Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Beaufort, NC

Airbnb listings are allowed in Beaufort, NC, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (STHR) are defined as residential lodgings rented for 29 days or less and require Special Use (conditional) approval in designated zones. Operators must comply with North Carolina lodging sanitation rules (15A NCAC 18A .1800), obtain Environmental Health authorization, and remit a 6% county occupancy tax monthly. 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.

Short-term rentals (STHR) are defined as residential lodgings rented for 29 days or less and require Special Use (conditional) approval in designated zones. Operators must comply with North Carolina lodging sanitation rules (15A NCAC 18A .1800), obtain Environmental Health authorization, and remit a 6% county occupancy tax monthly.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Beaufort. 1) Apply for Special Use/conditional approval through Carteret County Planning & Inspections if required by zoning. 2) Submit lodging plans and a completed Environmental Health lodging application for review to obtain a sanitation permit. 3) Register as an occupancy tax remitter with the Carteret County Finance Department and submit monthly filings.

1) Apply for Special Use/conditional approval through Carteret County Planning & Inspections if required by zoning. 2) Submit lodging plans and a completed Environmental Health lodging application for review to obtain a sanitation permit. 3) Register as an occupancy tax remitter with the Carteret County Finance Department and submit monthly filings.

Vrbo is permitted in Beaufort, NC 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 Beaufort 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Beaufort. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.