Short Term Rentals

Anyone wishing to rent a property on short-term rental websites such as Airbnb and HomeAway must receive a permit from the City of Huntsville prior to listing. The operation of such a business without appropriate licensing is against the law.

There are three steps to gaining a Short Term Rental Permit:

1. CONTACT ZONING

If you are seeking to operate a short term rental such as Airbnb or other types of lodging services, please contact the City of Huntsville Zoning Administration at 256-564-8008 to verify the use and location of the Airbnb in an approved Zoning District. Regulations for Airbnb operations may be referenced in Accessory Uses per the City of Huntsville Zoning Ordinance.

2. APPLY FOR A BUSINESS LICENSE

After verification and approval by the Zoning Administration of the proposed short term rental, the applicant will be required to apply for a Business License with City of Huntsville Clerk-Treasurer Department for the Airbnb License. The application/license is routed to all appropriate Departments for approval.

3. PAY FOR THE LICENSE

Once Zoning Administration, Clerk-Treasurer, Finance, and any other appropriate department has officially signed off on the license the owner will receive correspondence from the Clerk-Treasurer Department to pay for and receive their license.