Charlotte vs Maui County
North Carolina Legal with Permit | Hawaii Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Charlotte, North Carolina | Maui County, Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | Business license required; contact city for current fee | Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount |
| Tax Rate | ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax) | ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for continued non-compliance | $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter |
| Verdict | Charlotte has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Maui County, Hawaii
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount
Tax Rate ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter
Charlotte has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →Maui County Overview
Ordinance 5909 (signed Dec 2025) phases out all apartment-zoned vacation rentals — STR use must cease by Jan 1, 2029 in West Maui and Jan 1, 2031 elsewhere. Existing STRH and B&B permits remain but are capped. Legal challenges are pending.
Full Maui County guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Charlotte or Maui County?
Charlotte is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Maui County is "Effectively Banned." Charlotte's permit fee is Business license required; contact city for current fee compared to Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount in Maui County.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Charlotte or Maui County?
Charlotte charges ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax), while Maui County charges ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET). 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. Maui County: $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter.