Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Wake County, NC

Short-term rentals are an allowable use in unincorporated Wake County but are restricted by an on-site/operator (owner-occupancy) requirement under current UDO language; county staff proposed amending the UDO to remove the owner-occupancy requirement and adjust stay limits. Other applicable standards are regulated in the Wake County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and may include use- and zoning-related constraints.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Wake County. 1) Confirm applicability under the Wake County Unified Development Ordinance (review UDO text for Bed & Breakfast / Homestay / Short-Term Rental standards). 2) File the required zoning/permit application through the Wake County Permit Portal and provide documentation required by the UDO. 3) Pay applicable permit fees as required by the Permit Portal; if a special-use or public hearing is required, follow the UDO’s public notice/hearing process.

1) Confirm applicability under the Wake County Unified Development Ordinance (review UDO text for Bed & Breakfast / Homestay / Short-Term Rental standards). 2) File the required zoning/permit application through the Wake County Permit Portal and provide documentation required by the UDO. 3) Pay applicable permit fees as required by the Permit Portal; if a special-use or public hearing is required, follow the UDO’s public notice/hearing process.