Short‑Term Rentals in BSL: Rules, Permits and Etiquette

Thinking about turning your Boiling Spring Lakes home into a short-term rental? You want it to be simple, compliant, and neighbor friendly. This quick guide shows you what rules apply in BSL, which taxes to plan for, and how to set clear house rules that keep the peace. Let’s dive in.

What rules apply in BSL

Boiling Spring Lakes does not list a dedicated short-term rental license on its website as of October 2025. Your rental still must follow the city’s existing zoning, inspections, and nuisance rules. Start by reviewing the city’s Ordinances and Unified Development Ordinance and reach out to Planning & Zoning if you have property-specific questions.

• Review BSL’s current rules on the city’s Ordinances and UDO page: Boiling Spring Lakes ordinances
• For complaints or guidance on nuisances or UDO matters, contact the city’s code enforcement: Nuisance and UDO Code Enforcement

Zoning, building, and occupancy

If you plan any changes such as adding bedrooms, converting a garage or accessory structure, or increasing guest capacity, check zoning and building permit needs first. Confirm floodplain requirements where applicable. The Inspections and Planning offices can advise before you list or renovate. Start here: Boiling Spring Lakes ordinances.

Noise, parking, and neighborhood rules

Plan for quiet hours and clear parking instructions. BSL enforces nuisance and noise rules, and it maintains local standards for parking, rights of way, and vehicle tags. Review these pages and add the highlights to your house manual.

• City policies on parking and other local rules: Miscellaneous city ordinances
• How nuisance issues are handled in BSL: Nuisance and UDO Code Enforcement

Burning and fireworks

Explain fire safety to guests. Fireworks are not allowed, and open burning is regulated. Post this plainly in your listing and in the home: Burn permits and guidance.

Taxes you must plan for

Short-term lodging in North Carolina is subject to state and local sales tax, and rentals in Brunswick County are also subject to a county room occupancy tax.

• State sales tax on accommodations and filing basics: NCDOR rentals of accommodations
• Current state and local sales tax rates: NCDOR sales tax rates
• Brunswick County room occupancy tax information and forms: Brunswick County Room Occupancy Tax

Some marketplace platforms collect certain taxes automatically in North Carolina. Even so, you should confirm what is being collected and whether you still need to register or file. Read the platform guidance and keep written confirmation for your records: Airbnb tax collection overview.

Health and environmental checks

Your septic system and private well, if present, must be sized and permitted for expected use. Larger guest counts can strain systems, so match occupancy to capacity and give guests simple water-use tips. For septic, well, public pool, or lodging-related health questions, start with Brunswick County Environmental Health: Environmental Health contacts and permits.

Simple step-by-step checklist

• Call BSL Planning & Zoning/Inspections to confirm zoning and permit needs for your address. Keep notes with staff names and dates: City contacts
• Confirm septic and well capacity with the county, especially if you host larger groups: Brunswick County Environmental Health
• Register or verify tax collection for sales tax and occupancy tax; keep receipts: NCDOR accommodations guidance and Brunswick County Room Occupancy Tax
• Post house rules inside the home: quiet hours, max occupancy, parking, trash, and safety gear locations. Reference BSL rules: City ordinances
• Maintain records: permits, inspections, tax filings, guest logs, and incident notes.
• If applicable, confirm your HOA’s rules about short-term rentals.

Etiquette that keeps the peace

A few clear, guest-friendly rules go a long way in a lake community like BSL.

• Set quiet hours and a realistic max occupancy that matches your bedrooms and septic capacity.
• Give parking directions and note any street or right-of-way restrictions. Use on-site parking when possible: Miscellaneous city ordinances
• Explain trash and recycling days and where bins go. Keep a spare bin or pickup plan for full-house weeks.
• Prohibit fireworks and explain open burning rules. Keep a fire extinguisher accessible: Burn permits and guidance
• Add simple septic tips in the house manual about what not to flush or pour down drains.
• Provide an in-town, 24/7 contact for quick responses to noise, parking, or maintenance issues.

If you want a second home that also works as a compliant, guest-loved rental, our team can help you evaluate properties, capacity, and strategy across Brunswick County. For local guidance on investment and hosting in BSL, reach out to Hank Troscianiec and Associates.

FAQs

Do I need a special Boiling Spring Lakes short-term rental license?

• As of October 2025, BSL does not show a dedicated STR license program, but you must comply with zoning, building, and nuisance rules; review the city ordinances and UDO and confirm details with Planning & Zoning.

What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Brunswick County and BSL?

• Short-term lodging is subject to North Carolina sales tax plus local rates and the county’s room occupancy tax; see NCDOR accommodations guidance and Brunswick County Room Occupancy Tax.

Who do I contact about septic or well capacity for my BSL rental?

• Contact Brunswick County Environmental Health to verify septic and well permits and capacity for the expected guest count.

How should I handle noise or parking issues at my Boiling Spring Lakes rental?

• Set quiet hours, post on-site parking rules, and respond quickly to concerns; BSL enforces nuisance rules through Code Enforcement.

Are fireworks or open burning allowed at short-term rentals in Boiling Spring Lakes?

• Fireworks are not allowed, and open burning is regulated; include clear guest instructions and reference the city’s burn permit guidance.

Will Airbnb or Vrbo collect my rental taxes in Boiling Spring Lakes?

• Some platforms collect certain taxes, but you must confirm what they collect and whether you still need to register or file; review the Airbnb tax collection overview and verify with NCDOR and the county.