South Carolina Airbnb Rental Regulations | Must Know STR Laws

Written by: Sanjin Hadziomerovic

Myrtle Beach: Strict Zoning Laws Limit Residential STRs

Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular vacation destinations on the East Coast, with over 20 million visitors annually. But despite high demand, the city enforces some of the strictest short-term rental zoning laws in South Carolina.

Here’s what hosts need to know:

• STRs are banned in most residential zoning districts, including R-1, R-2, and RMH.
• The city only allows STRs in certain mixed-use or commercial zones like RMV (Residential Multifamily Visitor), MU-H (Mixed-Use High Density), and HC-1 (Highway Commercial).
• STRs must be licensed through the city’s Business License Division.
• Operators are expected to collect and remit both state and local accommodations taxes.

Enforcement is aggressive, and operating an STR in a restricted zoning district can lead to fines or a cease-and-desist order. This makes zoning verification critical for anyone buying or managing an Airbnb in Myrtle Beach.

Pro tip: Condos along the beachfront are often zoned appropriately for STR use — but single-family homes in quiet neighborhoods usually are not.

Airbnb Rental Regulations Myrtle Beach

---

North Charleston: Permit Required and Tied to Primary Residency

North Charleston has taken a more moderate but focused approach to regulating STRs. As of 2023, the city requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit, but only for primary residences.

Key points:

• STRs are only allowed in owner-occupied residences.
• Owners must live on-site for at least 275 days per year to qualify.
• Permits must be renewed annually and require an inspection.
• Properties must display the permit number and adhere to occupancy, parking, and trash rules.

The city’s goal is to allow “homestay” Airbnb activity without encouraging full-time vacation rentals in residential areas. For investors, this means non-owner-occupied STRs are not permitted, effectively ruling out most traditional Airbnb business models in this market.

Airbnb Rental Regulations North Charleston

---

Charleston: Varies by Zoning & Unincorporated Area

Charleston spans a wide range of communities — from barrier islands to rural inland zones — and regulations vary depending on your property’s location and zoning.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• STRs are permitted in unincorporated Charleston County under specific conditions.
• Properties must be located in eligible zoning districts and meet setback, occupancy, and health/safety standards.
• A STR permit and business license are required.
• You must also register for accommodations tax collection and report regularly to the Department of Revenue.

It’s important to distinguish Charleston County from the City of Charleston, which has stricter STR limitations. If you own property in places like Johns Island or Awendaw, you may fall under county jurisdiction with more flexible STR laws — but zoning maps must be checked carefully.

Airbnb Rental Regulations Charleston

---

Hilton Head Island: Tight Licensing, Strong HOA Restrictions

Hilton Head Island is one of the top luxury vacation rental markets in the Southeast — but it also has some of the toughest STR rules in the state, especially outside the resort-zoned communities.

Key Hilton Head STR laws include:

• A Short-Term Rental Business License is required for all operators.
• STRs are only permitted in certain zoning districts — including parts of the Resort Development (RD) and General Commercial (GC) zones.
• Homes in residential zones may face HOA bans on STRs, even if city zoning technically allows them.
• The town caps maximum occupancy based on bedrooms, generally limiting two adults per room.
• Annual fire and safety inspections are often required.

Hilton Head strictly enforces permit rules, guest limits, and quiet hours. Violations can lead to steep fines, license revocation, or lawsuits from neighbors. If you’re investing here, work with a local real estate agent familiar with STR-friendly communities like Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, and Forest Beach.

Airbnb Rental Regulations Hilton Head Island

---

Final Thoughts: STR Rules in South Carolina Are Hyperlocal — and Getting Stricter

South Carolina’s short-term rental market is thriving, but local governments are quickly adapting — implementing STR rules that balance tourism with community concerns. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here.

If you’re considering Airbnb investment in South Carolina, here’s what to do:

• Verify zoning first — many areas allow STRs only in specific zones
• Secure business licenses and tax registrations
• Understand whether the property must be owner-occupied
• Check HOA restrictions, especially in Hilton Head and coastal communities
• Follow local ordinances on occupancy, noise, parking, and signage

Cities like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head are profitable but regulated, while parts of Charleston County offer more flexibility — if you do your due diligence.

To get permit links, tax forms, and deeper city-by-city analysis, visit the Chalet STR Regulation Center for South Carolina and other top investment markets.