| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Permitted with registration |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — Transient Vacation Rental Unit (TVRU) license required from Garrett County Dept. of Planning & Land Management. Biennial licensing cycle. New bu |
| Tax Rate | 8% Garrett County Accommodation Tax on gross rental receipts. Monthly reporting required once licensed. Maryland state sales tax may also apply. |
| Night / Day Cap | 14 days or less per rental period (per TVRU definition); no annual cap on total rental days found in the ordinance. |
| Minimum Stay | Not specified as a minimum in the ordinance; TVRU is defined as rental for a 14-day period or less. |
| Permit Fee | $50.00 Zoning Permit fee required at application; TVRU license fee determined by the biennial licensing cycle (prorated if mid-cycle). Health Departme |
| Penalties | Violations of the TVRU ordinance may result in permit revocation and enforcement action under the Garrett County Planning & Land Management Division. |
| Primary Residence Required | No — non-owner-occupied vacation rentals are explicitly permitted under the TVRU framework. |
| Occupancy Limit | Maximum 8 bedrooms per TVRU; overnight occupancy = 2 persons per bedroom + 4 additional persons (e.g., max 20 for an 8-bedroom). Properties grandfathe |
Short-term rental operations in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — Transient Vacation Rental Unit (TVRU) license required from Garrett County Dept. of Planning & Land Management. Biennial licensing cycle. New builds or conversions (5 bedrooms or fewer) require . The associated permit fees are $50.00 Zoning Permit fee required at application; TVRU license fee determined by the biennial licens.
Short-term rental operators in Deep Creek Lake should be aware of these tax obligations: 8% Garrett County Accommodation Tax on gross rental receipts. Monthly reporting required once licensed. Maryland state sales tax may also apply.. Yes — Must register with Garrett County for Accommodation Tax and submit TVRU & Accommodation Tax Applications simultaneously with the Zoning Permit a.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Deep Creek Lake include: Primary residence requirement: No — non-owner-occupied vacation rentals are explicitly permitted under the TVRU framework.. Rental day cap: 14 days or less per rental period (per TVRU definition); no annual cap on total rental days found in the ordinance.. Occupancy limit: Maximum 8 bedrooms per TVRU; overnight occupancy = 2 persons per bedroom + 4 additional persons (e.g., max 20 for an 8-b. Minimum stay: Not specified as a minimum in the ordinance; TVRU is defined as rental for a 14-day period or less..
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Deep Creek Lake: Applies only within the Deep Creek Watershed Zoning District. Lake Residential (LR1 & LR2): TVRUs generally permitted. Town Residential (TR1 & TR2): TVRUs permitted with restrictions. 6–8 bedroom prop. Density rules: No specific density cap per block identified in the TVRU ordinance; zoning district classifications govern where TVRUs are permitted.. Insurance: Not explicitly stated in the TVRU ordinance text reviewed; bear-proof trash containers, minimum park.
Hosts who fail to comply with Deep Creek Lake's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Violations of the TVRU ordinance may result in permit revocation and enforcement action under the Garrett County Planning & Land Management Division. Specific fine amounts not published in the reviewe.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Deep Creek Lake: No platform-specific remittance agreement identified in the ordinance. Owners/agents are responsible for tax collection and remittance..
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Deep Creek Lake with proper registration and permits. All living facilities must be within the principal structure; no quarters in accessory buildings. Owner/agent must notify the Office of Licensing and Enforcement upon any transfer or sale. Health Dept
Yes. Deep Creek Lake requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — Transient Vacation Rental Unit (TVRU) license required from Garrett County Dept. of Planning & Land Management. Biennial licensing cycle. New builds or conversions (5 bedrooms or fewer) require a Zoning Permit; 6–8 bedrooms require a Special Exception variance hearing..
Short-term rental hosts in Deep Creek Lake are subject to the following tax obligations: 8% Garrett County Accommodation Tax on gross rental receipts. Monthly reporting required once licensed. Maryland state sales tax may also apply..
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Deep Creek Lake may face enforcement. Violations of the TVRU ordinance may result in permit revocation and enforcement action under the Garrett County Planning & Land Management Division. Specific fine amounts not published in the reviewed ordinance text..
Deep Creek Lake is governed at the Garrett County level (not a separate municipality). The county is unique in Maryland as it is the only county with zoning restricted to the Deep Creek Watershed District rather than countywide. TVRUs are a well-established, mature market in this region.
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