Short-term rentals (STRs), often referred to locally as vacation rentals, are legal in Beaufort County, North Carolina, but they are subject to specific regulations. The county permits STRs under certain zoning conditions and requires property owners to obtain a special use permit if their rental is located in a designated area, particularly in rural and waterfront locations where cabins and vacation homes thrive. The market is heavily oriented towards tourists, especially during peak seasons when visitors flock to the region's natural attractions and coastal areas; however, there is also some demand from business travelers. The Beaufort County Planning Department is responsible for overseeing these regulations, which include zoning compliance, safety standards, and tax collection obligations. For further details, you can visit the official county websites at [Beaufort County Short-Term Rentals](https://www.beaufortcountysc.gov/zoning/Short-Term Rentals.html) and Beaufort County Business Services.