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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Highlands, NC

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are permitted only in R-3 and Business districts (B-1 through B-4) and are prohibited in R-1 and R-2. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons (capped at 12 for public wastewater), and operators must include a Town-provided addendum in all rental contracts and post local contact information inside the unit.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Register and apply through the Town's GovOS (MuniRevs) portal. 2) Pay the $200 annual license fee and display the issued license and emergency info in the unit. 3) Remit the 10% lodging tax monthly by the 20th of the following month.

Official Resources

Official Highlands STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Highlands, NC?
STRs are permitted only in R-3 and Business districts (B-1 through B-4) and are prohibited in R-1 and R-2. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons (capped at 12 for public wastewater), and operators must include a Town-provided addendum in all rental contracts and post local contact information inside the unit.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Highlands?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Highlands. 1) Register and apply through the Town's GovOS (MuniRevs) portal. 2) Pay the $200 annual license fee and display the issued license and emergency info in the unit. 3) Remit the 10% lodging tax monthly by the 20th of the following month.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Highlands?
1) Register and apply through the Town's GovOS (MuniRevs) portal. 2) Pay the $200 annual license fee and display the issued license and emergency info in the unit. 3) Remit the 10% lodging tax monthly by the 20th of the following month.
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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