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Chesapeake Beach

Maryland · United States
Banned
Last updated: 2026-07-29  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-29  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Chesapeake Beach Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusProhibited in most/all zones
Permit / License RequiredNo STR license exists — STRs are prohibited. Long-term rentals (30+ days) require a rental permit and must pass inspection under Housing Code Ordinanc
Tax RateN/A — STRs prohibited. No applicable STR tax framework.
Night / Day CapSTRs (rentals of less than 30 days) are entirely prohibited. Any rental must be for 30 days or more.
Minimum StayMinimum 30 days for any lawful rental.
Permit FeeRental license fees apply for long-term rentals (30+ days); specific fee amounts not published in reviewed sources.
PenaltiesMunicipal infraction and fine per day of violation. Each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
Primary Residence RequiredN/A for STRs. Bed & Breakfast establishments (a separate permitted use) require owner or manager occupancy on-premises and provision of meals.
Occupancy LimitN/A for STRs.
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Chesapeake Beach Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Chesapeake Beach Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations are largely prohibited in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: No STR license exists — STRs are prohibited. Long-term rentals (30+ days) require a rental permit and must pass inspection under Housing Code Ordinance O-19-11.. The associated permit fees are Rental license fees apply for long-term rentals (30+ days); specific fee amounts not published in re.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Chesapeake Beach

Short-term rental operators in Chesapeake Beach should be aware of these tax obligations: N/A — STRs prohibited. No applicable STR tax framework.. N/A — STRs not permitted. Long-term rental licenses are biennial and require inspections..

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Chesapeake Beach

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Chesapeake Beach include: Primary residence requirement: N/A for STRs. Bed & Breakfast establishments (a separate permitted use) require owner or manager occupancy on-premises a. Rental day cap: STRs (rentals of less than 30 days) are entirely prohibited. Any rental must be for 30 days or more.. Occupancy limit: N/A for STRs.. Minimum stay: Minimum 30 days for any lawful rental..

Zoning and Location Requirements in Chesapeake Beach

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Chesapeake Beach: STRs prohibited in all residential zoning districts. STRs may be permitted in maritime and commercially zoned districts only with an approved zoning permit. A zoning permit is required for any use wit. Density rules: N/A.. Insurance: N/A for STRs..

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Chesapeake Beach

Hosts who fail to comply with Chesapeake Beach's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Municipal infraction and fine per day of violation. Each day of continued violation is a separate offense..

Platform Obligations in Chesapeake Beach

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Chesapeake Beach: City staff have notified platforms of the STR prohibition. Listings of prohibited STRs should not be operated..

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Banned
License / Registration
No STR license exists — STRs are prohibited. Long-term rentals (30+ days) require a rental permit and must pass inspection under Housing Code Ordinance O-19-11.
Tax Registration
N/A — STRs not permitted. Long-term rental licenses are biennial and require inspections.
Permit Fee
Rental license fees apply for long-term rentals (30+ days); specific fee amounts not published in reviewed sources.
Primary Residence Rule
N/A for STRs. Bed & Breakfast establishments (a separate permitted use) require owner or manager occupancy on-premises and provision of meals.
Night / Day Cap
STRs (rentals of less than 30 days) are entirely prohibited. Any rental must be for 30 days or more.
Occupancy Limit
N/A for STRs.
Tax Rate
N/A — STRs prohibited. No applicable STR tax framework.
Zoning Restrictions
STRs prohibited in all residential zoning districts. STRs may be permitted in maritime and commercially zoned districts only with an approved zoning permit. A zoning permit is required for any use within a specific zone.
Minimum Stay
Minimum 30 days for any lawful rental.
Density Rules
N/A.
Insurance Required
N/A for STRs.
Platform Obligations
City staff have notified platforms of the STR prohibition. Listings of prohibited STRs should not be operated.
Compliance Notes
Violations result in a municipal infraction and fine. Each day the violation continues constitutes a separate offense and fine. The town actively enforces this prohibition; residents may report suspected STRs to enforcement@chesapeakebeachmd.gov or (410) 257-2230. The Planning Commission reviewed and declined to permit STRs in residential districts in 2014 and again in 2021.
Effective Date
Housing Code Ordinance O-19-11 adopted May 16, 2019; STR prohibition enforced and publicly noticed July 30, 2020.
Key Notes
The Town of Chesapeake Beach has consistently held that STRs in residentially zoned areas violate the Zoning Ordinance. The town distinguishes between STRs (prohibited) and Bed & Breakfast establishments (permitted with owner/manager on-site and meals provided). All rental properties must be inspected and licensed for long-term rentals under Ch. 162 of the Town Code.
Penalties
Municipal infraction and fine per day of violation. Each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
Additional Context
Calvert County (the surrounding county) may have different STR rules for unincorporated areas. The Town continues to receive public pressure to revisit its STR policy. As of the latest public record reviewed (2021), no change to the residential prohibition has been adopted.
Sources
Town of Chesapeake Beach official notice — Short Term Rentals Not Permitted: https://www.chesapeakebeachmd.gov/home/news/short-term-rentals-not-permitted
Town clarification page: https://www.chesapeakebeachmd.gov/home/pages/short-term-rental-versus-bed-and-breakfast
Rental Code page (Ordinance O-19-11): https://www.chesapeakebeachmd.gov/326/Rental-Code
Town Code Ch. 162 Rental Licensing on eCode360: https://ecode360.com/34316042
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Chesapeake Beach?

No, Airbnb and short-term rentals are currently prohibited in most or all zones in Chesapeake Beach. Violations result in a municipal infraction and fine. Each day the violation continues constitutes a separate offense and fine. The town actively enforces this prohibition; residents may report suspec

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Chesapeake Beach?

Yes. Chesapeake Beach requires the following for short-term rental operation: No STR license exists — STRs are prohibited. Long-term rentals (30+ days) require a rental permit and must pass inspection under Housing Code Ordinance O-19-11..

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Chesapeake Beach?

Short-term rental hosts in Chesapeake Beach are subject to the following tax obligations: N/A — STRs prohibited. No applicable STR tax framework..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Chesapeake Beach?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Chesapeake Beach may face enforcement. Municipal infraction and fine per day of violation. Each day of continued violation is a separate offense..

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Chesapeake Beach?

The Town of Chesapeake Beach has consistently held that STRs in residentially zoned areas violate the Zoning Ordinance. The town distinguishes between STRs (prohibited) and Bed & Breakfast establishments (permitted with owner/manager on-site and meals provided). All rental properties must be inspected and licensed for long-term rentals under Ch. 162 of the Town Code.

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