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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in New Bern, NC

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals in New Bern are regulated by a city ordinance requiring annual registration and subject to zoning and operational restrictions. The ordinance distinguishes whole-house and partial-house (and bed & breakfast) uses, prohibits STRs in industrial districts, limits certain historic-district B&B special uses, requires parking minimums and assigns a registration number that must appear in advertisements; existing short-term rentals in operation when the ordinance took effect are treated as existing nonconforming uses but may lose that status if the use discontinues for more than six months.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Register the short-term rental with the City of New Bern (annual registration; permits expire July 1 each year). 2) Submit required registration/zoning information to Development Services to confirm zoning compliance and receive the assigned registration number (use the city registration number in advertisements). 3) Maintain required off-street parking, designate a responsible party for the property, and renew registration annually (renewal window noted in ordinance and/or registration guidance).

Official Resources

Official New Bern STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in New Bern, NC?
Short-term rentals in New Bern are regulated by a city ordinance requiring annual registration and subject to zoning and operational restrictions. The ordinance distinguishes whole-house and partial-house (and bed & breakfast) uses, prohibits STRs in industrial districts, limits certain historic-district B&B special uses, requires parking minimums and assigns a registration number that must appear in advertisements; existing short-term rentals in operation when the ordinance took effect are treated as existing nonconforming uses but may lose that status if the use discontinues for more than six months.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in New Bern?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in New Bern. 1) Register the short-term rental with the City of New Bern (annual registration; permits expire July 1 each year). 2) Submit required registration/zoning information to Development Services to confirm zoning compliance and receive the assigned registration number (use the city registration number in advertisements). 3) Maintain required off-street parking, designate a responsible party for the property, and renew registration annually (renewal window noted in ordinance and/or registration guidance).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in New Bern?
1) Register the short-term rental with the City of New Bern (annual registration; permits expire July 1 each year). 2) Submit required registration/zoning information to Development Services to confirm zoning compliance and receive the assigned registration number (use the city registration number in advertisements). 3) Maintain required off-street parking, designate a responsible party for the property, and renew registration annually (renewal window noted in ordinance and/or registration guidance).
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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