Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Craven County, NC

Airbnb listings are allowed in Craven County, NC, but with restrictions. New Bern’s official code regulates short-term rentals: whole-house and partial-house rentals are permitted in most zones except industrial. Whole-house rentals require a 250-foot separation from other whole-house rentals or bed & breakfasts, and specific off-street parking is required (three spaces for whole-house; two plus one per room for partial). At the county level, bed & breakfast homes and inns are subject to annual health inspections and sanitation grading. 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.

New Bern’s official code regulates short-term rentals: whole-house and partial-house rentals are permitted in most zones except industrial. Whole-house rentals require a 250-foot separation from other whole-house rentals or bed & breakfasts, and specific off-street parking is required (three spaces for whole-house; two plus one per room for partial). At the county level, bed & breakfast homes and inns are subject to annual health inspections and sanitation grading.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Craven County. 1) For city-regulated STRs, submit a Zoning Permit Application or Special Use Permit to City of New Bern Development Services. 2) For bed & breakfasts or inns, apply to Craven County Environmental Health for an inspection and sanitation grade per NC 15A NCAC 18A .1800. 3) Ensure compliance with operational requirements such as parking and separation distances.

1) For city-regulated STRs, submit a Zoning Permit Application or Special Use Permit to City of New Bern Development Services. 2) For bed & breakfasts or inns, apply to Craven County Environmental Health for an inspection and sanitation grade per NC 15A NCAC 18A .1800. 3) Ensure compliance with operational requirements such as parking and separation distances.

Vrbo is permitted in Craven County, 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 Craven 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.

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