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Southport, NC

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STR Regulations for Southport, North Carolina

Overview: Are Short‑Term Rentals Allowed in Southport, NC?

Short-term rentals are allowed in Southport only under strict conditions:

  • In residential zoning districts (R‑10, R‑20, MF), short‑term vacation rentals are prohibited as a new use. Only those properties that can prove verifiable bookings before July 8, 2021 may continue as legal nonconforming uses, subject to an annual zoning permit and ongoing compliance.
  • In non-residential zoning districts (Central Business District, Business District, Planned Unit Development), short‑term vacation rentals are permitted with a zoning permit and adherence to use standards.
  • Homestays are permitted in residential and PUD districts (and likely in other districts as accessory uses per the Use Table) when the operator is a full‑time resident, limits rentals to up to two guest rooms, and obtains an annual zoning permit.

Sources:

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Southport?

Southport hosts earn a median $46,208/year with $354 ADR and 58% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $70,242+ per year.

See the full Southport market breakdown →

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in This Market

  1. Determine eligibility
  • Residential property with verifiable bookings prior to July 8, 2021? You may apply for a nonconforming short‑term vacation rental zoning permit.
  • Operating in a commercial zoning district (CBD, BD, PUD)? You may apply for a standard short‑term vacation rental zoning permit.
  • Living in the property full‑time and willing to be present during stays? Consider a homestay permit (up to two guest rooms).
  1. Select the right permit type
  • Short‑Term Vacation Rental (STR) permit: For permitted commercial/PUD districts; for grandfathered STRs in residential districts.
  • Homestay permit: For owner‑occupied homes limiting operations to up to two guest rooms.
  1. Apply through the city’s permit portal
  1. Demonstrate eligibility and compliance (for nonconforming STRs)
  • Provide documented proof of verifiable bookings prior to July 8, 2021.
  • Submit property ownership documentation (recorded deed).
  • Maintain required insurance and post required information in the unit.
  1. Operate in compliance
  • Maintain minimum insurance coverage (STR: $1,000,000; Homestay: $500,000).
  • Designate a responsible party available 24/7 during rentals, living within 20 miles and able to respond to complaints within 45 minutes.
  • Post rental rules in a common area: max guests, parking, trash procedures, sanitation schedules, noise ordinance hours, and emergency contact info.
  • Comply with building codes and UDO standards.
  1. Ongoing obligations
  • Renew permits annually (by December 31 for the current year).
  • Pay applicable occupancy and sales taxes to the appropriate governmental entities.
  • Avoid discontinuance: for nonconforming STRs, discontinuation over 180 consecutive days results in loss of the right to continue the use.
  • Violations: Three final determinations of violations or criminal convictions related to the property within any rolling 365‑day period will terminate the STR zoning permit and render you ineligible to obtain a new STR permit for three years.

Source:

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

  • Annual zoning permit:
  • Proof of pre‑July 8, 2021 bookings (for nonconforming STRs in residential districts).
  • Property ownership documentation (recorded deed).
  • Certificate of insurance:
    • STR: Minimum $1,000,000 general liability, covering STR use and guests.
    • Homestay: Minimum $500,000 general liability, covering homestay use and guests.
  • Posted rental rules in a common area inside the unit:
    • Max number of guests per stay.
    • Parking instructions consistent with residential requirements.
    • Trash and sanitation schedule.
    • Noise ordinance hours.
    • Emergency contact information.
  • Designation of a responsible party:
    • 24/7 availability during rentals.
    • Lives within 20 miles of the property.
    • Responds to complaints within 45 minutes; contact name, phone, and email conspicuously posted in the unit.
  • Compliance with building codes and UDO lighting requirements.
  • Tax compliance:
    • Pay applicable occupancy and sales taxes to the appropriate governmental entities.
  • Use‑specific rules:
    • No activities other than lodging; special events prohibited (weddings, receptions, large gatherings).
    • No exterior signage or advertising; no visible displays outside the dwelling.
    • No food service for homestays (no preparation or provision of food or beverages to guests).
    • Exterior lighting must be residential in nature and comply with UDO standards.
    • STR length of stay: less than 30 days; Homestay length of stay: not to exceed 30 days.

