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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in St. Michaels, MD

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are permitted in the CC district (second-floor units only) and in specific pre-1945 single-family detached dwellings (under 1,400 sq ft). Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom (max 4 for single-family), and owners must pay Maryland Sales Tax and Talbot County Accommodation Tax.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a Short-Term Rental License application to the Town of St. Michaels with the required fee ($350 for initial review, $150 for renewal). 2) Undergo a required on-site inspection to verify compliance with building, fire, and safety codes. 3) For new developments or conversions, obtain formal Site Plan review and approval per Chapter 110.

Official Resources

Official St. Michaels STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in St. Michaels, MD?
Airbnb listings are allowed in St. Michaels, MD, but with restrictions. STRs are permitted in the CC district (second-floor units only) and in specific pre-1945 single-family detached dwellings (under 1,400 sq ft). Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom (max 4 for single-family), and owners must pay Maryland Sales Tax and Talbot County Accommodation Tax. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in St. Michaels, MD?
STRs are permitted in the CC district (second-floor units only) and in specific pre-1945 single-family detached dwellings (under 1,400 sq ft). Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom (max 4 for single-family), and owners must pay Maryland Sales Tax and Talbot County Accommodation Tax.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in St. Michaels?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in St. Michaels. 1) Submit a Short-Term Rental License application to the Town of St. Michaels with the required fee ($350 for initial review, $150 for renewal). 2) Undergo a required on-site inspection to verify compliance with building, fire, and safety codes. 3) For new developments or conversions, obtain formal Site Plan review and approval per Chapter 110.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in St. Michaels?
1) Submit a Short-Term Rental License application to the Town of St. Michaels with the required fee ($350 for initial review, $150 for renewal). 2) Undergo a required on-site inspection to verify compliance with building, fire, and safety codes. 3) For new developments or conversions, obtain formal Site Plan review and approval per Chapter 110.
Is Vrbo legal in St. Michaels, MD?
Vrbo is permitted in St. Michaels, MD 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in St. Michaels?
Short-term rental hosts in St. Michaels 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in St. Michaels?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for St. Michaels. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction