Guilford County, North Carolina
Greensboro, NC vacation rental requirements
Every short-term rental in Greensboro needs a city zoning permit, $200, under Land Development Ordinance §30-8-10.4.U. The rules cap guests at 2 adults per rented bedroom and parking at 1 vehicle per bedroom, and the city dropped its 750-foot spacing rule in February 2025.
Checked against official sources November 6, 2026Download checklist (PDF)Free. A printable version of this guide to tick off, with the official sources.
The city’s application form still lists a 750-foot spacing rule, but the city’s STR page says council removed it on February 18, 2025. Confirm with Planning before you buy.
Rentals operating in 2023 that don’t meet the current rules may be permitted as nonconforming uses if you can prove the 2023 rentals.
Your licensing checklist
In order: the state, the county, then the town.
State of North Carolina
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
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
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
Guilford County, North Carolina
Then your city or area
Zoning rules and the occupancy tax depend on whether you’re inside a city or town. Pick your area.
City of Greensboro
Apply for the zoning permit
Apply on the city’s STR Zoning Permit Portal, or bring the fillable application, documents, and fee to the Planner of the Day at the Melvin Municipal Office Building, 300 W. Washington St. List the owner’s and operator’s email and a phone that can take texts; LLC or trust owners add their state registration and signer.Source
Carry insurance and post the permit
Keep liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence. Post the permit inside the rental and show the permit number in every ad. No sign or advertising on the property.Source
Follow the operating rules
No more than 2 adults per rented bedroom and 1 vehicle per rented bedroom. Get a new permit within 30 days if the owner or operator changes. Two verified violations in 365 days can cost you the permit, and you can’t reapply for 12 months.Source
Taxes on each stay
Stays under 90 days owe 6.75% 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. The 3% county and 3% city occupancy taxes go on one return, filed with the Guilford County Tax Department by the 15th of the next month.Source
Fees
| Short-term rental zoning permitNon-refundable. A new permit is needed after a change of owner or operator. | $200 |
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House rules for guests
Sources
- Occupancy taxes and Airbnb · UNC School of Government
- Vacation Rental Act (G.S. Chapter 42A) · North Carolina General Assembly
- Short-term rental regulations after Schroeder · UNC School of Government
- Short-term rentals (STR zoning permit portal) · City of Greensboro
- Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit application · City of Greensboro
- Guilford County/City of Greensboro Room Occupancy and Tourism Development Tax Return · Guilford County Tax Department
- Greensboro, NC (responsible hosting) · Airbnb
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.