City Watch
Short-term rental rules in Chesapeake Beach, MD
How Chesapeake Beach 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 / transient rental (stays under 30 days) is not a listed use in any residential district — and unlisted uses are prohibited (290-10)
- STR permitted only in maritime/commercial zones — a residential-zone exclusion town-wide
- Only owner-occupied Bed & Breakfast (by special exception) and hotels/motels (commercial zones) are allowed
Based on: Zoning Ordinance Art. III §§290-9, 290-10, 290-11 (residential-zone STR exclusion; B&B distinguished at §290-11)
Summary of the rule
Short-term rentals are not permitted within the Town limits. A short-term rental is defined as any rental of less than thirty (30) days. Short-term rentals are not permitted in residential zoning districts, but are permitted in maritime and commercially zoned districts with an approved zoning permit. Violations of Town legislation regarding short-term rentals will result in a municipal infraction and attached fine; each day the violation continues shall constitute a separate offense and fine.
View the ordinance source ↗✓ Verified
Last reviewed Sep 15, 2026 · Sources · Report an error
Pending legislation
Monitoring Chesapeake Beach · 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.