LicensedRental

Gaston County, North Carolina

Belmont, NC vacation rental requirements

Belmont allows short-term rentals wherever its zoning allows homes or lodging, with no permit unless a property racks up code violations. Rentals need one parking space per bedroom (up to two) and can’t host events. Stays pay 7% sales tax plus Gaston County’s 3% occupancy tax and any city tax.

Checked against official sources November 6, 2026

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City permit
Only after violations
Required for a property with more than four verified code violations in 12 months, or two in 30 days.Source
Where allowed
Any district allowing homes or lodging
Parking
1 space per bedroom, up to 2
Plus one more for an accessory dwelling unit.Source
Taxes
7% sales + 3% county occupancy (+ any city tax)

Your licensing checklist

In order: the state, the county, then the town.

State of North Carolina

  1. Know who owes the tax

    Whoever collects the rent reports the sales and occupancy tax: the platform, your rental agency, or you. Airbnb collects state and county sales tax and all local occupancy taxes on its bookings. If guests pay you directly, register with the Department of Revenue for sales tax and with your county or town for occupancy tax.Source

    NCDOR business registration →

  2. Use a written vacation rental agreement

    The Vacation Rental Act covers owners and agents renting for vacation stays under 90 days. Have the guest accept a written agreement with the required notices, hold advance payments in a trust account, and keep the home fit and habitable with working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.Source

  3. Check your zoning

    Towns can’t require you to register a rental, but they can limit short-term rentals to certain zoning districts, require a zoning permit, and set parking, trash, and safety standards. Pick your area for the local rules.Source

Gaston County, North Carolina

  1. Taxes on each stay

    Stays under 90 days owe 7% sales tax plus the local occupancy tax. Airbnb collects both on its bookings. If guests pay you directly, file sales tax with the Department of Revenue. For direct bookings, file Gaston County’s room occupancy tax report with the county Finance Department by the 20th of the next month. It covers the county’s 3% and, inside a city that levies one, the city’s 3%.Source

    Gaston County return (PDF) →

  2. Then your city or area

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

City of Belmont

  1. Meet the city standards

    Belmont adopted its short-term rental rules on December 5, 2022. Provide one off-street parking space per bedroom, up to two per unit (plus one for an accessory unit), skip exterior advertising, and follow fire and safety codes.Source

    Belmont short-term rentals →

  2. Taxes on each stay

    Stays under 90 days owe 7% sales tax plus the local occupancy tax. Airbnb collects both on its bookings. If guests pay you directly, file sales tax with the Department of Revenue. A state law (House Bill 580) lets Belmont levy its own occupancy tax. For direct bookings, file Gaston County’s return by the 20th; it has a line for the 3% city tax. Ask the county whether it applies in Belmont.Source

House rules for guests

Events
Not allowed
No pre-planned special events or gatherings such as weddings or corporate retreats.Source
Signs
No exterior advertising
Source

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.