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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Colleton County, SC

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term lodging (transient lodging, hotels/motels/inns) is permitted in specified commercial and urban zoning districts (e.g., VC, UD-1, UD-2 and some commercial/industrial districts) and "bed and breakfast inns" are allowed as a conditional use only if owner-occupied; conditional uses require administrative review or special exception processes. Transient lodging and similar uses are explicitly restricted in airport/runway protection zones; off-street parking and buffering standards apply.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Contact Colleton County Planning & Development / Zoning Administrator to confirm parcel zoning and whether the proposed lodging is a permitted, conditional, or special-exception use. 2) Submit a zoning permit application with a site plan to Planning & Development; if the use is conditional or a special exception, follow the conditional use / special exception procedures (administrative review by director or Board of Zoning Appeals). 3) Comply with use-specific conditions (e.g., bed-and-breakfast owner-occupancy, parking: one space per guest room plus two for resident) and obtain any required building permits/inspections.

Official Resources

Official Colleton County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Colleton County, SC?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Colleton County, SC, but with restrictions. Short-term lodging (transient lodging, hotels/motels/inns) is permitted in specified commercial and urban zoning districts (e.g., VC, UD-1, UD-2 and some commercial/industrial districts) and "bed and breakfast inns" are allowed as a conditional use only if owner-occupied; conditional uses require administrative review or special exception processes. Transient lodging and similar uses are explicitly restricted in airport/runway protection zones; off-street parking and buffering standards apply. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Colleton County, SC?
Short-term lodging (transient lodging, hotels/motels/inns) is permitted in specified commercial and urban zoning districts (e.g., VC, UD-1, UD-2 and some commercial/industrial districts) and "bed and breakfast inns" are allowed as a conditional use only if owner-occupied; conditional uses require administrative review or special exception processes. Transient lodging and similar uses are explicitly restricted in airport/runway protection zones; off-street parking and buffering standards apply.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Colleton County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Colleton County. 1) