What should Southern Shores hosts know about north carolina state law (ncgs?

North Carolina state law (NCGS 160D-1207) prohibits local governments from requiring STR permits or registrations for properties under the residential building code.

What should Southern Shores hosts know about on-street parking is strictly prohibited?

On-street parking is strictly prohibited throughout Southern Shores; rentals with more guests than available driveway spots often face enforcement.

What should Southern Shores hosts know about dare county occupancy tax is?

Dare County Occupancy Tax is 6%, which is separate from and in addition to the 7% state/local sales tax.

Are there rental limits in Southern Shores?

Large events or 'party houses' are effectively limited by strict noise ordinances and septic system occupancy limits.

Southern Shores

Permissive

STRs Allowed

North CarolinaLast updated: February 12, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

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.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Safety standards required
•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

You do not need a special permit or license from the Town of Southern Shores to operate a short-term rental. However, you must comply with town-wide rules regarding parking, noise, and trash disposal, and you are required to register with Dare County to pay occupancy taxes.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.North Carolina state law (NCGS 160D-1207) prohibits local governments from requiring STR permits or registrations for properties under the residential building code.
2.On-street parking is strictly prohibited throughout Southern Shores; rentals with more guests than available driveway spots often face enforcement.
3.Dare County Occupancy Tax is 6%, which is separate from and in addition to the 7% state/local sales tax.
4.Large events or 'party houses' are effectively limited by strict noise ordinances and septic system occupancy limits.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Southern Shores does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Southern Shores: On-street parking is strictly prohibited throughout Southern Shores; rentals with more guests than available driveway spots often face enforcement.
•Southern Shores: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(9)

•Southern Shores STR warning: On-street parking is strictly prohibited throughout Southern Shores; rentals with more guests than available driveway spots often face enforcement.
•Southern Shores STR warning: North Carolina state law (NCGS 160D-1207) prohibits local governments from requiring STR permits or registrations for properties under the residential building code.

Application Process(5)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Southern Shores: Step 1: Register with Dare County Tax Department - Apply for an Occupancy Tax account with Dare County to ensure proper reporting and remittance of the 6% occupancy tax. Documents needed: Property address, Owner contact information. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://www.darenc.gov/departments/tax-department/occupancy-tax Step 2: Verify Parking Compliance - Ensure the property has sufficient off-street parking as per Town Code Section 36-171. All guest vehicles must be parked on the property, not on the street or shoulder. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://library.municode.com/nc/southern_shores/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIICOOR_CH36ZO_ARTVIIPARKORAL Step 3: Review Trash Collection Schedule - Familiarize yourself and guests with the town's trash and recycling schedule. Trash cans must be moved back from the curb following collection. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.southernshores-nc.gov/community/page/trash-recycling

Taxes(3)

•Southern Shores: Dare County Occupancy Tax is 6%, which is separate from and in addition to the 7% state/local sales tax.
•North Carolina has a state sales tax of 0.07% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Southern Shores limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Southern Shores occupancy calculation: Limited by septic capacity and off-street parking availability.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Southern Shores enforces quiet hours: 11pm-7am.
•Southern Shores: Large events or 'party houses' are effectively limited by strict noise ordinances and septic system occupancy limits.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Southern Shores requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, Must comply with NC Residential Building Code.

Penalties(1)

•Southern Shores enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Civil citation. Second offense: Increased fines. Third offense: Continued daily fines. Daily fine: $100 - $500.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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.

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

Southern Shores

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(9)

Application Process(5)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(1)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other North Carolina Markets

Cary

Hyde County

Wilmington

Cullowhee

Southern Shores

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 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 Southern Shores?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Southern Shores?

3Are there rental night limits in Southern Shores?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Southern Shores?

Related Content

Other North Carolina Markets

Cary

Hyde County

Wilmington

Cullowhee