What should Greenwood hosts know about a business license is required?

A business license is required for all rentals, even if you only own one property.

What should Greenwood hosts know about total tax rate is 9%?

Total tax rate is 9%, consisting of 5% state sales, 2% state accommodations, 1% local option, and 1% capital project tax.

What should Greenwood hosts know about annual license renewal is due?

Annual license renewal is due by April 30th each year.

What should Greenwood hosts know about rentals over 90 consecutive days?

Rentals over 90 consecutive days are considered long-term and are exempt from accommodations taxes.

Greenwood, SC Short-Term Rental Regulations Guide

Summary

Short-term rentals in Greenwood are regulated through the city's business license requirements and state-level accommodations tax compliance.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 8 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To operate a short-term rental in Greenwood, you must obtain a city business license and register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue to pay accommodations taxes. While the city does not have a unique STR-only permit, all rental businesses must comply with local zoning and safety standards. Total taxes for a stay typically amount to 9%, including state and local option taxes.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$100

Processing Time

1-2 weeks

Max Fine

$500

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

•Greenwood: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Greenwood: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Greenwood does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(11)

•Greenwood: A business license is required for all rentals, even if you only own one property.

Application Process(7)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Greenwood: Step 1: Register with SC Department of Revenue - Obtain a South Carolina Retail License to collect and remit state sales and accommodations taxes. Documents needed: SSN or FEIN, Business Name. Estimated time: 1 week. Cost: 50. More info: https://dor.sc.gov/tax/accommodations Step 2: Apply for City Business License - Submit a business license application to the City of Greenwood Finance Department under NAICS code 531110. Documents needed: Retail License number, Property address, Estimated gross revenue. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 100. More info: https://www.cityofgreenwoodsc.com/departments/finance/business_licenses.php Step 3: Schedule Safety Inspection - Contact the City Fire Marshal or Building Inspections to ensure the property meets fire and life safety codes. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://www.cityofgreenwoodsc.com/departments/fire/index.php

Fees & Costs(1)

•Greenwood charges a registration fee of $100 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Greenwood charges a Combined Accommodations Tax of 0.09%. This applies to stays under 90 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally remit the 7% state-level taxes, but owners must confirm local option remittance.
•South Carolina has a state sales tax of 0.05% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(3)

•Greenwood enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Greenwood: Total tax rate is 9%, consisting of 5% state sales, 2% state accommodations, 1% local option, and 1% capital project tax.
•Greenwood limits stays to a maximum of 89 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Greenwood requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection.

Penalties(2)

•Greenwood enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies. Second offense: Varies. Third offense: Varies. Maximum fine: 500. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Greenwood: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(3)

•Greenwood: Rentals over 90 consecutive days are considered long-term and are exempt from accommodations taxes.
•Greenwood exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Greenwood: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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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.

Greenwood

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(3)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(3)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Greenwood

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 Greenwood?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Greenwood?

3Are there rental night limits in Greenwood?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Greenwood?

Related Content

Other South Carolina Markets

Pawleys Island

Beaufort County

Mount Pleasant

Kiawah Island