Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Birmingham, AL

Airbnb listings are allowed in Birmingham, AL, but with restrictions. The City defines a short-term rental as the transient use of a dwelling for overnight occupancy for less than 30 consecutive days. STRs are permitted in many multi-family, mixed-use, commercial, and agricultural districts subject to permit approval and compliance with City Code Title 12, Chapter 23; in certain single-family and estate districts, they are subject to special exception review by the Zoning Board. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

The City defines a short-term rental as the transient use of a dwelling for overnight occupancy for less than 30 consecutive days. STRs are permitted in many multi-family, mixed-use, commercial, and agricultural districts subject to permit approval and compliance with City Code Title 12, Chapter 23; in certain single-family and estate districts, they are subject to special exception review by the Zoning Board.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Birmingham. 1) Submit a short-term rental permit application via the City of Birmingham Online Permit Center. 2) If the property is in a district requiring a special exception (e.g., certain single-family districts), obtain Zoning Board approval. 3) Ensure compliance with Title 12, Chapter 23 of the City Code and obtain any required business licenses or tax registrations.

1) Submit a short-term rental permit application via the City of Birmingham Online Permit Center. 2) If the property is in a district requiring a special exception (e.g., certain single-family districts), obtain Zoning Board approval. 3) Ensure compliance with Title 12, Chapter 23 of the City Code and obtain any required business licenses or tax registrations.

Vrbo is permitted in Birmingham, AL under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Birmingham are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

The most recent tracked change in Birmingham is "Birmingham STR Business License Requirement" (2023-03-01, status: passed). City requires annual business license for all STR operators; fire safety compliance (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguisher) and noise ordinance adherence required. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.

An annual City of Birmingham business license with fire safety compliance (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguisher) and noise ordinance adherence. Jefferson County lodging tax registration and monthly remittance is also required.

Alabama state lodging tax (4%), Jefferson County lodging tax, and Birmingham city lodging tax all apply. Register with the Alabama Department of Revenue and Jefferson County. Total lodging tax burden is approximately 15–17% depending on specific rates.

No. Alabama has no statewide STR preemption law. Birmingham and other Alabama municipalities set their own requirements independently. A state economic impact study may lead to a voluntary registration framework, but no preemption legislation is currently proposed.