City Watch
Short-term rental rules in Mobile, AL
How Mobile regulates short-term rentals: the rules that apply, their sources, and pending changes.
Rules here limit which homes may operate as short-term rentals, how many, where, or for how many nights a year.
- Short-term rentals are a Conditional Use (C) in every residential district (R-A, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-B) — not allowed by right
- Conditional Use Permit must be approved by City Council (discretionary, case-by-case) before any residential-zone STR
- Business license required for each STR location, with license number on every listing/advertisement
- STR applicant must be the owner of the property; pre-license safety inspection, insurance rider, and 24/7 local responsible party required
Based on: Mobile Unified Development Code, Ch. 64, Use Table Sec. 64-2-24.1 (Ord. 64-26; zoning text amended May 17, 2022, eff.
Summary of the rule
Use Table row 'Short-Term Rentals' shows 'C' in residential districts R-A, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-B. Legend: 'Uses in the Use Table identified by "C" in any column are permitted only if a Conditional Use Permit is approved by the City Council.' By-right use is only where marked 'R'.
View the ordinance source ↗✓ Verified
Last reviewed Sep 14, 2026 · Sources · Report an error
Pending legislation
Monitoring Mobile · system last checked Oct 25, 2026
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City Watch provides good-faith summaries of publicly available information as of the review date shown. Rules, enforcement, and permit availability can change, and summaries may contain errors or omissions. Ratings describe the general regulatory environment; they do not establish whether a particular property or stay is permitted. This is general information, not legal advice. Before buying, listing, or hosting, verify applicable requirements with the responsible authorities and review any HOA, condominium, deed, or lease restrictions.