South Carolina Short-Term Rental Regulations by City

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.

Short-term rentals in the City of Beaufort are strictly regulated under Chapter 12 of the Municipal Code, requiring both a specific STR permit and a city business license. The city imposes a 3% local accommodations tax and limits total guest occupancy based on the number of bedrooms.

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Charleston County are restricted to an owner's primary residence and capped at 72 rental days per year for most residential zones. Hosts must obtain an annual Zoning Permit and a Business License, and pay a 2% local accommodations tax.

Short-term rentals in Mt. Pleasant are strictly regulated under Chapter 156.400, requiring both an annual permit and a business license. The town enforces a 400-permit cap for non-owner occupied properties, while owner-occupied (primary residence) permits are unlimited but require proof of the 4% tax assessment.

Clemson permits short-term rentals for a maximum of 25 days per calendar year, requiring annual registration and a mandatory safety inspection.

Folly Beach regulates STRs under Chapter 116, featuring a 800-license cap for non-primary residents and a strict local accommodations tax of 7% (8% total local). Owners must pass a fire inspection and appoint a local contact available 24/7.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Town of Surfside Beach requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and pay a total accommodations tax of 12%. Regulations are codified in Chapter 12 of the Municipal Code, focusing on parking compliance and noise control in the 'Family Beach' area.

Isle of Palms strictly regulates STRs through a licensing system that includes a cap of 1,600 non-owner occupied units. Hosts must pay a $1,200 annual fee, pass safety inspections, and strictly adhere to occupancy and parking limits.

Hilton Head Island requires an annual Short-Term Rental permit (effective 2023) and a separate business license for all rentals under 30 days. The ordinance mandates a $250 annual fee, specific occupancy limits (2 per bedroom + 2), and the designation of a local agent reachable 24/7.

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Horry County are regulated under Chapter 13, Article V, requiring a one-time $50 STR Certificate. Hosts must collect and remit a 2% Local Accommodations Tax and a 1.5% Hospitality Fee in addition to state-level taxes.

North Myrtle Beach requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a city business license and register for local accommodations taxes. Stays are defined as fewer than 30 consecutive days and are restricted to specific zoning districts, primarily high-density residential and commercial resort areas.

The Town of Lexington requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and remit a 3% local accommodations tax effective January 1, 2025.

Short-term rentals in Clinton, SC are primarily regulated through the city's general business licensing and local accommodations tax requirements.

The Town of Bluffton requires all short-term rental operators to obtain both an annual STR permit and a town business license. Regulations include strict occupancy limits (2 per bedroom + 2), a mandatory $1 million liability insurance policy, and local fire safety inspections.

Columbia requires an annual short-term rental permit and business license, but has implemented a 365-day moratorium on new permits in residential zones as of June 2025.

Short-term rentals in Myrtle Beach are strictly regulated and require an annual business license and monthly hospitality tax filings. Stays under 90 days are subject to a combination of state and local taxes totaling approximately 13%.

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

Short-term rentals in Orangeburg require a city business license, a fire marshal inspection, and compliance with local zoning and accommodations tax requirements.