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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Charleston, SC

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are permitted only with a City-issued short-term rental (STR) or B&B permit and are categorized by location (Category 1 = Old & Historic peninsula; Category 2 = peninsula outside overlay; Category 3 = areas off the peninsula). Properties generally may contain no more than one STR unit; required parking includes one additional off-street space for the STR unit; Category 2 requires the STR unit be in a building 50+ years old; Short-Term Rental Overlay determines whether a Bed & Breakfast or Commercial STR permit applies. Operators must not advertise or operate until all approvals, inspections, fees, Certificate of Operation, and a Business License are issued.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Complete and submit the applicable STR application (Residential/Commercial/Bed & Breakfast) with all required documentation (e.g., Assessor’s 4% property tax verification, Fire Marshal self-survey, smoke alarm test report) via the City’s application materials/portal; 2) Satisfy required inspections and staff approvals and pay applicable fees; obtain the STR Operational Permit/Certificate of Operation and corresponding Business License before advertising or operating; 3) Renew annually by the original date of issuance.

Regulatory Updates — Charleston

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2021

Category 1 Permit Cap — Historic Peninsula

Charleston capped the number of Category 1 STR permits (non-owner-occupied properties on the historic peninsula) at the number in circulation at the time of the cap's implementation. New Category 1 permits are only available when existing ones are relinquished. This has created a secondary market in permit transfers.

Official source
PassedJanuary 2019

50-Year Building Requirement for Historic Peninsula STRs

Properties on Charleston's historic peninsula must be at least 50 years old to qualify for an STR license. This rule protects the historic character of the city's oldest neighborhoods and prevents conversion of newer construction to vacation rentals in areas where housing supply is most constrained.

ProposedJuly 2025

Proposed Owner-Occupancy Requirement for Category 2

Charleston City Council is considering extending an owner-occupancy requirement to Category 2 STR permits (off-peninsula residential), which would eliminate investor-owned STRs in those neighborhoods. The proposal is in committee review and faces opposition from property rights groups.

Official Resources

Official Charleston STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Charleston Area Short-Term Rental AssociationLocal

Local organization representing Charleston STR operators, particularly those managing properties on the peninsula. Monitors City Council and Planning Commission activity.

South Carolina Vacation Rental AssociationStatewide

Statewide group tracking South Carolina STR regulations across Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and other markets.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association monitoring Charleston's regulatory environment given its status as a major historic tourism destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Charleston, SC?
STRs are permitted only with a City-issued short-term rental (STR) or B&B permit and are categorized by location (Category 1 = Old & Historic peninsula; Category 2 = peninsula outside overlay; Category 3 = areas off the peninsula). Properties generally may contain no more than one STR unit; required parking includes one additional off-street space for the STR unit; Category 2 requires the STR unit be in a building 50+ years old; Short-Term Rental Overlay determines whether a Bed & Breakfast or Commercial STR permit applies. Operators must not advertise or operate until all approvals, inspections, fees, Certificate of Operation, and a Business License are issued.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Charleston?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Charleston. 1) Complete and submit the applicable STR application (Residential/Commercial/Bed & Breakfast) with all required documentation (e.g., Assessor’s 4% property tax verification, Fire Marshal self-survey, smoke alarm test report) via the City’s application materials/portal; 2) Satisfy required inspections and staff approvals and pay applicable fees; obtain the STR Operational Permit/Certificate of Operation and corresponding Business License before advertising or operating; 3) Renew annually by the original date of issuance.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Charleston?
1) Complete and submit the applicable STR application (Residential/Commercial/Bed & Breakfast) with all required documentation (e.g., Assessor’s 4% property tax verification, Fire Marshal self-survey, smoke alarm test report) via the City’s application materials/portal; 2) Satisfy required inspections and staff approvals and pay applicable fees; obtain the STR Operational Permit/Certificate of Operation and corresponding Business License before advertising or operating; 3) Renew annually by the original date of issuance.
What are Charleston's three STR permit categories?
Charleston issues three STR permit categories: Category 1 is for non-owner-occupied properties on the historic Charleston peninsula — these are capped and rarely available; Category 2 is for non-owner-occupied properties off the peninsula in residential neighborhoods; and Category 3 is for owner-occupied properties (hosted rentals) where the host lives on-site. Each category has different eligibility requirements, fees, and regulatory obligations.
What is Charleston's 50-year building requirement?
On Charleston's historic peninsula, STR licenses are restricted to buildings that are at least 50 years old. This preserves the historic character of the city's oldest neighborhoods and prevents conversion of newer infill construction to vacation rentals. The rule applies to Category 1 and most Category 2 permits in designated historic zones.
Can I buy a property in downtown Charleston and operate it as a vacation rental?
Potentially, but it is difficult. New Category 1 permits (historic peninsula, non-owner-occupied) are not being issued — the cap is full, and permits only transfer when existing holders surrender them. If you intend to live on-site (Category 3) or purchase off-peninsula (Category 2), there are more options. Always verify the specific address's permit eligibility with the City of Charleston Planning Department before purchase.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction