Step 1
Confirm Zoning
Contact the City of Huntsville Zoning Administration at 256-564-8008 to verify if your location is in an approved Zoning District. Generally, STRs are prohibited in standard residential zones.
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Short-term rentals in Huntsville are regulated as motels under the city's zoning code and are generally prohibited in most residential districts. To operate legally, hosts must secure zoning approval, obtain a city business license, and remit a 9% lodging tax plus a $2 per room, per night surcharge.
To host an Airbnb in the City of Huntsville, you must first verify that your property is in a zone that allows 'transient lodging'—most residential neighborhoods are actually off-limits. If your zone is approved, you are required to get a city business license and register to pay taxes. You'll need to collect a 9% lodging tax from your guests along with a $2 per-room nightly fee, which you'll report to the city monthly.
Step-by-step guide for Huntsville
Contact the City of Huntsville Zoning Administration at 256-564-8008 to verify if your location is in an approved Zoning District. Generally, STRs are prohibited in standard residential zones.
Once zoning is approved, submit a Business License application to the Finance Department. The application is routed for department approvals.
Upon approval, the City will notify the applicant of the license fee due.
Register with the Alabama Department of Revenue 'One Spot' system to collect and remit the 9% lodging tax and $2/night surcharge.
Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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 Details may be outdated or incomplete.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.
Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM