Executive Summary: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Pinehurst?

Short-term rentals (STRs) are permitted in Pinehurst but only in very limited circumstances.

• New STRs may only be established in the Hotel (H) or Village Mixed-Use (VMU) zoning districts and only with an approved development permit.
• Pre-existing STRs (operating as an STR within the 365 days prior to October 27, 2022) may continue as a nonconforming use if they obtain a Non-Conforming Use Certificate (NCUC).
• Any STR use that lapses for 365 days or more is discontinued and must meet current zoning rules.
• In any zoning district, owners may rent a home or accessory dwelling for up to 14 days in a calendar year without obtaining a development permit or complying with Ordinance #22-15.

The Village enforces compliance aggressively through monitoring platforms and issues fines up to $500 per violation per day until corrected. As of October 2025, the monitoring system identified 537 active STRs: 386 operating legally (valid NCUC or grandfathered) and 151 advertised without authorization (limited to 14 days/year operation). [Source: Village of Pinehurst STR page; link provided below]

Market Entry: How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Pinehurst

1. Confirm zoning eligibility.

   • Verify your property’s zoning. New STRs are only allowed in the Hotel (H) or Village Mixed-Use (VMU) districts, and only with an approved development permit. Use the Village’s official Zoning Map to confirm.
   • If your property is not in H or VMU, determine whether you qualify for an NCUC (i.e., your STR operated at any time in the 365 days before October 27, 2022, and has not ceased for 365+ days since).

2. Determine permit pathway.

   • Pre-existing STR: Apply for an NCUC. Application window closed; if you already have one, ensure it remains valid (transferable with property).
   • New STR: Apply for a development permit online via the Village Permit Center (Accela). You must create an account to submit.

3. Comply with SR-9 standards and local codes.

   • Prepare the property and operations to satisfy SR-9 requirements (occupancy, parking, life-safety equipment, posted house rules/contact info).
   • Align with the North Carolina Vacation Rental Act (Ch. 42A) for agreements, trust accounts, life safety equipment, and maintenance obligations.

4. Taxes and market facilitation.

   • Register with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and collect/remit state lodging taxes if you accept direct bookings. Note: If you exclusively use a marketplace facilitator (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) that meets NC thresholds, the facilitator collects/remits, and you are not required to register.
   • Collect and remit Moore County local occupancy tax (6%) for stays of 90 days or less.
   • Set up sales tax compliance; in most cases the combined sales tax rate in Pinehurst is 7%.
   • Consult a CPA on the federal “Masters Rule” (≤14 days/year rental income not reported federally).

5. Listings and marketing.

   • Display any required permit or certificate number in advertisements.
   • Post house rules and the owner/manager contact inside the property at the main entrance.

6. Operating best practices.

   • Establish screening policies (where allowed by local law), house rules, and emergency procedures.
   • Track nights rented; ensure the 14-day allowance (for non-permitted rentals) is not exceeded.
   • Maintain documentation for tax filings, safety inspections, and complaint responses.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Development Permit (new STRs in H or VMU districts only)

  • Apply online via the Village Permit Center (Accela).
  • Likely requires: property details, owner/agent information, zoning confirmation, SR-9 compliance documentation, and fees. See “Links” for the Village permitting portal.

• Non-Conforming Use Certificate (NCUC) for pre-existing STRs

  • For STRs operating at any time within the 365 days prior to October 27, 2022.
  • Transferable with property. Application window is closed; if you already hold an NCUC, ensure continued compliance to preserve status.

• SR-9 Operational Requirements (highlights)

  • Max occupancy: two adult guests per bedroom.
  • Parking: one space per bedroom.
  • Life safety: smoke detector in each bedroom; carbon monoxide detector per floor; no cooking facilities in bedrooms.
  • Minimum standards for bedrooms/habitable spaces (size, ceiling height, egress, lighting, ventilation) per Pinehurst Municipal Code, NC State Building Code, and NC Vacation Rental Act.
  • Posted house rules and owner/manager contact inside at main entrance.

• North Carolina Vacation Rental Act (G.S. Chapter 42A)

  • Written vacation rental agreement signed by guest.
  • Trust account at a federally insured depository or authorized trust institution.
  • Compliance with building/housing codes and elevator safety where applicable.
  • Maintain electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilation systems and major appliances in safe working order.
  • Operable smoke detectors; at least one carbon monoxide alarm per rental unit per level.

• Local ordinances to adhere to

  • Noise ordinance (Pinehurst Ch. 92.16).
  • Parking regulations (Pinehurst Ch. 72).
  • Trash and sanitation schedules (Solid Waste Department guidance).

• Taxes

  • NC state lodging taxes: collect/remit unless exclusively using a marketplace facilitator that collects/remits on your behalf.
  • Moore County occupancy tax (6%) on stays ≤90 days.
  • Sales tax (typical combined rate ~7%).
  • Income tax on STR income; federal “Masters Rule” for ≤14 days/year.

• Insurance and safety

  • General liability coverage appropriate for an STR.
  • Property insurance tailored to short-term rental use.

City-, County-, and State-Level STR Regulations

City of Pinehurst

• Allowed STRs:
  • New: only in Hotel (H) or Village Mixed-Use (VMU) with an approved development permit.
  • Existing: may continue as nonconforming use with a valid NCUC; status is lost if discontinued for 365+ days or if use is enlarged/intensified beyond PDO limits; may be lost if damaged beyond 50% of replacement cost (other than Acts of God) unless rebuilt to PDO standards.
• Special allowances:
  • In any zoning district, owners may rent a home or accessory dwelling up to 14 days per calendar year without a development permit or compliance with Ordinance #22-15 (private covenants/restrictions may still apply).
• Operational standards (SR-9):
  • Occupancy, parking, life safety, bedroom standards, posted rules and emergency contacts.
• Enforcement and compliance:
  • Village uses Host Compliance by Granicus to scan >60 platforms; issues notices of violation; fines up to $500 per violation per day; and enforcement under nuisance, noise, and unruly gathering ordinances.
• Monitoring and reporting:
  • STR-specific email: STR@vopnc.org.
  • Police non-emergency: 910-295-3781.

Moore County

• Occupancy tax:
  • 6% on accommodations rented for 90 days or less. Administered by the county.
  • Village-level references also indicate a local occupancy tax at 6% aligned with county rules.

State of North Carolina

• Vacation Rental Act (G.S. Ch. 42A):
  • Defines vacation rentals broadly; requires written agreements; trust accounts; compliance with building, housing, and elevator safety codes; life safety devices; maintenance and repair duties.
• Tax responsibilities:
  • State lodging taxes apply to STRs; marketplace facilitators meeting NC thresholds collect/remit on behalf of hosts for marketplace-transacted stays; direct bookings generally require host registration, collection, and remittance.
  • Sales tax applies to most short-term rentals; typical combined rates around 7%.
• Federal “Masters Rule”:
  • Rental income for ≤14 days/year need not be reported for federal income tax purposes (but state/local taxes may still apply).

Contact Information for Local Authority in Charge of STRs

• Village of Pinehurst (general)

  • Phone: 910-295-1900
  • Address: 395 Magnolia Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374
  • Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm
  • Website: Village of Pinehurst (see Links)

• Short-Term Rental Specific Inquiries

  • STR email: STR@vopnc.org

• Police (non-emergency disturbances)

  • Phone: 910-295-3781

Links to Source Pages

• Village of Pinehurst STR page (Ordinance #22-15, SR-9 summary, enforcement):

  • www.vopnc.org/our-government/departments/administration/hot-topics/short-term-rentals

• Village of Pinehurst STR One-Page Summary:

  • www.vopnc.org/home/showpublisheddocument/13503/638047329866330000

• Village of Pinehurst Official Zoning Map:

  • www.vopnc.org/home/showpublisheddocument/3286/638369536277670000

• Village Permit Center (Accela) – Development Permit Applications:

  • www.vopnc.org/permitcenter

• Pinehurst Development Ordinance (PDO) and SR-9 Full Text:

  • www.vopnc.org/?splash=https%3a%2f%2fcodelibrary.amlegal.com%2fcodes%2fpinehurst%2flatest%2fpinehurst_nc_pdo%2f0-0-0-1205&____isexternal=true

• Pinehurst Noise Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 92.16):

  • www.vopnc.org/?splash=https%3a%2f%2fcodelibrary.amlegal.com%2fcodes%2fpinehurst%2flatest%2fpinehurst_nc%2f0-0-0-860%23JD_Chapter92&____isexternal=true

• Pinehurst Parking Regulations (Municipal Code Chapter 72):

  • www.vopnc.org/?splash=https%3a%2f%2fcodelibrary.amlegal.com%2fcodes%2fpinehurst%2flatest%2fpinehurst_nc%2f0-0-0-648%23JD_Chapter72&____isexternal=true

• Avalara MyLodgeTax: NC STRs for U.S. Open in Pinehurst (State lodging tax, county occupancy tax, marketplace facilitator rules, Masters Rule):

  • www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/blog/2024/04/running-a-short-term-rental-for-the-us-open-in-pinehurst-heres-what-you-should-know.html

• GoSummer: North Carolina Short-Term Rental Laws (overview of Vacation Rental Act, city rules):

  • www.gosummer.com/post/north-carolina-short-term-rental-laws

This guide reflects the regulations and practices posted by the Village of Pinehurst, Moore County, and the State of North Carolina as of the current content provided. Always verify the most current ordinances and contact the Village directly for any permit or enforcement questions.