Ellicott City, Maryland
Short-Term Rental Regulations — Howard County
Allowed (Permit Required)
STR Status
Permit: RequiredMin Stay: 14 nights
County-level data: No city-specific ordinance found. Showing regulations for Howard County which apply to this area.
14 nightsMin. Night Stay
Permit & Licensing
Permit RequiredYes
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistNot specified
Owner Requirements
Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified
Limits & Restrictions
Minimum Night Stay14 nights
Density / Distance Cap4
Parking RequiredYes
Taxes & Fees
Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates
Official Sources
library.municode.com/md/howard_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=HOCOCO_TIT3BU_SUBTITLE_7PRMACOREHOlibrary.municode.com/md/howard_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=HOCOCO_TIT17PUPRSE_SUBTITLE_10LANARElibrary.municode.com/md/howard_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=HOCOCO_TIT14LIPEIN_SUBTITLE_9REHOLIlibrary.municode.com/md/howard_county/codes/code_of_ordinanceslibrary.municode.com/md/howard_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=HOCOCO_TIT17PUPRSE_SUBTITLE_10LANARE&showChanges=truelibrary.municode.com/md/howard_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=HOCOCO_TIT13HOCODE_SUBTITLE_4MOINHOUN_S13.402AMASEREALMOINHOUNOBlibrary.municode.com/md/howard_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=HOCOCO_TIT13HOCODE_SUBTITLE_16HOOPTRFUAUpeoples-law.org/rental-license-maryland-county-city-municipality-town-search
Data confidence: 52%Last updated: May 22, 2026
Short-term rental rules in Ellicott City, Maryland
Ellicott City, Maryland has no separate city ordinance, so Howard County rules apply — under which short-term rentals are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit.
Frequently asked questions
Are short-term rentals allowed in Ellicott City, Maryland?
Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in Ellicott City, Maryland.
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Ellicott City?
A short-term rental permit is required.
Are there stay limits for short-term rentals in Ellicott City?
Yes — Ellicott City sets a minimum stay of 14 nights.
Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Ellicott City, Howard County, or Maryland authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.