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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Worcester County, MD

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (28 days or less) are limited to one rental contract per overnight period. Occupancy is determined by Zoning Code §ZS 1-351 and submitted floor plans; properties require at least two off-street parking spaces (three if permitted after Jan 1, 2020). Hosting events for non-lodgers is prohibited, and owners must maintain lodger records for County inspection.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a Rental License Application, Short-Term Addendum, lease agreement, site plan, and scaled floor plans showing bedrooms and egress. 2. Deliver materials and fees ($250 total for Class 1) in person or by mail to Development Review & Permitting in Snow Hill. 3. Upon issuance, post the license at the property and include the license number in all advertisements; renew annually at least 60 days before expiration.

Official Resources

Official Worcester County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Worcester County, MD?
Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Worcester County, MD, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. Short-term rentals (28 days or less) are limited to one rental contract per overnight period. Occupancy is determined by Zoning Code §ZS 1-351 and submitted floor plans; properties require at least two off-street parking spaces (three if permitted after Jan 1, 2020). Hosting events for non-lodgers is prohibited, and owners must maintain lodger records for County inspection. "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Worcester County, MD?
Short-term rentals (28 days or less) are limited to one rental contract per overnight period. Occupancy is determined by Zoning Code §ZS 1-351 and submitted floor plans; properties require at least two off-street parking spaces (three if permitted after Jan 1, 2020). Hosting events for non-lodgers is prohibited, and owners must maintain lodger records for County inspection.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Worcester County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Worcester County. 1. Submit a Rental License Application, Short-Term Addendum, lease agreement, site plan, and scaled floor plans showing bedrooms and egress. 2. Deliver materials and fees ($250 total for Class 1) in person or by mail to Development Review & Permitting in Snow Hill. 3. Upon issuance, post the license at the property and include the license number in all advertisements; renew annually at least 60 days before expiration.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Worcester County?
1. Submit a Rental License Application, Short-Term Addendum, lease agreement, site plan, and scaled floor plans showing bedrooms and egress. 2. Deliver materials and fees ($250 total for Class 1) in person or by mail to Development Review & Permitting in Snow Hill. 3. Upon issuance, post the license at the property and include the license number in all advertisements; renew annually at least 60 days before expiration.
Is Vrbo legal in Worcester County, MD?
Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Worcester County, MD, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform. A permit is required before you list on Vrbo or any other platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Worcester County?
Short-term rental hosts in Worcester County 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 Worcester County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Worcester County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

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