North Carolina county rules

Stanly County, NC vacation rental rules and taxes

Stanly County’s lake market (Badin Lake and Lake Tillery, around New London and Badin) is mostly outside town limits, where the county requires a one-time short-term rental permit. Stays pay 7% sales tax plus local occupancy tax, which Airbnb collects.

Checked against official sources November 6, 2026

Market

About 130 Airbnb listings

New London 75, Albemarle 29, Norwood 22 (AirROI).Source

Sales tax

Occupancy tax

Set locally; Airbnb collects it

The county Finance Department posts an occupancy tax return; we couldn’t confirm the rate.Source

County permit

STR permit, one time

Required in the county’s zoning area since September 2021.Source

What to do

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.

Towns

Full guide

New London

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

Full guide

Unincorporated Stanly County

In Stanly County’s zoning area, every short-term rental needs a county STR permit, issued once for the fee the county charges for a change of use ($50 on its fee schedule). Guests are capped at 2 per bedroom and 15 per house, and events aren’t allowed. Stays pay 7% sales tax plus local occupancy tax.

Sources

North Carolina Airbnb market data (active listings) · AirROI
Current sales and use tax rates · North Carolina Department of Revenue
Occupancy tax collection and remittance by Airbnb in North Carolina · Airbnb
Zoning Ordinance, Section 423 Short Term Rentals (October 5, 2026) · Stanly County Planning and Zoning

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 Spot something out of date?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.