Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Centreville, MD?

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Centreville, MD and throughout Queen Anne's County. Queen Anne's County has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for short-term residential rentals through County Ordinance #24-09, which became effective on January 11, 2025. The county will begin accepting applications for annual zoning certificates starting October 1, 2025, marking the official launch of their permitted STR program.

Currently, there are approximately 181 short-term rental properties operating in Queen Anne's County, and the new ordinance aims to bring these existing operations into legal compliance while establishing clear regulatory oversight.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Centreville, MD

Starting an STR business in Centreville involves following Queen Anne's County's established regulatory process. The county has designed a streamlined application system with both online and in-person options to accommodate different applicant preferences.

Step 1: Property Eligibility Assessment

Before applying, ensure your property meets the basic requirements:

• Property must be classified as a dwelling unit (not just a sleeping unit)
• Dwelling units must include provisions for cooking, sanitation, and sleeping
• Property must be located within Queen Anne's County (including Centreville)
• Off-street parking must be available on-site

Step 2: Application Submission

Choose your preferred application method:

In-Person Application:

• Complete the official Zoning Certificate Application form
• Gather all required documents (see Required Documents section below)
• Visit the Planning and Zoning Office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM)

Online Application:

• Use the Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal
• Upload all required documents electronically
• Submit application and fees through the secure online system

Step 3: Property Management Planning

• Ensure property owner or designated manager is located within 25 miles of the property
• Establish local management presence for guest services and emergency response
• Develop operational procedures for guest check-in, maintenance, and issue resolution

Step 4: Initial Inspection Preparation

• Schedule and complete the required initial inspection
• Address any compliance issues identified during inspection
• Obtain final inspection approval before beginning operations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Required Documents:

1. Zoning Certificate Application - Official county form (available both online and in-person)
2. Short-Term Residential Worksheet - Detailed compliance worksheet with specific instructions
3. Property Documentation - Proof of ownership or legal right to operate
4. Site Plan/Parking Diagram - Showing on-site parking compliance
5. Manager Contact Information - Documentation of local management within 25-mile requirement

Permits and Licenses:

• Annual Zoning Certificate - Required for all STR operations
• Initial Inspection Certificate - Must be completed before operations begin
• Hotel Tax Registration - Required through the Finance Office

Guidelines and Compliance Materials:

• County Ordinance #24-09 (effective January 11, 2025)
• Zoning regulations § 18:1-58.J
• Short-Term Residential Worksheet instructions
• Queen Anne's County Tax Portal registration for hotel tax

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

County-Level Regulations (Queen Anne's County):

Permitted Use Status:

• STRs are permitted as a supplemental use in ALL zoning districts
• Limited to dwelling units (not sleeping units)
• Existing non-compliant properties have a grace period for compliance

Operational Requirements:

• Manager Proximity: Property owner or manager must be located within 25 miles of the rental property
• Parking: Off-street parking must be provided on-site
• Inspection: Initial inspection required before operations begin
• Certificate Renewal: Annual zoning certificate renewal required

Compliance and Monitoring:

• County uses Granicus Host Compliance platform for STR identification and monitoring
• 24/7 complaint hotline operates specifically for STR-related issues
• Properties identified through platform monitoring are subject to zoning certificate requirements

Tax Obligations:

• Hotel tax registration and remittance required
• Contact Finance Office for specific tax rates and reporting procedures

Municipal Context (Centreville):

Centreville operates under Queen Anne's County's unified zoning and permitting system. There are no separate city-specific regulations beyond the county framework, as Centreville is the county seat and follows county-wide standards.

State-Level Regulations (Maryland):

The provided content focuses on Queen Anne's County regulations. For state-level Maryland requirements (such as statewide hotel tax obligations, business licensing, or safety codes), investors should consult Maryland state agencies and regulations directly.

Contact Information for Local STR Authorities

Planning and Zoning Office (Primary STR Contact)

Address: 110 Vincit Street, Suite 104 Centreville, MD 21617

Phone: (410) 758-4088 Fax: (410) 758-3972

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Except holidays)

Key Personnel:

• Vivian J. Swinson, Zoning Administrator
• Email: vswinson@qac.org

Online Services:

• Citizen Self Service Portal
• Permit applications and tracking
• Zoning information

Finance Office (Hotel Tax Inquiries)

Phone: (410) 758-0414 Email: Treasury@qac.org

Online Services:

• Queen Anne's County Tax Portal
• Hotel tax registration and payment

STR Complaint Hotline (24/7)

Phone: (667) 206-6958 Online: Queen Anne's County Complaint Hotline

Note: This hotline is exclusively for short-term rental complaints. For other zoning concerns, contact Planning and Zoning directly.

County Commissioners Office

Address: 107 N Liberty Street Centreville, MD 21617

Phone: (410) 758-4098 Fax: (410) 758-1170

Source Links and References

Official County Resources:

• Short-Term Residential Rental Information - Main STR page with forms and procedures
• County Ordinances - Ordinance #24-09 - Official ordinance text
• Zoning Regulations § 18:1-58.J - Specific zoning code section
• Citizen Self Service Portal - Online application system

Forms and Applications:

• Zoning Certificate Application - Required application form
• Short-Term Residential Worksheet - Compliance worksheet

Financial Resources:

• Queen Anne's County Tax Portal - Hotel tax registration and payment
• Building Fees - Permit and inspection fee schedules

Compliance and Enforcement:

• Queen Anne's County Complaint Hotline - Online complaint filing
• Issued Permits Reports - Permit tracking and reports

Additional County Services:

• Fire Marshal Permitting Process - Fire safety requirements
• Current Building Codes - Construction standards
• Board of Building Appeals - Appeal processes

News and Updates:

• Planning Commission STR Article - Background on ordinance development

This guide is based on information available as of the effective date of County Ordinance #24-09 (January 11, 2025). Investors should verify current requirements and contact authorities directly for the most up-to-date information before proceeding with STR operations.