City Watch
Short-term rental rules in Berlin, MD
How Berlin 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.
- STR permitted only 'in permanent residences' (owner principal residence, 180+ days/yr, Homestead designation) across ALL eligible districts (R-1..R-4, B-1..B-3) — non-owner absentee whole-home STR foreclosed townwide (Sec. 8-30(c)+(b))
- STR-specific license + mandatory building/fire inspection + annual renewal (Sec. 8-30(d))
- 28 consecutive-day maximum per stay (transient use only)
- one off-street parking space per rented bedroom; 24/7 agent within 30 miles; events/signage prohibited
Based on: Town of Berlin Code Ch. 8, Art. II, § 8-30 'Short Term Rental Licensing' — enacted by Ordinance 2022-02 (introduced Feb
Summary of the rule
Town of Berlin Code Sec. 8-30(c) (enacted Ord. 2022-02): "Short Term Residential rentals are permitted in the incorporated limits of the Town of Berlin IN PERMANENT RESIDENCES within the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, B-1, B-2, and B-3 Districts, subject to the licensing requirements and regulations contained herein." Sec. 8-30(b) defines "Permanent Residence" as a dwelling unit in which the owner resides for an aggregate of at least 180 days annually and which carries the official designation as the owner's principal residence (MD SDAT Homestead Tax Credit). Because owner principal-residence occupancy is a condition in EVERY eligible district, non-owner absentee whole-home STR is foreclosed townwide = a primary-residence-only supply device (Restrictive).
View the ordinance source ↗✓ Verified
Last reviewed Sep 15, 2026 · Sources · Report an error
Pending legislation
Monitoring Berlin · 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.