Durham, NC Short-Term Rentals: Parking Rules (2026)

Durham addresses parking for short-term rentals as part of its overall STR regulatory framework. Properties operating as short-term rentals are expected to provide adequate off-street parking to reduce the impact on residential neighborhoods. The general standard is one off-street parking space per bedroom available for guest use. This requirement helps ensure that STR guests do not overwhelm neighborhood street parking, particularly in dense residential areas of Durham such as Trinity Park, Old North Durham, and Walltown where on-street spaces are already limited. Hosts must ensure that guest vehicles park in designated areas and do not block driveways, sidewalks, fire hydrants, or create obstructions in the right-of-way. On-street parking is governed by Durham's general parking regulations, which prohibit parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk, and 30 feet of a stop sign. In neighborhoods with posted time-limited or permit-required parking, guests must comply with those restrictions. Durham does not currently require hosts to post parking instructions as a condition of licensure, but the City recommends that operators include clear parking guidance in their listing descriptions and house rules. Complaints about STR-related parking congestion can be reported to DurhamOne Call at (919) 560-1200 or to the Durham Police non-emergency line. Repeated parking complaints associated with a short-term rental property may factor into license renewal decisions.