Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Beaufort County, SC

Airbnb listings are allowed in Beaufort County, SC, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted to specific zoning districts (Special Use in T2, T3, T4 series and C3; Permitted Use in C4 and C5) and are strictly prohibited in the MCAS Airport Overlay District and Noise Zone 3. Advertisements must display the county-issued Zoning Permit and Business License numbers, and properties must meet fire safety standards and onsite parking requirements. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

STRs are restricted to specific zoning districts (Special Use in T2, T3, T4 series and C3; Permitted Use in C4 and C5) and are strictly prohibited in the MCAS Airport Overlay District and Noise Zone 3. Advertisements must display the county-issued Zoning Permit and Business License numbers, and properties must meet fire safety standards and onsite parking requirements.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Beaufort County. 1. Schedule a pre-application meeting with Planning & Zoning and submit a conceptual review application including a plot plan and Fire Safety Standards Form. 2. Obtain a Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit (requires Zoning Board of Appeals approval for Special Uses). 3. Apply for and obtain a Beaufort County Business License. Permits must be renewed annually by April 1st.

1. Schedule a pre-application meeting with Planning & Zoning and submit a conceptual review application including a plot plan and Fire Safety Standards Form. 2. Obtain a Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit (requires Zoning Board of Appeals approval for Special Uses). 3. Apply for and obtain a Beaufort County Business License. Permits must be renewed annually by April 1st.

Vrbo is permitted in Beaufort County, SC under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Beaufort County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Beaufort County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.