Charlotte vs Palm Springs
North Carolina Legal with Permit | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Charlotte, North Carolina | Palm Springs, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | Business license required; contact city for current fee | $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate |
| Tax Rate | ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax) | 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for continued non-compliance | $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension |
| 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
Palm Springs, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate
Tax Rate 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension
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 →Palm Springs Overview
Limited to 26 rental contracts per year (28 nights or shorter each). Neighborhood density cap of 20% — multiple neighborhoods already at capacity. One permit per owner; occupancy based on bedroom count. $500,000 liability insurance required.
Full Palm Springs guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Charlotte or Palm Springs?
Charlotte is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Palm Springs is "Legal but Limited." Charlotte's permit fee is Business license required; contact city for current fee compared to $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate in Palm Springs.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Charlotte or Palm Springs?
Charlotte charges ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax), while Palm Springs charges 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID). 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. Palm Springs: $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension.