What zoning rules apply to STRs in Winston Salem?

New STRs are strictly prohibited in R-1 and R-2 zones as of September 2024.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Winston Salem?

Existing STRs in R-1 and R-2 zones are granted a 3-year amortization period and must cease operation by September 2027.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Winston Salem?

North Carolina state law (Schroeder v. Wilmington) currently prevents cities from requiring a specific 'permit' for the registration of STRs, though zoning use can still be regulated.

What should Winston Salem hosts know about hoa rules in winston-salem often?

HOA rules in Winston-Salem often override city permission and can ban STRs entirely.

Winston Salem

Permissive

STRs Allowed

North CarolinaLast updated: February 10, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

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Verified: Feb 6, 2026

Summary

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

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

You can host an STR in most areas of Winston-Salem, but new rentals are now prohibited in R-1 and R-2 residential zones as of late 2024. Existing rentals in those zones have until 2027 to cease operations. While no specific 'STR license' is required due to North Carolina state law, you must still collect local occupancy taxes and comply with general zoning standards.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

Processing Time

1-2 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.New STRs are strictly prohibited in R-1 and R-2 zones as of September 2024.
2.Existing STRs in R-1 and R-2 zones are granted a 3-year amortization period and must cease operation by September 2027.
3.North Carolina state law (Schroeder v. Wilmington) currently prevents cities from requiring a specific 'permit' for the registration of STRs, though zoning use can still be regulated.
4.HOA rules in Winston-Salem often override city permission and can ban STRs entirely.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Winston Salem: New STRs are strictly prohibited in R-1 and R-2 zones as of September 2024.
•Winston Salem does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Winston Salem: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Winston Salem: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(11)

•Winston Salem: HOA rules in Winston-Salem often override city permission and can ban STRs entirely.
•Winston Salem does not require STR registration.
•Winston Salem: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
•Winston Salem does not require liability insurance for STR hosts, but it is strongly recommended.

Application Process(7)

•How to set up an STR in Winston Salem: You can host an STR in most areas of Winston-Salem, but new rentals are now prohibited in R-1 and R-2 residential zones as of late 2024. Existing rentals in those zones have until 2027 to cease operations. While no specific 'STR license' is required due to North Carolina state law, you must still collect local occupancy taxes and comply with general zoning standards.

Taxes(2)

•Winston Salem charges a Forsyth County Occupancy Tax of 0.06%. This applies to stays under 90 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Major platforms like Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit the 6% occupancy tax and 7% sales tax on behalf of hosts.
•North Carolina has a state sales tax of 0.0475% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(2)

•Winston Salem limits stays to a maximum of 89 nights.
•Winston Salem enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Winston Salem requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted emergency contact, Egress points must be unobstructed, Compliance with Winston-Salem Building and Housing Standards.

Penalties(1)

•Winston Salem enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Notice of Violation. Second offense: Civil penalties. Third offense: Legal action.

Exemptions(2)

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

Winston Salem

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(5)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(7)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(2)

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

Winston Salem

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 Winston Salem?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Winston Salem?

3Are there rental night limits in Winston Salem?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Winston Salem?

Related Content

Other North Carolina Markets

Cary

Hyde County

Wilmington

Cullowhee