Charlotte vs Denver
North Carolina Legal with Permit | Colorado Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Charlotte, North Carolina | Denver, Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | Business license required; contact city for current fee | $100 license fee |
| Tax Rate | ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax) | 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for continued non-compliance | $999/day for unlicensed operation |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Charlotte, North Carolina
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee Business license required; contact city for current fee
Tax Rate ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for continued non-compliance
Denver, Colorado
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $100 license fee
Tax Rate 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $999/day for unlicensed operation
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Charlotte Overview
Charlotte removed STR-specific zoning regulations from its UDO in April 2022, making it one of NC's most permissive markets. Hosts must still obtain a business license and register for Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax.
Full Charlotte guide →Denver Overview
Only primary residences may be used as STRs. Hosts must obtain a Short-Term Rental license. No cap on rental days. Accessory dwelling units on the same lot are also eligible.
Full Denver guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Charlotte or Denver?
Charlotte is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Denver is "Legal with Permit." Charlotte's permit fee is Business license required; contact city for current fee compared to $100 license fee in Denver.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Charlotte or Denver?
Charlotte charges ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax), while Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Charlotte: $500/day for continued non-compliance. Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation.