Short-Term Rentals in Harford County, MD (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Harford County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Short-Term Rental Permits
Opening a country inn, tourist home, bed-and-breakfast or resort in unincorporated Harford County is not a by-right use in a residential or agricultural district. The Zoning Code treats it as a special exception: it needs Board of Appeals approval and must guarantee sleeping and eating facilities for at least 3 short-term guests before the County will grant it.
Harford County Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit
Significant RestrictionsHarford County Code §§ 267-4, 267-88F(3)
TOURIST HOME: A building in which lodging or meals are provided for compensation to 3 or more guests on a temporary basis. ... § 267-88. Specific standards. The special exceptions enumerated herein, in addition to other conditions as may be imposed by the Board, shall comply with the following requirements: ... F. Residential uses. ... (3) Country inns, tourist homes and resorts. These uses may...
Noise Rules
Short-term rental guests follow the same rule as residents: Harford County Code § 193-8 bars noise audible more than 50 feet onto residential property between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Repeat complaints threaten a host's local license.
Harford County STR Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsHarford County Code § 193-8
A person shall not make or cause to be made between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. any noise produced vocally, with any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, any device intended for the production or reproduction of sound, or any household tool or other household equipment, if the noise is audible on any property that is used for residential purposes and is located more th...
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