Winston-Salem does not impose a maximum number of rental nights per year on short-term rentals. NCGS 160D-1207 restricts cities from regulating the duration or frequency of residential rentals, which limits any local night-cap program.
Unlike cities in California, Oregon, or Massachusetts that cap unhosted STR nights at 90 or 180 per year, Winston-Salem does not enforce an annual night cap. Under NCGS 160D-1207, NC municipalities are preempted from registration and many operational regulations that would effectively cap rental activity. Hosts may therefore operate year-round subject to zoning compliance, noise and nuisance rules, and HOA covenants. Bed and breakfast uses in historic districts may have owner-occupancy requirements that effectively require the host to be present. Homeowners considering investment STRs should confirm zoning allows the use in their district.
No night-cap enforcement exists. Violations would instead come from zoning misuse or nuisance accumulation.
See how Winston-Salem's night caps rules stack up against other locations.
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