Executive Overview

• Are STRs allowed in Laurinburg, NC?
  • Allowed: Yes—short-term rentals are lawful under state law and can operate as homestays or as traditional lodging (e.g., bed and breakfast), subject to general zoning and building code compliance.
  • Explicit caveat: No city-specific short-term rental ordinance is present in Laurinburg’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) as of May 18, 2021. Therefore, STR operators should treat their property as a lodging use (e.g., boardinghouse/bed and breakfast) and confirm zoning allowances with Planning & Zoning before commencing operations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental in Laurinburg

The city does not publish a dedicated STR permit portal. Operators should follow a practical zoning-plus-permits approach:

1. Confirm zoning and principal/conditional uses

• Use the city’s zoning map and UDO to identify the district of your property and the allowed lodging uses:
  • Bed and breakfast (B&B): commonly addressed in UDO Section 7.22; review the Table of Uses and Activities (UDO Section 6.6) to confirm whether B&B is permitted by-right, conditional, or special in your district.
  • Boardinghouse or transient lodging: look for lodging/boardinghouse entries in the Table of Uses to determine permissible districts and review any supplemental regulations.
• If lodging is permitted as a conditional or special use, you will need to apply for the appropriate development approval (special use permit/conditional use permit), which runs with the land.

2. Site plan and development review

• For new or expanded lodging uses, a site plan may be required. Follow UDO Article 5 (Development Review Process) for administrative approvals or major site plan procedures via Planning Board and City Council.

3. Building, fire, and life safety

• Comply with the North Carolina State Building Code and the City’s minimum housing code as incorporated in UDO Section 2.3. This includes any required smoke and carbon monoxide detection, egress, and fire safety features.
• For properties offering lodging to multiple guests, coordinate with the Fire Marshal/Building Inspections to confirm occupancy classification and any additional life safety measures.

4. Post-approval steps before opening

• Obtain any certificates or inspections (e.g., building final, fire) required for the specific occupancy and lodging classification.
• Post required contact and property information inside the unit if mandated by state law (e.g., as in other NC cities), and include the STR address and host contact in all advertisements.

5. Ongoing compliance

• Renew any special/conditional use approvals as required (e.g., annually or as the city specifies for similar land-use approvals).
• Maintain records of guest stays and safety checks.
• Monitor for any city updates that may establish a dedicated STR registration or zoning overlay.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Zoning confirmation and approval:
  • Verify if lodging (e.g., bed and breakfast, boardinghouse) is a permitted use in your district (UDO Section 6.6).
  • If required, submit a special/conditional use application and site plan for review (UDO Article 4 and Article 5).
  • For any changes to signage, off-street parking, or occupancy, comply with UDO Part II (off-street parking and loading) and Part III (sign regulations).
• Building/fire/life safety:
  • UDO incorporates the North Carolina State Building Code and minimum housing code; secure all necessary building permits and inspections.
  • Confirm occupancy classification and required safety devices with Building Inspections and the Fire Marshal.
• Taxes and recordkeeping:
  • Collect and remit state sales tax and any local occupancy taxes as applicable. North Carolina generally requires a Certificate of Registration (NCDOR) and monthly/quarterly filings for transient accommodations.
  • Maintain guest registers and occupancy records to satisfy tax and regulatory audits (mirroring practices required in other NC jurisdictions such as Raleigh).
• Insurance:
  • Although Laurinburg’s UDO does not mandate minimum liability limits, North Carolina’s state-level trend (e.g., Greensboro, Southport, and Wilmington) requires $500,000 to $1,000,000 in general liability coverage for whole-house or vacation rental operations. Obtain adequate commercial general liability insurance tailored to short-term rentals.
• Statewide regulatory context:
  • North Carolina law prohibits local governments from imposing bans or broad permit/registration requirements on residential STRs, except for properties with significant verified violations or in designated high-crime/disorder areas. This means that absent Laurinburg-specific rules, you generally can operate; however, local land use and life-safety codes still apply.
• Occupancy, parking, and signage:
  • Parking ratios and signage restrictions are governed by UDO (Part II and Part III). Confirm required parking for lodging uses and permitted signage.

