Boone, North Carolina

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Watauga County

Conditional

STR Status

Permit: RequiredFee: $530.00Owner Occupancy Required
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/19/2026
$530.00License Cost
220 ftBuffer Distance

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$530.00
Renewalannual
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredYes
Primary Residence RequiredYes
Insurance RequiredYes

Limits & Restrictions

Minimum Night Stay1 (less than 30 days)
Density / Distance Capno more than 5% of dwelling units or two dwelling units, whichever is greater, per building (vacation rental)
Parking RequiredYes

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates

Zoning Restrictions

  • Vacation rentals permitted only in B1DC, B1DI, B2, B3 commercial zones; homestays permitted in most residential and commercial zones

Official Sources

townofboone.net/632/Short-Term-Rentals-Homestay-Vacation-Ren
Data confidence: 97%Last updated: June 8, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Boone, North Carolina

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Boone, North Carolina are allowed under certain conditions. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $530.00). The property must be owner-occupied.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Boone, North Carolina?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed under certain conditions in Boone, North Carolina. The property must be owner-occupied.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Boone?

A short-term rental permit is required, the fee is $530.00.

Are there stay limits for short-term rentals in Boone?

Yes — Boone sets a minimum stay of 1 night.

Where do these Boone short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Boone's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Boone, Watauga County, or North Carolina authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.