Thinking about buying an Airbnb-style property in Belmont? Before you write an offer, you need to know the local rules and how North Carolina law shapes what cities can and cannot require. With the right plan, STR investing here can be straightforward. In this guide, you will learn where STRs are allowed, the parking and event rules, when permits apply, how taxes work, and what to check before you buy. Let’s dive in.
Belmont STR rules at a glance
Belmont adopted targeted short-term rental rules on December 5, 2022. The city defines an STR as stays of 30 days or less and allows STRs in any zoning district where residential and lodging uses are permitted. You can review the city’s summary and contacts on the City of Belmont short-term rentals page.
Key operating standards:
- Parking: Provide one off-street parking space per bedroom, capped at two spaces per unit. An accessory dwelling unit requires one additional on-site space. Details are outlined by the City of Belmont.
- No exterior advertising: You cannot add exterior signs to market the STR.
- No pre-planned large events: Weddings, corporate retreats, and similar gatherings are not allowed at STR properties.
- Safety compliance: Follow all applicable building, fire, and health rules.
Permits for problem properties only: Belmont does not require universal STR permits. A permit can be required only if a property has more than four verified code violations in a rolling 12 months, or two or more verified violations in a rolling 30 days. See the city’s guidance on short-term rentals.
What state law allows cities to do
North Carolina’s land use law sets boundaries for how local governments regulate rental property. Chapter 160D limits broad rental registrations and certain permit schemes. You can read the statutes in Chapter 160D.
The North Carolina Court of Appeals decision in Schroeder v. City of Wilmington struck down a city registration and lottery system but affirmed that cities can still use zoning and operational standards such as parking limits, trash rules, and event limits. For a plain-language overview, see the UNC School of Government’s analysis on short-term rental regulations after Schroeder.
Lawmakers sometimes introduce new bills that could affect STR rules. If you are buying soon, monitor the General Assembly site, such as this 2025 proposal Senate Bill 291, before you assume rules are fixed.
Taxes you must plan for
Short stays are generally taxed in North Carolina. The state sales tax portion for lodging is currently 4.75 percent, and local occupancy or room taxes may also apply. Marketplace platforms may collect some taxes for you, but hosts are responsible for verifying what is collected and for registering with the Department of Revenue if needed. For a practical overview, see this North Carolina vacation rental tax guide.
Steps to stay compliant:
- Confirm whether your platform collects state and local taxes for Belmont or Gaston County.
- If any tax is not collected for you, register with NCDOR and remit as required.
- Keep clean records of nights, rates, and taxes to simplify filings.
Zoning, HOAs, and site checks
Start with zoning. Belmont allows STRs where residential and lodging uses are permitted, but parcel-specific rules and overlays still matter. Confirm a property’s zoning and any overlay limits with the City of Belmont short-term rentals resources or Planning and Zoning.
Review private rules too. Homeowners associations often limit or ban short-term rentals, set guest rules, or restrict parking. Treat CC&Rs as binding. For an overview of how HOAs approach STRs, read this guide on HOAs and vacation rentals.
Finally, check the site itself. Model parking against the city’s requirement, assess guest access, and consider neighbor impacts. If the home uses a well or septic system, confirm capacity and any county requirements with Gaston County environmental health.
Due diligence checklist before you buy
- Verify the parcel’s zoning and that whole-house lodging or STR is allowed for the address. Start with the City of Belmont short-term rentals page.
- Read HOA bylaws and CC&Rs for rental limits and guest rules. This HOA and vacation rental guide outlines typical restrictions.
- Count on-site parking. Plan for one off-street space per bedroom, capped at two per unit, plus one extra space for an ADU if applicable.
- Map your tax plan. Confirm whether your platform collects state and local taxes and register with NCDOR if needed using the NC tax guide.
- Line up STR-friendly insurance and document your safety compliance and guest rules. Keep a local contact ready to resolve any neighbor concerns quickly.
How we can help
Buying an STR in Gaston County should feel confident, not confusing. Our team combines local market knowledge with a clear, step-by-step process so you can evaluate income potential, navigate zoning and HOA questions, and write a strong offer on the right home. If you are weighing Belmont for your next investment, let’s talk through your plan and timing.
Ready to explore Belmont STR options with a local advisor? Reach out to Jeremy Ordan for a friendly, no-pressure strategy conversation.
FAQs
Do I need a city permit for a Belmont STR?
- Generally no. Permits are triggered only for properties with repeated verified code violations within set time windows, as outlined by the City of Belmont.
Where are short-term rentals allowed in Belmont?
- STRs are allowed in zoning districts where residential and lodging uses are permitted. Confirm the parcel’s zoning with the City of Belmont before you buy.
What parking is required for a Belmont STR?
- Provide one off-street space per bedroom, capped at two spaces per unit, with one additional on-site space if you have an ADU.
Can Belmont cap or ban STRs across the city?
- Under Chapter 160D and the Schroeder decision, broad registration or lottery systems are not allowed, but cities can set operational and zoning standards. Watch for any legislative changes.
Who collects and remits taxes on bookings?
- Platforms may collect some state and local taxes, but you must verify collection and register with NCDOR to remit any taxes not collected for you.
Can an HOA prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them?
- Yes. HOA rules and CC&Rs are private covenants and can restrict or prohibit STRs, so review them before you purchase.
