What zoning rules apply to STRs in Greenville?

Complete ban on STRs in residential zones (R-6, R-9, etc.) for stays under 30 days.

What should Greenville hosts know about local 3% accommodations tax is?

Local 3% Accommodations Tax is due monthly to the city even if platforms remit state taxes.

What are the key requirements for Greenville hosts?

Insurance requirement recently increased to $1M per state legislation.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Greenville?

Properties between 30 and 89 days are considered 'Mid-Term' and have slightly different zoning rules.

Greenville

Prohibited

STRs Allowed

South CarolinaLast updated: February 10, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

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Verified: Feb 9, 2026

Summary

Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are prohibited in all residential zoning districts and are restricted to specific commercial and mixed-use zones within the City of Greenville.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Residential STRs prohibited
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

In Greenville, you can only legally host short-term guests (less than 30 days) if your property is located in a commercial or mixed-use neighborhood; rentals are banned in residential areas like R-6 or R-9. Hosts must obtain both a city business license and an occupancy permit, while also carrying at least $1 million in commercial liability insurance.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$100

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Greenville does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Greenville: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Greenville prohibits STRs in the following property types: Single-family homes in residential zones, ADUs in residential zones.

Requirements(12)

•Greenville: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
•Greenville: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
•Greenville requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $1,000,000. Commercial general liability policy required per SC Senate Bill S.442 (2025 update).

Application Process(8)

•Greenville STR permit - Step 1: Verify Property Zoning. Check the City of Greenville's GIS map to ensure the property is in a permitted commercial or mixed-use zone (e.g., MX-2, BG). STRs are strictly prohibited in residential zones. Time: 1 day.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Greenville charges a registration fee of $100 (one_time).
•Greenville: Insurance requirement recently increased to $1M per state legislation.

Taxes(3)

•Greenville: Local 3% Accommodations Tax is due monthly to the city even if platforms remit state taxes.
•South Carolina has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(3)

•Greenville limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Greenville enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Greenville occupancy calculation: Subject to International Building Code occupancy limits. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Greenville requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan showing exits, Compliance with IBC and IFC codes.

Penalties(3)

•Greenville: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Greenville: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.

Exemptions(2)

•Greenville: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Greenville exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Rentals between 30-89 days have expanded zoning options.

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other South Carolina Markets

Pawleys Island

South Carolina

Moderate

The Town of Pawleys Island requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual Town Business License and remit a 5% local accommodations tax. While there are no night caps, properties must comply with strict parking and noise regulations typical of a residential island community.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Beaufort County

South Carolina

Moderate

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Beaufort County are regulated by Ordinance 2021/48, requiring an annual permit and a local contact available 24/7. Hosts must collect and remit a 3% Local Accommodations Tax in addition to state-level taxes.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Mount Pleasant

South Carolina

Strict

The Town of Mount Pleasant strictly regulates short-term rentals, capping the number of rental nights at 72 per calendar year for most residential properties. Hosts must obtain both an STR permit ($250) and a town business license, and must provide proof of primary residency to qualify for certain permit types.

Permit requiredNight limits

0.1% total tax

Kiawah Island

South Carolina

Moderate

Kiawah Island strictly regulates short-term rentals through a mandatory licensing program and neighborhood-specific rental caps. Hosts must obtain an annual business license, designate a local contact person available 24/7, and adhere to specific occupancy limits based on bedroom count.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Greenville

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(3)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other South Carolina Markets

Pawleys Island

Beaufort County

Mount Pleasant

Kiawah Island

Greenville

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Greenville?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Greenville?

3Are there zoning restrictions for rentals in Greenville?

4What insurance is required for hosts in Greenville?

Related Content

Other South Carolina Markets

Pawleys Island

Beaufort County

Mount Pleasant

Kiawah Island