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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Belhaven, NC

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are permitted only in specified zones: recognized as a lawful land use in Residential Mobile Home (R-5M) and allowed/considered as a special/conditional use in Residential (R-5) and Marine Business (MB). Rentals limited to stays of no more than 30 consecutive days; Primary-resident STRs limited to a maximum of 90 days per year with the principal residence occupied at least 275 days per year; maximum overnight occupancy is two persons per bedroom plus four additional persons. Operators must designate a local responsible party (residing within 25 miles and able to respond within 60 minutes), provide minimum off-street parking (1 space per 2 bedrooms), notify neighboring property owners within 100 feet, and meet town safety standards (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher, removal of double-keyed deadbolts).

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Obtain and complete the Town of Belhaven Short-Term Rental / Zoning Compliance Permit application (form available from the Town website or Town Hall) and submit to the Town Manager’s Office or Town Clerk. 2) Pay the applicable Zoning Compliance Permit fee per the Town fee schedule (town fee schedule lists zoning compliance permits: $25 residential / $75 commercial) and provide required documentation/listings and contact information for the designated responsible party. 3) Town reviews application for completeness and compliance with safety/operational standards and issues the zoning compliance (STR) permit; operating without a valid STR permit is a violation.

Official Resources

Official Belhaven STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Belhaven, NC?
Short-term rentals are permitted only in specified zones: recognized as a lawful land use in Residential Mobile Home (R-5M) and allowed/considered as a special/conditional use in Residential (R-5) and Marine Business (MB). Rentals limited to stays of no more than 30 consecutive days; Primary-resident STRs limited to a maximum of 90 days per year with the principal residence occupied at least 275 days per year; maximum overnight occupancy is two persons per bedroom plus four additional persons. Operators must designate a local responsible party (residing within 25 miles and able to respond within 60 minutes), provide minimum off-street parking (1 space per 2 bedrooms), notify neighboring property owners within 100 feet, and meet town safety standards (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher, removal of double-keyed deadbolts).
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Belhaven?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Belhaven. 1) Obtain and complete the Town of Belhaven Short-Term Rental / Zoning Compliance Permit application (form available from the Town website or Town Hall) and submit to the Town Manager’s Office or Town Clerk. 2) Pay the applicable Zoning Compliance Permit fee per the Town fee schedule (town fee schedule lists zoning compliance permits: $25 residential / $75 commercial) and provide required documentation/listings and contact information for the designated responsible party. 3) Town reviews application for completeness and compliance with safety/operational standards and issues the zoning compliance (STR) permit; operating without a valid STR permit is a violation.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Belhaven?
1) Obtain and complete the Town of Belhaven Short-Term Rental / Zoning Compliance Permit application (form available from the Town website or Town Hall) and submit to the Town Manager’s Office or Town Clerk. 2) Pay the applicable Zoning Compliance Permit fee per the Town fee schedule (town fee schedule lists zoning compliance permits: $25 residential / $75 commercial) and provide required documentation/listings and contact information for the designated responsible party. 3) Town reviews application for completeness and compliance with safety/operational standards and issues the zoning compliance (STR) permit; operating without a valid STR permit is a violation.

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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction