Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Franklin, NC

Airbnb listings are allowed in Franklin, NC, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are permitted in the Town of Franklin only subject to the Town’s Short-Term Rental License requirement (the ordinance requires a Town short-term rental license for operations exceeding a de minimis threshold) and the Unified Development Ordinance’s special-requirements framework (uses marked “(SR)” such as bed-and-breakfasts and certain accessory units are subject to §§152.120–152.123). The Town also requires Room Occupancy Tax registration and monthly reporting (3% tax) for furnished short-term lodging; zoning/special-use review and town licensing requirements therefore restrict where and how STRs may operate. 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 in the Town of Franklin only subject to the Town’s Short-Term Rental License requirement (the ordinance requires a Town short-term rental license for operations exceeding a de minimis threshold) and the Unified Development Ordinance’s special-requirements framework (uses marked “(SR)” such as bed-and-breakfasts and certain accessory units are subject to §§152.120–152.123). The Town also requires Room Occupancy Tax registration and monthly reporting (3% tax) for furnished short-term lodging; zoning/special-use review and town licensing requirements therefore restrict where and how STRs may operate.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Franklin. 1) Submit the Town short-term rental license application as required by the Town Short-Term Rental Ordinance (application/licensing process administered by the Town per the ordinance). 2) If the use falls under the UDO special-requirement category or requires a special use permit, file the prescribed application with the Land Use Administrator on the form(s) prescribed by that office and follow the special-use permit process. 3) Register for the Town Room Occupancy Tax (Room Occupancy Tax Application/Registration forms available on the Town website) and file monthly tax reports; fees for applications/permits are set by Town Council resolution (see UDO).

1) Submit the Town short-term rental license application as required by the Town Short-Term Rental Ordinance (application/licensing process administered by the Town per the ordinance). 2) If the use falls under the UDO special-requirement category or requires a special use permit, file the prescribed application with the Land Use Administrator on the form(s) prescribed by that office and follow the special-use permit process. 3) Register for the Town Room Occupancy Tax (Room Occupancy Tax Application/Registration forms available on the Town website) and file monthly tax reports; fees for applications/permits are set by Town Council resolution (see UDO).

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