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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decor. UDO setback rules in Section 1.5.5 apply to permanent str...
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh has no city ordinance regulating residential holiday inflatables. General noise rules under Raleigh Code Chapter 12 and right-of-way rules under Code...
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh has no city ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. There is no display-window restriction, brightness cap, or duration limit. UDO outdoor l...
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh requires building, gas, electrical, and plumbing trade permits for built-in outdoor kitchens with utility connections under the NC State Building Cod...
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential wood-fired smokers or pizza ovens. Smoke nuisance complaints fall under Raleigh Code Sectio...
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers over 1 pound on combustible balconies of multi-family buildings under the North Carolina F...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wake County.
See how other cities in Wake County handle host presence rule.
See how Raleigh's host presence rule rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.