Short-Term Rental Regulations
in New Bern, NC

Airbnb listings are allowed in New Bern, NC, but with restrictions. 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. 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 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.

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).

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).

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