Airbnb Laws and Regulations Charleston County, SC

How does Charleston County, SC define a short-term (Airbnb) rental (STR)?

• A residential dwelling that is rented for 29 days or less consecutively. 
• A unit designed to provide temporary accommodations for up to two people per bedroom or 8 persons (including children) total. 

Please note in the following information the terms “Short-term Rental” and “Vacation Rental” are synonymous. 

Source: Charleston County Ordinance

Can investors own more than one vacation rental property in Charleston County, SC? 

Yes! Investors in Charleston County, SC are allowed to own multiple vacation rental properties without any specific limitations imposed by the county. 

Source: Charleston County Ordinance

Does Charleston County, SC have any zoning restrictions for STRs?

Yes, in Charleston County, SC, both Charleston City and North Charleston have zoning restrictions for Airbnb Rentals (STRs). The eligibility of a property for STR status is determined through a three-part test. Learn more about the zoning restrictions here. 

Source: Charleston County Government Zoning

In Charleston County, SC can an investor own and operate their Airbnb property as a business entity? 

Yes, in Charleston County, SC, including Charleston City and North Charleston, investors can own and operate their Airbnb properties as business entity.

Source: Charleston County Ordinance

In Charleston County, SC, can investors register accessory dwelling units (ADU), duplexes, and multifamily homes as Vacation Rentals?

Yes, in Charleston County, SC, investors can register accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, and multifamily homes as Vacation Rentals, provided that the properties meet the eligibility criteria outlined for Airbnb rentals. The specific type of building or dwelling does not restrict the registration of vacation rentals, as long as the property meets the necessary requirements and complies with all applicable regulations and guidelines.

Source: Charleston County Ordinance

What is Charleston County, SC’s requirement for obtaining a Vacation Rental License?

To obtain a Vacation Rental License in Charleston County, SC, the following requirements must be met:

Step 1: Meet the Following Conditions:

• Limit the number of overnight guests to no more than two persons per bedroom, up to a maximum of eight persons (including children).
• Provide a minimum of one off-street parking space for every two bedrooms rented, with a maximum of four spaces allocated for the property.
• Designate a local contact available within 30 minutes of notice.
• Obtain approval from the property’s Homeowners Association (HOA) or Property Owners Association (POA), if applicable.
• Be up to date on all required taxes.
• Have no more than three Notices of Violation of the city’s zoning, noise, or refuse ordinances in the past one-year period.
• Agree not to host events such as weddings or parties on the property and to display only authorized signage.

Step 2: Apply for a STR Permit:

• Create an account on the designated portal and upload required documentation, including proof of property ownership, HOA/POA approval (if applicable), contact information of a local contact, site plan of the building(s), pictures of parking spaces, exterior and interior of the building, and entrance used by guests.

Step 3: Pass Inspection(s):

• Prior to permit approval, a building/fire inspection is required to assess fire protection, egress, and electrical and heating components. The inspection will be scheduled after the submission of a complete STR permit application and preliminary approval by the Planning and Zoning Department.

Step 4: Obtain a Business License

• Business license issuance is contingent on preliminary approval by the Planning and Zoning Department.

Step 5: Obtain the STR Permit

• The Planning and Zoning Department issues the STR permit upon meeting specific criteria, including preliminary approval, passing inspection, obtaining a business license, and paying the $250 application fee.
• Display the permit in the STR unit, post the STR decal near the door, and include the STR permit number and maximum occupancy in listings/advertising.

Important Notes:

• Each STR unit requires a separate permit and business license.

Source: North Charleston Short Term Rental Info

What are the costs associated with a Vacation Rental License in Charleston County, SC?

The cost associated with a Vacation Rental License in Charleston County, SC, is an application fee of $250. This fee should be paid to the City’s Finance Department when submitting the STR application. For STR permit renewals, the application fee is $100.

Source: North Charleston Short Term Rental Info

Does Charleston County, SC have Vacation Rental occupancy limits?

Yes, the occupancy limits for vacation rentals vary between Charleston City and North Charleston. In Charleston City, up to four adults, regardless of relationship, are allowed to stay overnight in a vacation rental. In North Charleston, the occupancy limit is a maximum of two persons per bedroom, up to a total of eight persons (including children). 

Source: North Charleston Short Term Rental Info & Charleston County Ordinance

Does Charleston County, SC require an inspection for investors to obtain an STR license? What are the physical and structural requirements for a vacation rental?

Yes, both Charleston City and North Charleston in Charleston County, SC, require a building/fire inspection as part of the process to obtain a vacation rental license. 

Source: North Charleston Short Term Rental Info & Charleston County Ordinance

Does Charleston County, SC have any responsible agent requirements?

Yes, both Charleston City and North Charleston in Charleston County, SC, have responsible agent requirements for vacation rentals. In Charleston City, the host must be “generally available” to address any issues or concerns that may arise during the guests’ stay. In North Charleston, a contact person with twenty-four (24) hour cellphone availability must be identified, and they should be able to respond to the property within 30 minutes of notice.

Source: North Charleston Short Term Rental Info & Charleston County Ordinance

Does Charleston County, SC have specific insurance requirements for a Vacation Rental?

Charleston County, SC (including both Charleston City and North Charleston) does not have specific insurance requirements for vacation rentals. 

Source: North Charleston Short Term Rental Info & Charleston County Ordinance

What are the duration and renewal terms of a Charleston County, SCVacation Rental license?

Yes, the vacation rental license in Charleston County, SC (including both Charleston City and North Charleston) has an annual duration. Both the business license and the Airbnb rental (STR) permit must be renewed annually.

Source: North Charleston Short Term Rental Info & Charleston County Ordinance

In Charleston County, SC, do Airbnb and VRBO remit taxes on the host’s behalf? Are there any taxes that the host must track and pay directly to Charleston County, SC?

No, Airbnb and VRBO do not remit taxes on behalf of hosts in Charleston County, SC. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting various taxes directly to the state and local agencies. The taxes include State Sales Tax, State Accommodations Tax, Local Option Sales Tax, County Transportation Tax, School District/Education Tax, Charleston County Accommodations Tax, and City of Charleston Accommodations Tax in North Charleston, and State Sales Tax, State Accommodations Tax, Local Option Sales Tax, County Transportation Tax, School District/Education Tax, and City of Charleston Accommodations Tax in the City of Charleston.

Source: Charleston SC Government

Who should I contact if I have questions regarding Charleston County, SC  Vacation Rentals?

Charleston City: (843) 724-7380 & tourism@charleston-sc.gov

North Charleston: (843) 740-2561 & planning@northcharleston.org

Are there any new laws and regulations that the city is requiring?

No, the last update to the laws and regulations was in 2018, and Chalet did not find any updates worth mentioning.