STR rules by city / Wilmington, NC
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Wilmington, NC short-term-rental rules
Wilmington, NC requires every short-term rental operator to hold a Short-Term Rental Owner Permit under City Code Chapter 34, Article V; it is unlawful to operate without one and a separate permit is required for each dwelling unit.
What does Wilmington, NC require?
Wilmington, NC requires every short-term rental operator to hold a Short-Term Rental Owner Permit under City Code Chapter 34, Article V; it is unlawful to operate without one and a separate permit is required for each dwelling unit.
How much is the Wilmington permit fee?
$75.00 annual permit fee per dwelling unit (Sec. 34.352(d)). A separate 2% short-term rental lodging tax on rent also applies.
How often do I renew?
Annual. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be reapplied for annually (Sec. 34.350(a)(2)).
What else should I know?
- Ordinance #0509 adopted November 21, 2024.
- Non-owner-occupied STRs are allowed; an artificial entity may own up to six STRs.
- Guest occupancy is capped at no more than two guests per bedroom.
Source: City of Wilmington Ordinance #0509 — Chapter 34, Article V, Short-Term Residential Rental Regulations (adopted Nov. 21, 2024). Verified as of July 5, 2026. Rules change, so confirm the current requirement with your city before you submit.
Wilmington, NC short-term-rental permit questions
- Do I need a permit to run a short-term rental in Wilmington, NC?
- Wilmington, NC requires every short-term rental operator to hold a Short-Term Rental Owner Permit under City Code Chapter 34, Article V; it is unlawful to operate without one and a separate permit is required for each dwelling unit.
- How much does a Wilmington short-term-rental permit cost?
- $75.00 annual permit fee per dwelling unit (Sec. 34.352(d)). A separate 2% short-term rental lodging tax on rent also applies.
- How often do I renew my Wilmington short-term-rental registration?
- Annual. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be reapplied for annually (Sec. 34.350(a)(2)).
Ready to register in Wilmington?
The $49 Permit Packet turns these rules into a pre-filled, submission-ready registration packet plus a renewal calendar, with every requirement cited to Wilmington's primary source. You review it, then submit it to the city.
Running more than one unit in Wilmington? Add Renewal Monitoring for $29/year and we'll watch each permit and email you ahead of every deadline.
Get reminded before your permit renews
We'll email you 60, 30, and 7 days before your Wilmington permit renewal deadline — so you have time to prepare the paperwork. $29/yr, cancel anytime.
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STRPermitKit is an independent document-preparation tool — not legal advice, not affiliated with Airbnb, Vrbo, or any city government; verify all requirements with your city.