| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes |
| Tax Rate | Maryland state sales tax applies; Talbot County Public Accommodations Tax (Chapter 190-63 of the Talbot County Code) applies — verify current rate at |
| Minimum Stay | Not specified beyond the Town's general STR framework; STRs defined as accommodations for periods not more than four consecutive months |
| Permit Fee | STR license required from Town of St. Michaels (application fee per Town fee schedule; annual on-site inspection required); Talbot County Public Accom |
| Penalties | Town may decline to issue, suspend, or revoke STR license for false/inaccurate applications or for violation of Zoning Ordinance Ch. 340-73; annual in |
| Occupancy Limit | Maximum 4 persons in sleeping facilities (beds/sleeping areas) per short-term rental unit, excluding cribs and sleeping facilities for children under |
Short-term rentals in St. Michaels, Maryland are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are STR license required from Town of St. Michaels (application fee per Town fee schedule; annual on-sit.
Short-term rental operators in St. Michaels should be aware of these tax obligations: Maryland state sales tax applies; Talbot County Public Accommodations Tax (Chapter 190-63 of the Talbot County Code) applies — verify current rate at talbotcountymd.gov/About-Us/departments/planning-and-zoning/resources-3/short-term-rentals.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in St. Michaels include: Occupancy limit: Maximum 4 persons in sleeping facilities (beds/sleeping areas) per short-term rental unit, excluding cribs and sleeping . Minimum stay: Not specified beyond the Town's general STR framework; STRs defined as accommodations for periods not more than four con.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in St. Michaels: STRs are permitted as-of-right in the CC (Commercial Center) District under St. Michaels Zoning Ordinance §340-73. Single-family dwellings may be used as STRs in other districts subject to criteria. C. Density rules: Implicit density control via the R-2 District ban on new permits (effectively capping STR density in the historic district).
Hosts who fail to comply with St. Michaels's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Town may decline to issue, suspend, or revoke STR license for false/inaccurate applications or for violation of Zoning Ordinance Ch. 340-73; annual inspection requirement provides ongoing compliance e.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in St. Michaels: No platform-specific obligations confirmed; owners responsible for collecting and remitting Maryland Sales Tax and Talbot County Accommodation Tax regardless of booking channel.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in St. Michaels but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. St. Michaels has a two-layer licensing system: (1) Town of St. Michaels STR license under Zoning Ordinance Ch. 340-73 (stmichaelsmd.gov); (2) Talbot County STR license and Public Accommodations Tax re
Yes. St. Michaels requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.
Short-term rental hosts in St. Michaels are subject to the following tax obligations: Maryland state sales tax applies; Talbot County Public Accommodations Tax (Chapter 190-63 of the Talbot County Code) applies — verify current rate at talbotcountymd.gov/About-Us/departments/planning-and-zoning/resources-3/short-term-rentals.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in St. Michaels may face enforcement. Town may decline to issue, suspend, or revoke STR license for false/inaccurate applications or for violation of Zoning Ordinance Ch. 340-73; annual inspection requirement provides ongoing compliance enforcement.
The January 2025 R-2 District ban is a significant restriction for the historic St. Mary's Square / Water Street cottage area. Grandfathered operators (approx. 11 properties as of Jan. 8, 2025) may continue. No new historic cottage STR permits in R-2 will be issued. STRs in CC District and eligible single-family zones remain permissible with a Town license.
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