1. Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Pittsboro, NC?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Pittsboro, NC. The state and county regulations permit the rental of lodging accommodations for periods of less than 90 days. This includes properties such as homes, rooms in homes, cottages, hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts (B&Bs), and vacation properties. The key legal framework governing these rentals is the state's occupancy tax law, administered locally by Chatham County.

The town's existing housing code also applies to STRs, ensuring properties meet minimum health and safety standards.

2. How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Pittsboro

Starting an STR in Pittsboro involves several steps:

1. Understand Your Tax Obligations: As an STR operator in Chatham County, you are legally required to collect a 3% room occupancy tax from guests renting your property for fewer than 90 days.
2. Register with the Tax Collector: You must complete a "Remitter Information Form" and submit it to the Chatham County Tax Administration. This is a one-time registration to set up your tax account.
3. Begin Collecting Tax: Start collecting the 3% occupancy tax from your guests at the time of payment. This tax is in addition to any state or local sales tax.
4. File Monthly Reports: You must file a "Monthly Report Form" with the Tax Administration by the 20th day of each month, regardless of whether you rented the property that month.
5. Monitor State and Local Regulations: Ensure you are aware of any additional regulations from the town, county, or state, such as zoning laws or fire safety codes.

3. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

The core requirement is occupancy tax compliance, which involves:

• Remitter Information Form: A one-time registration form to establish your business with the Tax Administration.
• Monthly Report Form: A required monthly filing for reporting gross receipts and the corresponding occupancy tax due. There is a checkbox for cases where an online marketplace (e.g., Airbnb) has submitted the tax on your behalf.

While the provided documents do not specify a city business license for Pittsboro STRs, the town has a "Central Permitting & Inspections" department. It is strongly recommended to contact them to confirm if any additional local permits or licenses are required for operating an STR within the town limits, especially given the strict minimum housing code standards.

The Pittsboro Minimum Housing Code is a key guideline. It sets detailed standards for "lodging establishments" and "lodging units," covering areas like:

• Space and Use Requirements (minimum square footage for rooms).
• Light and Ventilation Standards.
• Exit Requirements (two main exits, etc.).
• Plumbing Facilities (hot water, functioning fixtures).
• Heating Facilities (ability to maintain a minimum temperature of 68°F).
• Electrical Facilities (safe wiring, adequate outlets).
• Structural Standards (foundation, floors, walls, roof integrity).

4. Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

Chatham County (State-Level):

• Occupancy Tax Rate: A 3% tax is levied on gross receipts from short-term rentals.
• Reporting Deadline: Monthly reports are due by the 20th day of the month following the rental period.
• Exemptions: The 3% tax does not apply to accommodations rented for 90 continuous days or more, or to rentals of less than 15 days per year. However, the 15-day exemption is void if the property is continually advertised for rent.
• Online Marketplaces: Rentals booked through platforms like Airbnb, HomeAway, or Expedia are still subject to the tax. Operators must file a monthly report and can claim a credit for taxes remitted by the marketplace.
• Penalties: Late reports or late tax payments will incur penalties as per North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) 105-236.

Town of Pittsboro:

• Minimum Housing Code: STRs must comply with the town's comprehensive housing code. This code is designed to ensure all places of habitation, including lodging units, are safe, sanitary, and fit for human occupancy.
• Enforcement: The town's code enforcement official is responsible for investigating complaints and ensuring compliance with the housing code. Violations can lead to orders to repair, vacate, or demolish properties.

5. Contact Information for Local Authority

The primary authority for STR-related tax matters in Pittsboro (which is in Chatham County) is the Chatham County Tax Administration.

Contact Person: Angela McMahon, Paralegal
Email: angela.mcmahon@chathamcountync.gov
Address:

Chatham County Tax Department
12 East Street
P.O. Box 1809
Pittsboro, NC 27312

For questions about local permits or the housing code, contact the Town of Pittsboro Central Permitting & Inspections department. The provided content does not include specific contact details for this department, but it can be found on the town's official website.

6. Links to Source Pages

• Chatham County Occupancy Tax Information: https://www.chathamcountync.gov/government/departments-programs-i-z/tax-administration/occupancy-tax
• Town of Pittsboro Minimum Housing Code (Agenda Item 290): https://pittsboronc.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/290?fileID=2468