Charlotte vs Scottsdale
North Carolina Legal with Permit | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Charlotte, North Carolina | Scottsdale, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | Business license required; contact city for current fee | $250/year |
| Tax Rate | ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax) | ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city) |
| 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 | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months |
| 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
Scottsdale, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year
Tax Rate ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months
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 →Scottsdale Overview
Ordinance 4566 caps occupancy at 6 adults plus dependent children, requires 1 off-street parking space per bedroom, $500K liability insurance, and neighbor notification within 30 days. Special events and commercial uses prohibited.
Full Scottsdale guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Charlotte or Scottsdale?
Charlotte is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Scottsdale is "Legal with Permit." Charlotte's permit fee is Business license required; contact city for current fee compared to $250/year in Scottsdale.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Charlotte or Scottsdale?
Charlotte charges ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax), while Scottsdale charges ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city). 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. Scottsdale: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months.