LicensedRental

Pender County, North Carolina

Surf City, NC vacation rental requirements

Surf City’s zoning lists short-term rentals as a permitted use in most districts, and we found no town rental permit. Stays owe 6.75% sales tax plus a 6% occupancy tax; Airbnb collects these on its bookings.

Checked against official sources November 6, 2026

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Town rental rules
None found
Taxes
6.75% sales tax + 6% occupancy tax

We found no short-term rental permit in Surf City’s code in November 2026. Its zoning table lists short-term rentals as a permitted use in most districts, and each vacation rental needs one rollout trash container per four bedrooms. Confirm your zone with the town.

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

Pender County, North Carolina

  1. Then your town or area

    Zoning rules and some occupancy taxes are set by each town, and by the county outside town limits. Pick your area.

Town of Surf City

  1. 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. For direct bookings, file the 6% occupancy tax with the Town of Surf City by the 15th of the next month.Source

  2. Ask about zoning

    Ask the Town of Surf City whether zoning allows a short-term rental at your address. Check your HOA rules too.

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.