ADU Rental Restrictions: Cary vs Raleigh
How do adu rental restrictions rules compare between Cary, NC and Raleigh, NC?
Cary and Raleigh have similar restriction levels.
Cary, NC
Wake County
Cary allows long-term ADU rentals without a town license. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) operate under Cary's general use regulations because the town has no STR-specific permit program. The NC Court of Appeals decision in Schroeder v. City of Wilmington (2019) bars local governments from outright banning short-term rentals. Wake County collects a 6% room occupancy tax; NC sales taxes also apply to short stays.
View full Cary rules →Raleigh, NC
Wake County
Raleigh accessory dwellings may be rented long-term without a separate license. Short-term rental of an ADU requires a Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit under Raleigh UDO Section 6.7.A.5 and Code Section 12-3027.
View full Raleigh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cary | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Rental | No town license | Allowed |
| STR Program | None as of 2025 | - |
| State Preemption | Schroeder v. Wilmington (2019) | - |
| Wake Occupancy Tax | 6% | - |
| Total STR Tax | ~13% including sales tax | - |
| STR Permit Required | - | Yes, UDO 6.7.A.5 |
| Annual Permit Fee | - | Per Raleigh fee schedule |
| Wake County Tax | - | 3% occupancy tax |
| Daily STR Fine | - | Up to $500 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cary FAQ
Can I run an Airbnb out of my Cary ADU?
Yes. Cary has no STR permit program, and Schroeder v. Wilmington (2019) bars outright STR bans in NC. You must collect Wake County's 6% occupancy tax plus state and local sales tax (~13% combined) and check your HOA covenants, which often prohibit STR use.
Does Cary require a license for long-term ADU tenants?
No. Cary does not maintain a general rental registry. NCGS Chapter 42 (Residential Rental Agreements Act) governs the lease, and NCGS 160D-1207 limits mandatory rental registration programs in North Carolina.
Raleigh FAQ
Can I rent my Raleigh ADU long-term?
Yes. Long-term rental of an accessory dwelling is allowed under UDO Section 6.7 without a separate business license.
Can I list my Raleigh ADU on Airbnb?
Yes if registered. UDO Section 6.7.A.5 and Raleigh Code Section 12-3027 require a Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit, plus Wake County 3 percent occupancy tax and NC sales tax.
What is the daily fine for an unpermitted Raleigh short-term rental?
Up to $500 per day under NC Gen. Stat. 160D-404. Repeat violations also trigger permit revocation and Wake County tax enforcement.
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