Sources:

Specific Regulations for Short‑Term Rentals (City, County, State)

City of Southport (municipal)

  • Prohibited in residential districts for new STRs; existing STRs operating prior to July 8, 2021 with verifiable bookings may continue as legal nonconforming uses if they obtain and maintain an annual zoning permit.
  • Permitted STRs in non‑residential districts (CBD, BD, PUD) subject to use standards and permit.
  • Homestays permitted in residential and PUD districts (and likely in other districts as accessory uses per the Use Table) when the operator is a full‑time resident present during stays, limited to two guest rooms, with annual permit.
  • Annual permit renewal required; failure to renew a nonconforming STR permit results in loss of the right to continue the use.
  • Discontinuance of nonconforming STR use for more than 180 consecutive days results in forfeiture of rights.
  • Three final determinations of violations or criminal convictions related to the property within any rolling 365‑day period terminate the STR permit; reapplication prohibited for three years.
  • STR permit holders must designate a local responsible party available 24/7 and able to respond within 45 minutes; must post contact details and rental rules in the unit.
  • Insurance minimums: $1,000,000 for STRs; $500,000 for homestays; both must cover the use and guests.
  • No exterior signage or advertising; no activities beyond lodging; special events prohibited.
  • Off‑street parking must meet residential use requirements per UDO Section 3.14.D.
  • No food service for homestays.

Brunswick County

  • No Brunswick County–specific short‑term rental regulations were identified in the provided content. All requirements are governed by the City of Southport within city limits and extraterritorial planning jurisdiction.

State of North Carolina

  • North Carolina municipalities have authority to regulate short‑term rentals; Southport has adopted local standards summarized above.
  • State and local taxes apply to short‑term stays; owners must pay applicable occupancy and sales taxes to the appropriate governmental entities (state and local).
  • No additional state‑level operational restrictions are specified in the provided content; compliance with state building and fire codes is implied for lodging uses, but this is not explicitly stated in the provided materials.

Sources:

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

  • City Clerk (primary contact for permits and ordinance questions):

    • Phone: (910) 457‑7900, ext. 1010
    • Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (City observes State holidays)
    • Address: Southport City Hall, 1029 N. Howe Street, Southport, NC 28461

  • Planning Department (operational questions and permits):

    • Email: Tlloyd@CityofSouthport.com
    • Phone: 910‑457‑7925

  • Emergency Contacts:

    • Emergency: 911
    • Non‑emergency Police: (910) 457‑7911
    • Non‑emergency Fire: (910) 457‑7915

  • General City Information:

    • Phone: (910) 457‑7900

  • Permit Portal:

  • Official City Website:

Sources:

Links to Source Pages

Notes:

  • No county‑specific STR rules were found in the provided content; municipal regulations apply within Southport’s planning jurisdiction.
  • Always verify current requirements with the City of Southport Development Services before acquiring, leasing, or operating a property.

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Southport

Market Saturation Score

036912
Moderate Saturation
5/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
5–7 declining months: moderate saturation risk - market may be nearing capacity.
View Full Southport Market Analysis →

Photos of Southport

Overview of Southport

Southport, North Carolina is a charming coastal city located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. The city's population is approximately 3,700 residents, offering a small-town feel with picturesque scenery. Southport is situated about 30 miles south of Wilmington, the nearest major city.

Southport boasts numerous historical and cultural landmarks that enhance its appeal to visitors seeking short-term rentals. One iconic attraction is the Southport Waterfront Park, which provides a stunning view of the water and is perfect for a leisurely stroll. More information can be found here: Southport Waterfront Park.

The city is also famous for its oak-lined streets and historic architecture. A must-visit is Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors' Center, which offers history buffs a glimpse into the city's military past: Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors' Center.

For movie enthusiasts, Southport serves as a familiar backdrop, having been a popular filming location for numerous movies and TV shows, including "Safe Haven." Fans of the film can visit Wilkinson's Landing, a spot featured prominently in the movie.

Southport is also an excellent base for exploring nearby beaches such as Oak Island and Bald Head Island. These destinations are easily accessible and offer a variety of activities from leisurely beach days to adventurous water sports.

Overall, Southport's captivating blend of history, scenic beauty, and proximity to larger urban centers like Wilmington make it an attractive option for those considering short-term rentals.

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