Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Union County, NC

Airbnb listings are allowed in Union County, NC, but with restrictions. State-level North Carolina Vacation Rental Act (Chapter 42A) governs vacation rentals (defined as residential property rented for fewer than 90 days). Local municipalities in Union County (e.g., Waxhaw) have removed local short-term-rental special requirements per the state requirement; zoning/land-use rules (Union County Unified Development Ordinance or municipal LDCs) still determine whether residential uses are permitted in a given parcel. Occupancy taxes and public-health/pool requirements may apply per municipality or county public health rules. 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.

State-level North Carolina Vacation Rental Act (Chapter 42A) governs vacation rentals (defined as residential property rented for fewer than 90 days). Local municipalities in Union County (e.g., Waxhaw) have removed local short-term-rental special requirements per the state requirement; zoning/land-use rules (Union County Unified Development Ordinance or municipal LDCs) still determine whether residential uses are permitted in a given parcel. Occupancy taxes and public-health/pool requirements may apply per municipality or county public health rules.

Vrbo is permitted in Union County, NC under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Union County 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 Union County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.