What should Auburn hosts know about apartments are explicitly prohibited from?

Apartments are explicitly prohibited from being used as short-term rentals per Ordinance 3288.

Are there rental limits in Auburn?

Non-primary rentals (STNPR) are strictly limited to a maximum of 240 operating days per year.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Auburn?

Homestays (primary residence) may have night limits (e.g., 60 or 120 days) depending on the zone if the owner is not present.

What are the key requirements for Auburn hosts?

You must file and pay city lodging tax monthly (7%) by the 20th of the following month, even if you had zero bookings.

What are the permit fees in Auburn?

The annual business license fee is calculated as 1.5% of your gross receipts from the previous year, not a flat fee after the first year.

What should Auburn hosts know about two or three substantiated complaints?

Two or three substantiated complaints in a single year can result in the immediate revocation of your permit.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Auburn?

Check your zoning district carefully; many residential zones (like NC) have highly restrictive rules or total prohibitions.

Short-Term Rental Laws in Auburn, AL

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Verified: Feb 4, 2026

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Summary

Short-term rentals in the City of Auburn are classified as either 'Homestays' (primary residence) or 'Short-Term Non-Primary Rentals' (STNPR). All operators must obtain a zoning permit and a city business license, and are subject to a 7% local lodging tax. STNPRs are limited to operating 240 days per calendar year, while Homestays have varying occupancy limits depending on owner presence and zoning district.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 8 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of Auburn, you must first determine if your property is your primary residence ('Homestay') or an investment property ('Non-Primary'). Both require you to get a permit from the Planning Department and a business license from the Revenue Office. You must pay $105 for your first-year license, and thereafter you'll pay 1.5% of your gross rental income annually. Be aware that apartments are generally prohibited from being used as STRs, and non-primary rentals are capped at 240 nights per year. You're also required to collect and pay a 7% city lodging tax every month.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

240/year

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$105

Processing Time

Varies

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Apartments are explicitly prohibited from being used as short-term rentals per Ordinance 3288.
2.Non-primary rentals (STNPR) are strictly limited to a maximum of 240 operating days per year.
3.Homestays (primary residence) may have night limits (e.g., 60 or 120 days) depending on the zone if the owner is not present.
4.You must file and pay city lodging tax monthly (7%) by the 20th of the following month, even if you had zero bookings.
5.The annual business license fee is calculated as 1.5% of your gross receipts from the previous year, not a flat fee after the first year.
6.Two or three substantiated complaints in a single year can result in the immediate revocation of your permit.
7.Check your zoning district carefully; many residential zones (like NC) have highly restrictive rules or total prohibitions.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

•Auburn: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Auburn allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family homes, Condominiums, Dwelling units.
•Auburn: Apartments are explicitly prohibited from being used as short-term rentals per Ordinance 3288.

Requirements(12)

•Auburn STR warning: You must file and pay city lodging tax monthly (7%) by the 20th of the following month, even if you had zero bookings.

Application Process(7)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Auburn: Step 1: Zoning Verification - Check the interactive map or contact Planning Services at 334-501-3040 to verify if your zoning district allows STRs. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.auburnal.gov/Short-Term%20Rentals Step 2: Apply for Permit - Submit a Home Occupation Permit application (for Homestays) or a Zoning Certificate application (for STNPR) to webplanning@auburnalabama.org. Documents needed: Zoning application form, Property Deed, Primary Residence Documentation (if Homestay). Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. More info: https://www.auburnal.gov/Short-Term%20Rentals Step 3: Business License - Once planning approval is received, submit the Short-Term Rental Business Registration Form to the Revenue Office. Documents needed: Business Registration Form, Copy of Zoning/Home Occupation Permit. Estimated time: 3-5 days. Cost: 105. More info: https://www.auburnal.gov/Short-Term%20Rentals

Fees & Costs(2)

•Auburn charges a registration fee of $105 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $1.5 (Annual business license fee is 1.5% of gross rental receipts for the previous year (minimum $100 + $5 issuance fee).).
•Auburn: The annual business license fee is calculated as 1.5% of your gross receipts from the previous year, not a flat fee after the first year.

Taxes(4)

•AL has a state sales tax of 4% that applies to STR rentals.
•Auburn: Check your zoning district carefully; many residential zones (like NC) have highly restrictive rules or total prohibitions.
•Auburn: You must file and pay city lodging tax monthly (7%) by the 20th of the following month, even if you had zero bookings.

Limits & Restrictions(6)

•Auburn occupancy calculation: Occupancy limited to 2 adults per bedroom plus two additional persons (standard residential definition).. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Auburn limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Auburn: Homestays (primary residence) may have night limits (e.g., 60 or 120 days) depending on the zone if the owner is not present.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Auburn requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Life safety inspection, Egress must meet 2021 IRC standards.

Penalties(2)

•Auburn enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $100 fine per day. Second offense: $500 fine per day. Third offense: Revocation of permit/license. Daily fine: Continuing violations assessed daily. Maximum fine: $500. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Auburn: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Auburn: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Auburn exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Auburn

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(4)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Auburn

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Auburn?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Auburn?

3Are there restrictions on how many nights I can rent my Auburn property?

4What are the different types of short-term rentals in Auburn?

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Huntsville

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Baldwin County