Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Belhaven, NC

Airbnb listings are allowed in Belhaven, NC, but with restrictions. 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). 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 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).

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.

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.

Vrbo is permitted in Belhaven, 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 Belhaven 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 Belhaven. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.