What should Clemson hosts know about strict 25-day annual rental cap?

Strict 25-day annual rental cap for all residential dwellings.

What are the key requirements for Clemson hosts?

A city-provided sign must be physically posted in the yard during every rental period.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Clemson?

Occupancy is limited to only 2 unrelated persons in most residential zones regardless of house size.

What violations should Clemson hosts avoid?

Two violations in one calendar year (noise, litter, parking) trigger a permit revocation hearing.

Clemson, SC Short-Term Rental Rules...

Baseline Verification

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Verified: Feb 7, 2026

Summary

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

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 58 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•Severe night cap: 25 nights/year
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

You can only rent your property as a short-term rental in Clemson for up to 25 days each year. You must apply for a permit annually, pass a safety inspection, and display a specific city-issued sign in your yard whenever the property is being rented.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

25/year

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$100

Processing Time

2-3 weeks

Max Fine

$1,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Clemson prohibits STRs in the following property types: Tents, RVs, Boats, Substandard Housing.
•Clemson: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Clemson allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Duplex, Townhouse, Condo.
•Clemson does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(11)

•Clemson requires liability insurance for STR hosts. General liability insurance typically required per standard business license rules.
•Clemson: Two violations in one calendar year (noise, litter, parking) trigger a permit revocation hearing.
•Clemson STR warning: Strict 25-day annual rental cap for all residential dwellings.

Application Process(7)

•How to set up an STR in Clemson: You can only rent your property as a short-term rental in Clemson for up to 25 days each year. You must apply for a permit annually, pass a safety inspection, and display a specific city-issued sign in your yard whenever the property is being rented.

Fees & Costs(1)

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

Taxes(2)

•Clemson charges a Local Accommodations Tax of 0.02%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit state and city accommodations taxes directly.
•South Carolina has a state sales tax of 0.07% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(7)

•Clemson enforces quiet hours: 10pm - 7am.
•Clemson: Strict 25-day annual rental cap for all residential dwellings.
•Clemson occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom + 2 (not to exceed 10 total). Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Clemson limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom + 2 (not to exceed 10 total)
•Clemson limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Clemson requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Annual livability standards inspection, Mandatory city-provided yard sign during rentals, Egress-compliant windows.

Penalties(2)

•Clemson enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Warning or $500 fine. Second offense: Revocation hearing before City Council. Maximum fine: 1000. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Clemson: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Clemson exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Clemson: 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.

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

Clemson

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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(11)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(7)

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

Clemson

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 Clemson?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Clemson?

3Are there rental night limits in Clemson?

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

Related Content

Other South Carolina Markets

Pawleys Island

Beaufort County

Mount Pleasant

Kiawah Island