Specific Regulations: Laurinburg, County, and State

City of Laurinburg (as of May 18, 2021)

• Zoning and permitted uses:
  • UDO governs land development, including zoning districts (Article 6) and supplemental regulations (Article 7).
  • Bed and breakfast is referenced (Section 7.22); confirm permissible districts and any conditions via the Table of Uses (Section 6.6).
  • If lodging/boardinghouse is a conditional/special use, pursue special use approval through City Council with Planning Board review.
• Development review process:
  • Site plans, administrative approvals, and major developments follow UDO Article 5.
  • Variances and appeals are handled by the Board of Adjustment (UDO Article 4).
• Off-street parking and signage:
  • Parking ratios and loading requirements are in UDO Part II (Sections 9.16–9.25).
  • Sign regulations (permits, dimensions, illumination, and prohibitions) are in UDO Part III (Sections 9.26–9.43).
• Building code and life safety:
  • UDO incorporates the North Carolina State Building Code and minimum housing code; life safety requirements apply to lodging operations.
• Enforcement:
  • Violations can trigger notices of violation, stop-work orders, and remedies under UDO Section 1.8 and North Carolina General Statutes.

Scotland County

• The provided UDO and state sources do not include county-specific STR requirements. Operators should contact the County Planning/Inspections for any supplemental county rules (e.g., health department approvals for well/septic, stormwater, or additional signage).

State of North Carolina

• Licensing and taxes:
  • Register for North Carolina sales and use tax and transient accommodations (occupancy) tax through the NCDOR. File returns on a monthly or quarterly schedule as assigned.
• STR operational rules:
  • North Carolina law limits local bans and broad permitting for STRs except in limited circumstances (verified violations or designated high-crime/disorder areas). Despite this, STRs must comply with applicable land use, building/fire codes, and tax laws.
• Insurance trend:
  • Many NC cities require $500,000–$1,000,000 in general liability coverage for STR operations. While not mandated by Laurinburg, it is prudent to maintain this level to protect assets and meet lender/association requirements.

Contact Information

• City of Laurinburg – Planning & Zoning Department
  • Phone: (910) 276-3541
  • Email: planning@ci.laurinburg.nc.us
  • Website: www.laurinburg.org
• City of Laurinburg – Building Inspections/Fire Marshal
  • Phone: (910) 276-3541
  • Email: inspections@ci.laurinburg.nc.us
  • Website: www.laurinburg.org
• North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR)
  • Registration and filings (sales/occupancy tax)
  • Website: www.ncdor.gov

Source Links

• City of Laurinburg – Unified Development Ordinance (Adopted: April 2015; Amendments through May 18, 2021): www.laurinburg.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Adopted-UDO-with-Amendments_5-18-2021.pdf
• Proper Insurance – North Carolina Airbnb Laws (state-level trend and examples): www.proper.insure/regulations/north-carolina-airbnb-laws/
• City of Laurinburg – Official Website: www.laurinburg.org

Practical Checklist

• Confirm zoning district and lodging use eligibility (Table of Uses, UDO Section 6.6).
• Apply for special/conditional use permit if required; submit site plan.
• Secure building permits and life-safety approvals; confirm occupancy classification.
• Register for NC sales and occupancy tax; set up monthly/quarterly filings.
• Obtain appropriate commercial general liability insurance.
• Configure off-street parking and signage per UDO requirements.
• Maintain guest logs and compliance records.
• Monitor City/County updates for any new STR-specific regulations.

Final Notes

Laurinburg currently lacks a dedicated short-term rental ordinance. Consequently, STRs should be treated as lodging uses subject to zoning, building code, and life safety requirements. Always verify current interpretations and procedures with the Planning & Zoning Department before operating.