LicensedRental

North Carolina county rules

Buncombe County, NC vacation rental rules and taxes

Buncombe County is the largest short-term rental market in western North Carolina, centered on Asheville. Every stay pays 7% sales tax plus the county’s 6% occupancy tax, and the rules depend on where you are: Asheville allows whole-home rentals only in its Resort district, while the county itself still allows vacation rentals in most zoning districts.

Checked against official sources November 6, 2026
Market
About 5,000 listings
AirDNA counted about 5,428 in 2024; listings fell about 20% after Hurricane Helene (BCTDA).Source
Sales tax
7%
State 4.75% + county 2.25%, on stays under 90 days.Source
Occupancy tax
6% countywide
Filed with the Buncombe County Tax Department.Source
Town rules
Asheville and Woodfin
Both limit whole-home rentals to a few zoning districts.

After Hurricane Helene (September 2024), the county passed an emergency housing ordinance and worked with owners to turn short-term stays into long-term housing. Check whether your property or area is still under any recovery permits before you list.

What to do

  1. Then your town or area

    Zoning rules for short-term rentals are set by each town, and by the county outside town limits. Pick your area.

Towns

Full guide

Asheville

In Asheville, renting a whole house or apartment for less than a month is allowed only in the Resort zoning district. Elsewhere you can only run a homestay: rent one or two bedrooms in the home you live in full time, with a city permit that is reviewed every year.

Full guide

Black Mountain

We found no short-term rental zoning rules in Black Mountain’s code. Stays owe 7% sales tax + 6% county occupancy tax; Airbnb collects these on its bookings.

Full guide

Unincorporated Buncombe County

Outside the towns, Buncombe County zoning allows a vacation rental (up to two homes with 9,000 square feet combined) in almost every district, and we found no county rental permit. Larger groups count as a vacation rental complex and need a special use permit. Stricter rules proposed in 2024 were put on hold.

Full guide

Weaverville

We found no short-term rental zoning rules in Weaverville’s code. Stays owe 7% sales tax + 6% county occupancy tax; Airbnb collects these on its bookings.

Full guide

Woodfin

Woodfin allows short-term rentals only in its C-S, C-S-2, and C-S-3 districts, with a town permit before you start. Each owner can hold only one permit, and accessory dwelling units can’t be rented short term.

Sources

A plain-language summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you apply. Spot something out of date? Email hello@licensedrental.com.