STRs, which are rentals of 30 days or less, are subject to these regulations: 

• Apply to the City for a zoning permit, pay the application fee, and prominently place the permit inside the rental unit and in listings associated with the STR.
• Rentals are only allowed in residential dwelling units.
• They must be separated from other STRs by 750 feet (measured from property lines) if located in a single-family dwelling or two-family dwelling (duplex or twin home).
• No more than one dwelling unit or 25 percent of dwelling units within a multifamily building  can be used for a STR.
• A maximum of two adults are allowed per rented bedroom.
• No publicly announced or promoted events that involve more than two times the number of guests are allowed in a STR.
• No exterior signs advertising a STR are allowed.
• Hosts of "whole house" STRs must be located in Guilford County or an adjacent county. These hosts must also post their contact information in a prominent location within the rental space and be readily accessible throughout the rental period.
• Parking is limited to one car per bedroom rented and parking is subject to any relevant community standards normally applied to the dwelling unit.

To ensure the equitable application of the new regulations, the City has granted "nonconforming" status to any STR in operation at any time between January 1 and December 31, 2023.

This means those STRs are not subject to the new spacing requirements from existing STRs if their owners/operators can provide documentation that they were in operation anytime during the 2023 calendar year. However, in addition to applying for and receiving a zoning permit by May 20, 2024, they need to comply with all other STR regulations.

Acceptable documentation from owners/operators to prove 2023 STR operations include one of these:

• Dated screenshots of advertising for the STR showing the address and listing
• Copies of rental agreements of less than 30 days
• Proof of occupancy taxes paid for an STR with the address shown that ties payments to that STR.

“Nonconforming” STRs have to comply with the new spacing requirements if those owners/operators either:

• Stop operating their STR for 12 consecutive months or
• Have their zoning permit revoked for ordinance violations or
• Fail to obtain a new zoning permit following a change in property ownership or management.

Summary Points

New STRs established on or after January 1, 2024, must comply with all the new regulations.

All STR owners/operators must have obtained a zoning permit by May 20, 2024.

STRs that are unable to comply with the new regulations will be subject to the City’s zoning enforcement provisions. This begins with an initial Notice of Violation and then if the violations are not resolved, results in escalating civil penalties up to $500 per each instance of non-compliance.

STR owners/operators may also seek a regulation variance from the City's Board of Adjustment.

Nonconforming STRs located on a property where a nonconforming use already exists will also be required to either rezone the property or seek a determination from the Board of Adjustment to allow the new nonconforming use.

If you have submitted a permit application, but have not yet received the permit, call the Planner of the Day at 336-373-4340.

Due to the large number of applicants for STR permits, it initially took time for the City to issue approved permits. The goal now is to return permits within five days of application submittal.

No. Once approved and issued, there is no requirement to renew a zoning permit for a STR.

However, if there is a change in property ownership or operator, that person must apply for a new permit and pay the $200 non-refundable fee to the City, both within 30 days of the change.