Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Nags Head?

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Nags Head, though state and county regulations may still apply. Hosts must adhere to the Unified Development Ordinance. It is important to check with Dare County for any county-level requirements before listing a property for short-term rental purposes. *(53 words)*

What is the TOT tax rate in Nags Head?

**6% Town and 6% County** is the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) required for short-term rentals in Nags Head. Hosts must collect and remit this combined 12% tax. The Town of Nags Head receives 6%, and Dare County receives the other 6%. Ensure compliance with both Town and County tax guidelines. *(57 words)*

Are short-term rentals allowed in Nags Head?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in Nags Head, but they are subject to regulations outlined in the Unified Development Ordinance. Hosts must comply with all applicable zoning and safety requirements. It is important to review the UDO to ensure your property meets all criteria for short-term rental operation. *(52 words)*

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Nags Head?

**Penalties can be applied** for operating a short-term rental in Nags Head without complying with local regulations. These could include fines or legal action. It is crucial to adhere to the Unified Development Ordinance and all tax requirements. Contact the Town of Nags Head planning department to confirm compliance. *(53 words)*

Can renters host on Airbnb in Nags Head?

**The regulations do not** specifically address whether renters can host on Airbnb in Nags Head. Standard lease agreements usually control whether subletting is allowed. Renters should review their lease agreement and local regulations. Contact the town planning department for clarification on tenant-hosted short-term rentals in Nags Head. *(53 words)*

Nags Head

Permissive

STRs Allowed

North CarolinaLast updated: February 13, 2026

Gold Standard Verification

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Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

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Summary

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.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 3 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Reporting required
•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Nags Head, you don't need a specific 'STR license,' but you must ensure your house meets local zoning rules. You are required to collect and pay a 12% tax on all bookings—6% goes to Dare County and 6% goes directly to the Town of Nags Head. Make sure you have enough off-street parking for your guests, as street parking is strictly regulated, and ensure your trash cans are moved away from the curb after pickup days.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.You must remit TWO separate occupancy taxes (6% to the Town and 6% to the County).
2.Nags Head has strict 'Rollback' rules for trash cans; they cannot stay on the street.
3.Off-street parking is mandatory; guests cannot park on the side of the road in many areas.
4.Occupancy is strictly limited by the capacity of the property's septic system.
5.The 12% tax rate is one of the highest in the state due to the double-layer of local taxation.
6.Rentals for 90 days or more are exempt from the occupancy tax.
7.Verify if your property is in the 'Ocean Hazard' or 'Flood' zones, as specific safety and building rules apply.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•Nags Head: Off-street parking is mandatory; guests cannot park on the side of the road in many areas.
•Nags Head, NC: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Nags Head: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Nags Head, NC: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(11)

•Nags Head STR warning: Nags Head has strict 'Rollback' rules for trash cans; they cannot stay on the street.
•Nags Head STR warning: Verify if your property is in the 'Ocean Hazard' or 'Flood' zones, as specific safety and building rules apply.
•Nags Head: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
•Nags Head does not require STR registration.

Application Process(6)

•STR regulations overview for Nags Head: 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.

Taxes(4)

•Nags Head charges a Town Occupancy Tax of 6%. This applies to stays under 90 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the 6% Dare County portion; however, the town 6% must often be verified/remitted locally if not handled by the platform.
•Nags Head: You must remit TWO separate occupancy taxes (6% to the Town and 6% to the County).

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Nags Head occupancy calculation: Limited by septic capacity and parking standards (2 people per bedroom). Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Nags Head enforces quiet hours: 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
•Nags Head limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Nags Head: Occupancy is strictly limited by the capacity of the property's septic system.

Safety Requirements(2)

•Nags Head requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, Parking must be provided on-site (off-street), Trash containers must be rolled back from the street.
•Nags Head: Verify if your property is in the 'Ocean Hazard' or 'Flood' zones, as specific safety and building rules apply.

Penalties(1)

•Nags Head enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Civil penalty up to $500. Second offense: Varies. Third offense: Varies. Daily fine: $500.

Exemptions(4)

•Nags Head exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).
•Nags Head: Rentals for 90 days or more are exempt from the occupancy tax.
•Nags Head: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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.

Other North Carolina Markets

Cary

North Carolina

Permissive

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.

0.1% total tax

Hyde County

North Carolina

Permissive

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.

0.1% total tax

Wilmington

North Carolina

Permissive

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).

0.1% total tax

Cullowhee

North Carolina

Moderate

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

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Nags Head

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(6)

Taxes(4)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(2)

Penalties(1)

Exemptions(4)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other North Carolina Markets

Cary

Hyde County

Wilmington

Cullowhee

Nags Head

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Nags Head?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Nags Head?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Nags Head?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Nags Head?

Related Content

Other North Carolina Markets

Cary

Hyde County

Wilmington

Cullowhee