We understand that many people are eager to visit our beautiful community, but we also have a responsibility to balance that demand with the needs of our residents. Short-term rentals (STRs), such as those offered on Airbnb and Vrbo, have become increasingly popular, and the Village of Pinehurst has taken several steps to manage them responsibly.

Ordinance & Regulations

To address STRs, the Village Council adopted Ordinance #22-15 on October 27, 2022, which amended the Pinehurst Development Ordinance. Key provisions include:

• No new use of a residentially zoned property as an STR is permitted unless it was used as an STR in the 365 days prior to adoption of the ordinance.

• If a property has not been used as an STR for 365 days or more, that use is considered discontinued and must comply with conforming uses only.

Monitoring & Compliance

The Village uses Host Compliance by Granicus, a tracking system that scans over 60 online platforms to identify STR activity.

As of October 2025, Host Compliance identified 537 active STRs in Pinehurst:

• 386 STRs are operating legally with a valid Non-Conforming Use Certificate (NCUC) or were grandfathered in under the ordinance.

• 151 STRs are advertised without proper authorization. These properties are limited to operating no more than 14 days per year.

The Village is actively targeting these violators. Notices of violation have been issued, and fines of up to $500 per violation, per day may follow if properties are not brought into compliance.

Enforcement & Community Protections

The Village enforces STR regulations through nuisance, noise, and unruly gathering ordinances. Police and Code Enforcement respond to complaints, issue citations when violations occur, and can hold property owners accountable for the behavior of their guests.

We’ve also strengthened local ordinances to protect neighborhood quality of life, including:

• Amending the municipal code to address right-of-way parking

• Updating and strengthening noise regulations

• Adopting rules to address unruly gatherings

While North Carolina law limits what municipalities can require of STR owners—for example, we cannot mandate registration, screening, or noise-monitoring devices—we’ve taken every step legally available to address concerns and hold violators accountable.

Reporting Issues

• For STR-specific concerns: email STR@vopnc.org.

• For disturbances (STR or not): call the Police non-emergency line at 910-295-3781.

The Village Council remains committed to fair but firm enforcement, balancing the interests of residents and visitors while preserving the character of Pinehurst’s neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a Short-Term Rental (STR)?
A Short-Term Rental (STR) refers to the use of a Dwelling Unit for transient lodging under a short-term lease or for other financial consideration. This rental occurs for a period of less than 30 consecutive days but totals more than 14 days within a calendar year.

Does the Village Regulate Short-Term Rentals (STRs)?
Yes. Following extensive public hearings and discussions over nearly a year, the Village Council passed Ordinance #22-15, which amended the Pinehurst Development Ordinance (PDO) to regulate STRs. The ordinance specifies the zoning districts where STRs are allowed and establishes special requirements (SR-9) for STRs. SR-9 outlines rules such as occupancy limits, parking, and safety standards (e.g., smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, ventilation, egress, etc.). It also mandates that any new STRs created after the ordinance's effective date obtain a development permit, ensuring the property’s use complies with the PDO.

When Did the Ordinance Take Effect?
Ordinance #22-15 was enacted on October 27, 2022.

Where Are STRs Allowed?
STRs are permitted in the Hotel (H) Zoning District and the Village Mixed-Use (VMU) Zoning District, provided an approved development permit is obtained. To verify a property's zoning district, refer to the Village of Pinehurst Official Zoning Map.

What If My STR is in a District Where STRs Aren't Allowed?
If your STR was operating before October 27, 2022, it is likely classified as a nonconforming use. STRs that existed before this date may continue to operate.

What is a Nonconforming Use Certificate?
A Nonconforming Use Certificate is an official acknowledgment from the Village of Pinehurst that a property's use as an STR was legal prior to the new zoning ordinance and may continue as long as it is not discontinued, enlarged, extended, or intensified. The application period for NCUCs has now expired. NCUCs are transferrable with the property.

Are There Additional Requirements for STRs?
Yes. STRs must adhere to the standards outlined in SR-9, including:

• Maximum occupancy: 2 adult guests per bedroom
• Parking: 1 space per bedroom
• Safety: 1 smoke detector per bedroom, 1 carbon monoxide detector per floor
• No cooking facilities in bedrooms
• Compliance with minimum size, ceiling height, egress, lighting, and ventilation requirements per the Pinehurst Municipal Code, North Carolina State Building Code, and North Carolina Vacation Rental Act.

Additionally, rental rules (e.g., maximum guests, trash disposal, sanitation schedules, noise, parking) and emergency contact information must be clearly posted at the main entrance. View the full text of SR-9 requirements for more details. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of those staying in STRs and to help maintain the peaceful atmosphere of our neighborhoods. 

Can I Rent My House During the US Open or Other Special Events?
Yes, property owners in any zoning district can rent out their home or accessory dwelling for up to 14 days within a calendar year without needing a development permit or complying with Ordinance #22-15. However, private covenants or restrictions may apply.

What Happens If I Sell My STR?
Approval for a development permit or Nonconforming Use Certificate is tied to the property and can be transferred to the new owner when the property is sold.

Can I Lose My Nonconforming Use Status?
Yes. You may lose your nonconforming use status if:

• The property is no longer used as an STR for over 365 days.
• The use is extended, enlarged, or intensified beyond the limitations of Section 2.3.2 of the PDO.
• The STR is damaged (other than due to Acts of God) beyond 50% of its replacement cost, in which case the use must comply with PDO requirements to be reestablished.

What Permits or Approvals Do I Need for My STR?
For STRs operating before October 27, 2022, no development permit is required. If your STR is located in a zoning district where STRs are not permitted, you may apply for a Nonconforming Use Certificate (see previous FAQs). For new STRs established after the ordinance’s adoption, a development permit is required to legally operate. New STRs are currently only allowed in the Hotel (H) or Village Mixed Use (VMU) zoning districts. You can submit applications for new STRs online at www.vopnc.org/permitcenter.

What If an STR Starts Operating After the Ordinance’s Effective Date in a Zoning District Where STRs Aren’t Allowed?
If an STR begins operating in an unapproved zoning district after the ordinance takes effect, the Village will investigate. If the violation is confirmed, the property owner may face municipal citations up to $500 per day until the violation is resolved.

How Do I Prove My STR Was Legally Operating Before the Ordinance Took Effect?
You can provide documentation such as rental or lease agreements, occupancy tax payments, or rental listings to demonstrate that your STR was legally operating prior to the ordinance's effective date.

Where Can I Find Information on Trash Disposal, Sanitation Schedules, Noise, and Parking Regulations?
For trash and sanitation information, visit the Solid Waste Department page on our website. Noise violations are outlined in Chapter 92.16, and parking regulations are in Chapter 72 of the Pinehurst Development Ordinance.

I Need Help Applying for a Development Permit or Nonconforming Use Certificate
The Village of Pinehurst accepts online applications through our Permit Center (Accela). You’ll need to create an account to apply. For assistance, please check out our step-by-step guide or tutorial.

A one-page summary of STR requirements can be found here.