Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Roanoke Rapids, NC?

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. The city permits short-term rental operations through the classification of "Tourist Home" within its zoning ordinance. A Tourist Home is defined as "a residential use consisting of at least one dwelling unit together with more than two rooms that are rented out or are designed or intended to be rented out for overnight or weekly guests." This definition specifically accommodates the short-term rental business model where property owners rent out rooms or entire dwellings to guests for periods of less than one month.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Roanoke Rapids

Starting a short-term rental business in Roanoke Rapids requires a systematic approach following the city's land use regulations:

1. Property Selection and Zoning Compliance

• Verify zoning district compatibility: Tourist Homes are subject to the zoning district regulations outlined in Article X of the Land Use Ordinance
• Consult the Table of Permissible Uses (Section 151-149) to confirm tourist homes are allowed in your target property's zoning district
• Determine if special or conditional use permits are required based on the specific zoning classification

2. Permit Application Process

• Submit complete applications to the Planning and Development Department as required under Article IV, Part I of the ordinance
• Ensure applications meet all requirements outlined in Appendix A, which details information required with applications
• Pay associated fees as established by city council resolution and filed in the office of the city clerk

3. Compliance with Development Standards

• Meet dimensional requirements outlined in Article XII, including minimum lot size, setbacks, and height limitations
• Satisfy parking requirements specified in Article XVIII for the applicable use classification
• Comply with any screening and tree preservation requirements detailed in Article XIX

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Permits Required

Zoning Permit: Required for all Tourist Home operations as the primary authorization for the use

Potential Special Use or Conditional Use Permits: May be required depending on the zoning district and specific circumstances. The City Council issues Conditional Use Permits that "authorize the recipient to make use of property in accordance with the requirements of this chapter as well as any additional requirements imposed by the Council."

Application Requirements (per Appendix A)

Written Application: Must include all required information as specified in Section A-2

Development Site Plans: Detailed site plans meeting specifications in Section A-3

Graphic Materials: Plans must include all required graphic elements per Section A-4

Documentation of Existing Features: Natural, man-made, and legal features of the site must be documented per Section A-5

Proposed Development Details: Changes in existing features or new features must be clearly presented per Section A-6

Additional Documents: Any supplementary written information or documents required per Section A-7

Required Copies: Submit the specified number of copies of plans and documents as outlined in Section A-8

Licensing Considerations

State Requirements: Operators should verify any state-level licensing requirements for tourist accommodations

Business Registration: Standard business registration requirements may apply at the state and local levels

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning District Compliance

Tourist Homes must comply with the use regulations specific to their zoning district. The Table of Permissible Uses (Section 151-149) governs where tourist homes are allowed and under what conditions.

Dimensional Regulations

Properties operating as tourist homes must meet all dimensional requirements applicable to their zoning district, including:

• Minimum lot size requirements (Section 151-181)
• Building setback requirements (Section 151-184)
• Building height limitations (Section 151-186)
• Minimum lot widths (Section 151-183)

Parking Requirements

Tourist homes must provide parking consistent with the requirements in Article XVIII. The number of required spaces will depend on the specific classification and size of the tourist home operation.

Accessory Use Regulations

If the tourist home operation involves accessory uses, these must comply with Section 151-150 governing accessory uses in residential districts.

Nonconforming Situations

Existing tourist home operations established before the current ordinance may qualify for nonconforming use rights under Article VIII. However, any expansion or modification would need to comply with current regulations.

Floodplain Requirements

Properties located in floodplain areas must comply with the additional requirements in Article XVI, including:

• Floodplain development permits (Section 151-257)
• Elevation and construction standards (Sections 151-268 through 151-275)
• Floodway and non-encroachment area restrictions

Enforcement and Compliance

The city maintains robust enforcement mechanisms for zoning violations:

Violation Procedures: Complaints regarding violations can be filed under Section 151-111

Persons Liable: Multiple parties may be held responsible for violations under Section 151-112

Corrective Actions: Procedures for addressing violations are outlined in Section 151-113

Penalties and Remedies: Section 151-114 details the penalties available for violations

Permit Revocation: The city retains authority to revoke permits for noncompliance under Section 151-115

Contact Information for Local Authority

Planning and Development Department

• Location: City Hall, Roanoke Rapids, NC
• Primary Contact: Land Use Administrator (Section 151-37)
• Planning and Development Director (Section 151-38)

Key Administrative Bodies:

• Planning Board: Handles advisory functions and reviews (Sections 151-21 through 151-28)
• Board of Adjustment: Addresses variances and appeals (Sections 151-29 through 151-36)
• City Council: Issues conditional use permits and approves zoning amendments

Important Notes for STR Investors

Due Diligence Required: Investors should conduct thorough research on specific property zoning and consult with the Planning and Development Department before acquiring properties for short-term rental use.

Regulatory Changes: The ordinance was last significantly revised in July 2013 with amendments through April 2021. Investors should verify current regulations as they may evolve.

Flood Zone Considerations: Properties near waterways or in designated flood zones face additional regulatory requirements that could affect STR operations.

Neighborhood Compatibility: Tourist homes must operate without creating significant adverse impacts on surrounding neighborhoods, as the ordinance emphasizes compatibility with residential character.

Source Links

Primary Municipal Code: Roanoke Rapids Land Use Ordinance

This guide provides the foundational framework for short-term rental investment in Roanoke Rapids. However, given the complexity of zoning regulations and the potential for future amendments, investors should consult directly with the Planning and Development Department for the most current requirements and to discuss specific property scenarios.