North Carolina Short-Term Rental Regulations by City

Short-term rentals in Cullowhee are permitted and regulated by Jackson County, primarily requiring registration for occupancy tax collection.

Short-term rentals are permitted in Durham as an accessory use in most residential and commercial zones, provided hosts obtain a one-time Zoning Compliance Permit. While there is no current application fee, hosts are limited to renting to a maximum of four adults at any given time.

Short-term rentals are permitted in specific 'Multiple Family' (M) and commercial zoning districts in Blowing Rock, provided the owner obtains a one-time zoning permit. STRs are generally prohibited in low-density residential zones like R-15 to preserve neighborhood character.

The Town of Oak Island requires all short-term rental owners to register their property with the Planning Department. While there is no current fee for this registration, it is mandatory to ensure compliance with safety standards and local occupancy tax collection (5% Town tax + 6% County tax).

The City of Brevard requires all short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) to obtain a Zoning Permit and designate a local 24-hour contact. Occupancy is strictly limited to 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, and hosts must remit a 5% county occupancy tax.

Jacksonville, NC requires short-term rental operators to obtain an Onslow County permit and register for both city and county occupancy taxes, totaling 6%.

The City of Wrightsville Beach requires all short-term rental operators to register for a Zoning Compliance Permit and undergo a fire safety inspection. Rentals are subject to a combined 6% Room Occupancy Tax administered by New Hanover County.

Short-term rentals are a permitted use in Atlantic Beach provided the owner obtains a one-time $50 registration. The town focuses heavily on parking compliance and local contact availability to manage neighborhood impact.

Fayetteville has no specific short-term rental ordinance and currently regulates STRs as standard residential rental properties under general business and zoning laws.

Short-term rentals in Kitty Hawk require a Short Term Business Registration and are subject to a combined 12.75% lodging and sales tax.

The City of Kure Beach requires all short-term rental operators to register annually and pay a $100 fee. While the city manages zoning and registration, the 6% Room Occupancy Tax is administered and collected by New Hanover County.

Short-term rentals are permitted in Raleigh subject to a zoning permit and strict bedroom limitations. Hosts are restricted to renting a maximum of two bedrooms per property, with a total guest limit of two adults per bedroom.

Greensboro requires a one-time $200 zoning permit for all short-term rentals, categorized into Homestays and Whole House rentals, with recently removed distance separation requirements.

Cary does not have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance and does not require a specific STR permit or city-level registration. Hosts must comply with general town ordinances regarding noise, parking, and minimum housing standards. A 6% Room Occupancy Tax is collected by Wake County, which is typically handled automatically by major platforms like Airbnb.

Hyde County does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance or registration requirement for unincorporated areas, including Ocracoke Island. However, all hosts are required to remit a 5% Occupancy Tax to the county finance department on a monthly basis.

Following a 2022 North Carolina Court of Appeals ruling, Wilmington no longer requires short-term rental registration or limits the number/density of rentals. Hosts must still comply with zoning standards, parking requirements, and collect a total of 13% in taxes (6% Room Occupancy Tax + 7% State Sales Tax).

Short-term rentals are permitted in the Town of Davidson without a specific municipal permit, as North Carolina state law limits local government registration requirements.

Short-term rentals in Hatteras are governed by the North Carolina Vacation Rental Act and Dare County tax regulations, with no specific local permit required.

Short-term rentals in Beaufort, NC do not require a specific municipal permit due to North Carolina state preemption, but they must comply with zoning standards and county tax obligations.

The Town of Duck does not require a local short-term rental permit due to North Carolina state preemption, though owners must comply with county tax registration and state safety laws.

Southern Shores regulates short-term rentals through general zoning, parking, and trash ordinances, but does not require a specific STR permit due to North Carolina state law restrictions.

Topsail Beach does not currently require a specific short-term rental permit or license. STRs are recognized as permitted accessory uses within residential zones provided they comply with basic safety and occupancy standards. Hosts must ensure that the 6% Pender County Occupancy Tax and 6.75% State Sales Tax are paid on all stays under 90 days.

Short-term rentals in Ocracoke do not require a specific operating permit due to North Carolina state law protections, but must comply with a 5% local occupancy tax and strict septic-based occupancy limits.

Carolina Beach requires all short-term rental operators to register with the Town's Planning and Development Department for a $40 annual fee. While the town manages registration and safety standards, the 6% Room Occupancy Tax is administered by New Hanover County.

Short-term rentals in Buies Creek are governed by Harnett County, which does not require a specific STR permit but mandates the collection of occupancy taxes.

Short-term rentals are currently unregulated via permits in Charlotte because North Carolina state law preempts cities from requiring STR licenses or registration. However, hosts must still comply with zoning land-use standards in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and pay the 8% Mecklenburg County Room Occupancy Tax.

Unincorporated Dare County does not require a specific short-term rental permit due to North Carolina state law protections, but hosts must register for and remit a 6% occupancy tax. Stays are primarily regulated through zoning use and health department septic capacities.

Kill Devil Hills does not have a dedicated short-term rental permit or registration system. Hosts are permitted to operate by right in most residential zones provided they comply with the North Carolina Vacation Rental Act and remit the 6% Dare County Occupancy Tax.

Nags Head does not have a formal short-term rental permit or licensing system, but STRs are heavily regulated through the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and tax requirements. Hosts must pay a combined 12% occupancy tax, split equally between the Town and Dare County.

Winston-Salem generally allows short-term rentals but recently banned new STR operations in R-1 and R-2 single-family residential zones.

Bryson City does not currently have a dedicated municipal ordinance regulating short-term rentals. Hosts are primarily required to comply with Swain County's 4% Occupancy Tax requirements and standard North Carolina state tax laws.

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Currituck County (including Corolla) are permitted in most residential zones. There is no formal 'STR Permit' fee or licensing process due to North Carolina state preemption, but hosts must register with the County Finance Department for occupancy tax collection.

Emerald Isle does not have a dedicated short-term rental permit or registration system. Rentals are treated as a standard residential use and are primarily regulated through existing noise, parking, and trash ordinances. Hosts must ensure the 6% Carteret County Occupancy Tax and the NC State Sales Tax are paid.

Greenville regulates short-term rentals under the 'Tourist Home' zoning classification, with no city-wide registration or permit required due to North Carolina state law limitations.

Corolla has no short-term rental permit requirement due to state preemption, but operators must comply with a 6% occupancy tax and specific bedroom-based trash regulations.