Navigating the complexities of short-term rental (STR) regulations is crucial for investors looking to capitalize on vacation rental properties. Whether you’re considering expanding your portfolio or venturing into the STR market for the first time, understanding the local laws and requirements in North Charleston, SC, is essential for success.
This comprehensive guide covers all the critical questions about the STR landscape, including definitions, ownership rules, zoning restrictions, business operations, contact information, and licensing requirements.
Please note: Short-term rental laws and ordinances are always subject to change. We highly recommend double-checking the sources or consulting with a professional advisor to ensure accuracy.
How does North Charleston, SC define a short-term rental (STR)?
A short-term rental (STR) in North Charleston, SC is defined as a dwelling unit intended to provide temporary sleeping accommodations for no more than two persons per bedroom, up to eight (8) persons (including children) maximum, for a period not to exceed twenty-nine (29) consecutive days per rental.
Source: City of North Charleston Official Website
Can an investor own more than one vacation rental property in North Charleston, SC?
Yes, an investor can own more than one vacation rental property in North Charleston, SC. However, each rental unit requires a separate STR permit and a separate business license.
Source: City of North Charleston Official Website (Please verify the actual source for the most current information).
Does North Charleston, SC have any zoning restrictions for STRs?
Yes, North Charleston, SC has zoning restrictions for STRs. The zoning regulations for STRs can be found in Section 4-21 of the City of North Charleston Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Zoning Regulations.
For further information pertaining to zoning enforcement contact Cheryl Fuller, Zoning Inspector Supervisor, (843) 740-2627 or email at cfuller@northcharleston.org.
Source: City of North Charleston Official Website
In North Charleston, SC, can an investor own and operate their Airbnb property as a business entity?
The information on whether an investor can own and operate their Airbnb property as a business entity in North Charleston, SC is not explicitly stated. Chalet recommends contacting strconcerns@northcharleston.org or 843-740-2818 for any questions or concerns.
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In North Charleston, SC, can investors register accessory dwelling units (ADU), duplexes, and multi family homes as Vacation Rentals?
Short term rental permits are only issued for all legally established dwelling units. Chalet recommends contacting strconcerns@northcharleston.org or 843-740-2818 for any questions or concerns.
Note: Recreational vehicles (RVs) are not eligible.
Source: City of North Charleston Official Website
What is North Charleston, SC requirement for obtaining a Vacation Rental License?
To obtain a short-term rental permit in North Charleston, SC, an applicant must meet the following conditions: limit the number of overnight guests to no more than two persons per bedroom, up to eight persons in total, provide off-street or allocated parking, identify a local contact with 24-hour availability, obtain approval from the property’s HOA/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 ordinance in the previous one-year period, and have all required inspections, permits and licences as stated in the source below.
Source: City of North Charleston Official Website
What are the costs associated with a Vacation Rental License in North Charleston, SC?
The cost associated with a Short-Term Rental (STR) license in North Charleston, SC is a $250 application fee for the initial permit and a $100 fee for permit renewals.
Source: City of North Charleston Official Website
Does North Charleston, SC have Vacation Rental occupancy limits?
Yes, North Charleston, SC has vacation rental occupancy limits. The maximum number of overnight guests in an STR unit is no more than two persons per bedroom, up to eight (8) persons (including children) maximum.
Source: City of North Charleston Official Website
Does North Charleston, SC require an inspection for investors to obtain an STR license?
Yes, building and fire inspections are required prior to approval of a STR permit. The inspections will be scheduled after online submission of a complete STR permit application and approval by the Planning and Zoning Department. The building and fire inspections will look at fire protection, egress, electric and heating components: STR Fire Protection Criteria.
Additional information for safe operations:
STR safety tips
Safe Home Away
Example Floor Plan
Smoke Alarm Test Form
Grilling Safety Tips
Electrical and Water Safety Tips
Fire Extinguisher Checklist
The Self Survey Fire Inspection for Short-Term Rentals in Charleston, SC provides a detailed guide for assessing general safety and code compliance. The survey must be completed, and corrections made, prior to the inspection by the City’s Fire Department. The Fire Marshal Division conducts safety surveys as part of the City permit process for short-term rental properties to reduce fires and ensure safety. For further information, Chalet recommends contacting the Fire Marshal Division at 843-724-3429 or CFD@charleston-sc.gov.
Source: City of North Charleston Official Website
What are the physical and structural requirements for a vacation rental in North Charleston, SC?
The physical and structural requirements for a vacation rental in North Charleston, SC are stated in the STR Fire Protection Criteria and Additional information for safe operations provided in question 9.
Source: City of North Charleston Official Website
Does North Charleston, SC have any responsible agent requirements?
Yes, North Charleston, SC has a responsible agent requirement for vacation rentals. The responsible agent must be a local contact with 24-hour cellphone availability who is available to be on site within 30 minutes of notice.
Source: City of North Charleston Official Website
Does North Charleston, SC have specific insurance requirements for a Vacation Rental?
The information on whether North Charleston, SC has specific insurance requirements for a vacation rental is not explicitly stated on the official sources. Chalet recommends contacting strconcerns@northcharleston.org or 843-740-2818 for any questions or concerns.
Source: City of North Charleston Official Website
What are the duration and renewal terms of a North Charleston, SC Vacation Rental license?
A Short Term Rental Permit must be renewed annually by February 28. The associated business license must be renewed by April 30.
Source: City of North Charleston Official Website
In North Charleston, SC, do Airbnb and VRBO remit taxes on the host’s behalf?
No, Airbnb and VRBO do not remit taxes on behalf of hosts in North Charleston, SC. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting various taxes directly.
Source: Airbnb
Are there any taxes that the host must track and pay directly to North Charleston, SC?
In North Charleston, SC, the host is responsible for tracking and paying the following taxes directly:
– South Carolina State Sales and Use Tax: 5% of the listing price including any cleaning fee and guest fee for reservations 89 nights and shorter.
– South Carolina State Accommodations Tax: 2% of the listing price including any cleaning fee and guest fee for reservations 89 nights and shorter.
– Local Taxes collected by the State: 0.5-8%, per Local Tax type, of the listing price including any cleaning fee and guest fee for reservations 89 nights and shorter.
These taxes are administered by the State of South Carolina and are part of the reservation costs for guests booking Airbnb listings in the state.
For additional information and points of contact, please visit the two sources below.
Sources: City of North Charleston Tax Information & Airbnb
Who should I contact if I have questions regarding North Charleston, SC Vacation Rentals?
Chalet recommends contacting strconcerns@northcharleston.org or 843-740-2818 for any questions or concerns.
Additionally, if you would like hire a professional to navigate the regulatory landscape on your behalf, from licenses, renewals, permits, and more, please contact sales@getchalet.com. Chalet is here to simplify and streamline your short-term rental investment and management business!
Source: City of North Charleston Official Website
Are there any new laws and regulations that the city is requiring?
As of the time this information was written, Chalet did not find any new laws or regulations governing short-term (Airbnb) rentals in North Charleston, SC.
