What zoning rules apply to STRs in Rock Hill?

New short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3).

What are the key requirements for Rock Hill hosts?

Existing residential rentals must cease all STR operations by April 30, 2029.

Are there rental limits in Rock Hill?

A designated responsible agent living within 15 miles of the city limits is mandatory.

What should Rock Hill hosts know about permits are non-transferable; they do?

Permits are non-transferable; they do not run with the land and expire upon property sale.

What are the key requirements for Rock Hill hosts?

The STR permit number must be explicitly listed in all online advertisements and listings.

Rock Hill

Strict

STRs Allowed

South CarolinaLast updated: February 12, 2026

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Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Short-term rentals in Rock Hill are restricted to specific commercial and mixed-use zones, with a five-year phase-out period for existing residential rentals ending in 2029.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 73 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Banned in all/most residential zones
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

You can only start a new short-term rental in Rock Hill if your property is in a commercial or mixed-use zone. Existing rentals in residential areas are allowed to stay open until April 30, 2029, but no new ones are being permitted in neighborhoods. All hosts must get a city permit, a business license, and designate a local contact person living within 15 miles of the city.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Max Fine

$500

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.New short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3).
2.Existing residential rentals must cease all STR operations by April 30, 2029.
3.A designated responsible agent living within 15 miles of the city limits is mandatory.
4.Permits are non-transferable; they do not run with the land and expire upon property sale.
5.The STR permit number must be explicitly listed in all online advertisements and listings.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Rock Hill: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Rock Hill allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family Detached, Single Family Attached, Multi-family (in specific zones).
•Rock Hill: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(14)

•Rock Hill: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
•Rock Hill STR warning: Existing residential rentals must cease all STR operations by April 30, 2029.
•Rock Hill STR warning: A designated responsible agent living within 15 miles of the city limits is mandatory.

Application Process(8)

•How to set up an STR in Rock Hill: You can only start a new short-term rental in Rock Hill if your property is in a commercial or mixed-use zone. Existing rentals in residential areas are allowed to stay open until April 30, 2029, but no new ones are being permitted in neighborhoods. All hosts must get a city permit, a business license, and designate a local contact person living within 15 miles of the city.

Taxes(2)

•Rock Hill charges a Local Accommodations Tax of 0.03%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: While platforms remit state taxes, city accommodations taxes must often be remitted directly to the Rock Hill Finance Department by the 20th of each month.
•South Carolina has a state sales tax of 0.05% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Rock Hill occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Rock Hill enforces quiet hours: 11pm-7am.
•Rock Hill: A designated responsible agent living within 15 miles of the city limits is mandatory.
•Rock Hill limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Rock Hill limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom plus 2

Safety Requirements(1)

•Rock Hill requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Self-inspection using City checklist, Rental packet containing city rules must be provided to guests, Permit number must be listed in all advertisements.

Penalties(2)

•Rock Hill: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Rock Hill enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Suspension or Revocation. Second offense: Fines up to $500. Third offense: Permit Revocation. Maximum fine: 500. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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

Rock Hill

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(14)

Application Process(8)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

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

Rock Hill

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

5 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 Rock Hill?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Rock Hill?

3Where can I operate a short-term rental in Rock Hill?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Rock Hill?

Related Content

Other South Carolina Markets

Pawleys Island

Beaufort County

Mount Pleasant

Kiawah Island