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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Orange County, NC

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Chapel Hill: Primary-residence STRs permitted in almost all zoning districts (operator lives on-site ≥183 days/year). Dedicated STRs limited to commercial and mixed-use zones. Multifamily cap: no more than 2 units or 3% of units, whichever is greater. Max occupancy = 2 persons/bedroom + 2 (children under 12 excluded); local responsible party must be available within 2 hours; parking = 1 space/bedroom + 1 per STR unit; must list STR permit number in advertisements; minimum rental duration 18 hours; comply with Town noise and other ordinances.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit Short-Term Rental Zoning Compliance Permit application via Town of Chapel Hill online permit portal (Zoning Compliance Permit / STR ZCP). 2) Pay STR ZCP fee as listed in the Town fee schedule ($160 per current fee schedule) and provide required details (address, owner/operator, designated local responsible party, occupancy/bedroom info). 3) Receive assigned STR permit number and ensure it is listed in rental listings; comply with operational requirements listed in LUMO §6.27.

Official Resources

Official Orange County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Orange County, NC?
Chapel Hill: Primary-residence STRs permitted in almost all zoning districts (operator lives on-site ≥183 days/year). Dedicated STRs limited to commercial and mixed-use zones. Multifamily cap: no more than 2 units or 3% of units, whichever is greater. Max occupancy = 2 persons/bedroom + 2 (children under 12 excluded); local responsible party must be available within 2 hours; parking = 1 space/bedroom + 1 per STR unit; must list STR permit number in advertisements; minimum rental duration 18 hours; comply with Town noise and other ordinances.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Orange County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Orange County. 1) Submit Short-Term Rental Zoning Compliance Permit application via Town of Chapel Hill online permit portal (Zoning Compliance Permit / STR ZCP). 2) Pay STR ZCP fee as listed in the Town fee schedule ($160 per current fee schedule) and provide required details (address, owner/operator, designated local responsible party, occupancy/bedroom info). 3) Receive assigned STR permit number and ensure it is listed in rental listings; comply with operational requirements listed in LUMO §6.27.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Orange County?
1) Submit Short-Term Rental Zoning Compliance Permit application via Town of Chapel Hill online permit portal (Zoning Compliance Permit / STR ZCP). 2) Pay STR ZCP fee as listed in the Town fee schedule ($160 per current fee schedule) and provide required details (address, owner/operator, designated local responsible party, occupancy/bedroom info). 3) Receive assigned STR permit number and ensure it is listed in rental listings; comply with operational requirements listed in LUMO §6.27.

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