Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Isle of Palms?

**Yes**, Isle of Palms requires a Short-Term Rental Business License. You need this license to legally operate a short-term rental. The city has a cap of 1,600 non-owner occupied units. Be sure to apply and adhere to safety inspections, parking, and occupancy limits.

What is the TOT tax rate in Isle of Palms?

**7% TOT** is the current tax rate for short-term rentals in Isle of Palms. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the city. Ensure accurate collection and timely submission to remain compliant with local tax regulations. Check with the city for any updates.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Isle of Palms?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Isle of Palms, but they are strictly regulated. The city has a licensing system and a cap of 1,600 non-owner occupied units. You need to adhere to all regulations, including safety inspections, occupancy limits, and parking restrictions to remain compliant.

How much does an STR permit cost in Isle of Palms?

**$1,200 annually** is the fee for a Short-Term Rental Business License in Isle of Palms. You need to pay this fee to legally operate your short-term rental. Be sure to factor this cost into your budget and renew your license annually to avoid penalties and maintain compliance with local regulations.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Isle of Palms?

**No**, tenants are not allowed to host on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms in Isle of Palms. Only property owners can obtain a Short-Term Rental Business License. Renters must obtain permission and licensing through the owner, as well as adhere to the occupancy and parking limits.

Isle of Palms, SC Short-Term Rental...

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Isle of Palms, SC: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Isle of Palms: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Isle of Palms: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Isle of Palms allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family, Multi-family, Condos.

Requirements(21)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Isle of Palms: 1. A cap of 1,600 licenses exists for non-owner occupied properties; check availability before purchasing. 2. The annual fee is a flat $1,200, which is significantly higher than most neighboring jurisdictions. 3. Parking is strictly enforced; you must provide one off-street space per bedroom. 4. Owner-occupied properties (assessed at 4%) are exempt from the 1,600 license cap. 5. Advertisements must include the valid City of Isle of Palms business license number. 6. A new fire inspection is required annually before the license can be renewed. 7. Trash must be managed via specific roll-out/roll-back services or strict owner compliance.

Application Process(10)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Isle of Palms: Step 1: Zoning Verification - Confirm your property is in a zone that allows STRs and check if the 1,600 non-owner occupied cap has been reached. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.iop.net/short-term-rentals Step 2: Pass Fire Inspection - Schedule and pass a mandatory rental safety inspection with the Isle of Palms Fire Department. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. More info: https://www.iop.net/fire-department Step 3: Apply for Business License - Submit the Short-Term Rental Business License application along with the required $1,200 annual fee. Documents needed: Lease agreements (if any), Proof of 4% vs 6% tax assessment, Parking plan. Estimated time: 2 weeks. Cost: 1200. More info: https://www.iop.net/short-term-rentals

Fees & Costs(2)

•Isle of Palms: The annual fee is a flat $1,200, which is significantly higher than most neighboring jurisdictions.
•Isle of Palms charges a registration fee of $1200 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Isle of Palms charges a Municipal Accommodations Tax of 7%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit state/local taxes, but hosts must ensure the 1% Municipal Accommodations Tax and 6% Local Accommodations Tax are fully covered.
•South Carolina has a state sales tax of 7% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(6)

•Isle of Palms enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 10:00 AM.
•Isle of Palms: A cap of 1,600 licenses exists for non-owner occupied properties; check availability before purchasing.
•Isle of Palms occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional, not to exceed 12 total. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(2)

•Isle of Palms requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress window requirements, Parking plan showing 1 space per bedroom.
•Isle of Palms: A new fire inspection is required annually before the license can be renewed.

Penalties(3)

•Isle of Palms enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500 fine. Second offense: Suspension of license. Third offense: Revocation of license. Daily fine: $500. Maximum fine: $500 per day per violation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Isle of Palms: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(6)

•Isle of Palms: If you are present during the guest's stay (hosted rental), night caps may not apply to you.
•Isle of Palms: Owner-occupied properties (assessed at 4%) are exempt from the 1,600 license cap.
•Isle of Palms exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).

Isle of Palms

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Restriction Level

Why this classification:

At a Glance

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(21)

Application Process(10)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

Safety Requirements(2)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(6)

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