drawing lake water. Read the current documents, not a summary.
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The documents that bind an owner
Chestatee is a protective-covenant community; the Declaration of Protective Covenants and Bylaws govern owners, with a required association.src HMS offers a Welcome Packet (covenants, bylaws, rules, policies) as a public download; the copy read for this research is titled Welcome Book updated 2026-04-06.src HMS marks the Chestatee welcome packet as updated April 6, 2026.src
Read the packet itself. It is public, dated, and the only version that counts. Our summaries only help you know what to look for.
Short-term rentals
Short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO and similar) are expressly prohibited by an amendment to the covenants, whether or not the owner lives in the home.src If you are shopping for an investment property that you plan to list on a rental platform, this is the answer: not here. See the article for how to confirm it.
Parking
The association parking policy prohibits parking on all Chestatee streets and roads and sets limits on RVs, trailers and commercial vehicles.src The parking policy says personal transportation vehicles (golf carts) are permitted.src
Changing the outside of your home
Exterior changes need a Modification Request filed through the HMS portal; complex questions go to cmrc@chestateepoa.com.src Dawson County permits are separate: Building permits are required for all construction including new houses, additions, fences, walls, retaining walls and accessory buildings; separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical and pool/spa permits apply.src
Docks, lake water and the shoreline
The covenants bar private docks and boat access to Lake Lanier except docks and boatslips originally installed by or for the Declarant.src Owners may not draw water from Lake Lanier for lawns, gardens or any other purpose.src
Contractors, pets and everyday rules
Association policy is not to hire resident-owned contractors or businesses for work on common properties.src Animal control complaints are reported to Dawson County Animal Control, 706-265-7387, animalcontrol@dawsoncountysheriff.org.src
Golf-course easements
The covenants warn owners of golf-ball, cart and maintenance-equipment risks near the course and reserve golf easements across community land.src
Amendments change the answer. The short-term rental rule is an amendment to the original covenants, which is a good example of why you should ask for the covenants and every recorded amendment, not only the packet summary. The declaration was recorded in Dawson County deed records; your closing attorney can pull the full set.
Are short-term rentals allowed at Chestatee?
Short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO and similar) are expressly prohibited by an amendment to the covenants, whether or not the owner lives in the home.
Source: Chestatee Community Association, Inc. (via Homeowner Management Services Inc.), Welcome Book updated 2026-04-06 (public PDF download linked from hms-inc.net/chestatee). Checked 2026-10-20.
Can I park on the street?
The association parking policy prohibits parking on all Chestatee streets and roads and sets limits on RVs, trailers and commercial vehicles.
Source: Chestatee Community Association, Inc. (via Homeowner Management Services Inc.), Welcome Book updated 2026-04-06 (public PDF download linked from hms-inc.net/chestatee). Checked 2026-10-20.
Are golf carts allowed?
The parking policy says personal transportation vehicles (golf carts) are permitted.
Source: Chestatee Community Association, Inc. (via Homeowner Management Services Inc.), Welcome Book updated 2026-04-06 (public PDF download linked from hms-inc.net/chestatee). Checked 2026-10-20.
Can the association hire a resident’s company for common-property work?
Association policy is not to hire resident-owned contractors or businesses for work on common properties.
Source: Chestatee Community Association, Inc. (via Homeowner Management Services Inc.), Welcome Book updated 2026-04-06 (public PDF download linked from hms-inc.net/chestatee). Checked 2026-10-20.
Which rules apply to the lake and shoreline?
The covenants state lake and Corps-shoreline use is governed by the association's rules in addition to any rules of government agencies with jurisdiction.
Source: Chestatee Community Association, Inc. (via Homeowner Management Services Inc.), Welcome Book updated 2026-04-06 (public PDF download linked from hms-inc.net/chestatee). Checked 2026-10-20.
Who handles animal complaints?
Animal control complaints are reported to Dawson County Animal Control, 706-265-7387, animalcontrol@dawsoncountysheriff.org.
Source: Chestatee Community Association, Inc. (via Homeowner Management Services Inc.), Welcome Book updated 2026-04-06 (public PDF download linked from hms-inc.net/chestatee). Checked 2026-10-20.
Last checked 2026-10-20. Written by the Chestatee on Lake Lanier Editorial Team. Rules, dates and contacts change: confirm with the office we link before you rely on anything here.