Raleigh does not require the host to live on-site or be present during a short-term rental stay. Whole-house rentals are permitted, subject to the city's STR overlay rules and zoning district where the dwelling sits.
After the 2019 NC Court of Appeals ruling in Schroeder v. Raleigh struck down the city's original STR registration scheme, Raleigh adopted a revised ordinance in 2020 that regulates STRs through zoning rather than owner-occupancy. Unlike Asheville or many California cities, there is no rule limiting STR operation to primary residences or requiring an on-site host. Operators may rent entire dwelling units, but must comply with district-specific use standards in the Unified Development Ordinance and obtain a zoning permit before listing.
Operating an unpermitted STR can result in zoning enforcement action, civil penalties under City Code Ch. 12, and platform delisting once the city notifies hosting sites of noncompliance.
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh sets short-term rental occupancy through the Unified Development Ordinance together with the North Carolina State Building Code. The common standard ...
Raleigh, NC
Short-term rentals (30 days or less) require a zoning permit from the City of Raleigh, renewed annually. Permitted as a Limited Use in R-1, R-2, R-4, R-6, R-...
See how Raleigh's host presence rule rules stack up against other locations.
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