Complete Guide To Get A Vacation Rental License in Charleston, SC [UPDATED 2024]

What is a Vacation Rental?

According to Charleston Ordinance, a vacation rental refers to a residential dwelling that is rented for 29 days or less consecutively. These rentals are units specifically designed to offer temporary accommodations, allowing up to two people per bedroom or a total of 8 persons (including children). It is important to note that in the context of the ordinance, the terms "Short-term Rental" and "Vacation Rental" are synonyms.

Zoning Restrictions for STRs

Yes, both Charleston City and North Charleston in Charleston, SC, have established zoning restrictions for Airbnb Rentals or STRs. The eligibility of a property for STR status is determined through a comprehensive three-part test. Additional details about these zoning restrictions can be found on the Charleston County Government Zoning website.

Charleston, SC Vacation Rental License Requirements

To obtain a Vacation Rental License in Charleston, 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

Cost of Vacation Rental License in Charleston, SC

The associated cost for obtaining a Vacation Rental License in Charleston, SC, includes an application fee of $250. This fee should be submitted to the City’s Finance Department when filing the STR application. For STR permit renewals, the application fee amounts to $100.

Do vacation rentals in Charleston, SC have limitations on occupancy?

Certainly, the occupancy restrictions for vacation rentals differ between Charleston City and North Charleston. In Charleston City, a maximum of four adults, irrespective of their relationship, can stay overnight in a vacation rental. Meanwhile, in North Charleston, the occupancy limit is a maximum of two persons per bedroom, up to a total of eight individuals (including children).

Can investors own multiple vacation rental properties in Charleston, SC?

Yes, investors in Charleston County, SC, are permitted to own multiple vacation rental properties without facing any specific limitations set by the county. This information is outlined in the Charleston Ordinance.

Can investors operate their Airbnb property as a business entity in Charleston, SC?

Yes, investors in Charleston, SC, which includes Charleston City and North Charleston, have the freedom to own and operate their Airbnb properties as business entities. This provision is specified in the Charleston County Ordinance.

Can accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, and multifamily homes be registered as Vacation Rentals in Charleston County, SC?

Certainly, in Charleston County, SC, investors have the option to register accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, and multifamily homes as Vacation Rentals. The key requirement is that these properties must 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 fulfills all necessary requirements and adheres to applicable regulations and guidelines as per Charleston County Ordinance.

Is an inspection mandatory for investors to secure an STR license in Charleston, SC? What are the physical and structural prerequisites for a vacation rental?

Yes, both Charleston City and North Charleston in Charleston, SC, necessitate a building/fire inspection as part of the vacation rental license application process.

Are there responsible agent requirements in Charleston, SC?

Yes, both Charleston City and North Charleston in Charleston, SC, impose responsible agent obligations 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 designated contact person with twenty-four (24) hour cellphone availability must be identified, capable of responding to the property within 30 minutes of notice.

Are there specific insurance requirements for a Vacation Rental in Charleston, SC?

Charleston, SC (covering both Charleston City and North Charleston) does not have explicit insurance requirements for vacation rentals.

What are the duration and renewal terms of a Charleston, SC Vacation Rental license?

Certainly, the vacation rental license in Charleston, SC (covering both Charleston City and North Charleston), holds an annual validity. Both the business license and the Airbnb rental (STR) permit must be renewed on an annual basis.

Do Airbnb and VRBO handle tax remittance on behalf of hosts in Charleston, SC? Are there taxes that hosts must independently track and remit to Charleston, SC?

No, Airbnb and VRBO do not facilitate tax remittance on behalf of hosts in Charleston, SC. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting various taxes directly to state and local agencies. These 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, as well as 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.

Who should I contact if I have questions about Vacation Rentals in Charleston, SC?

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

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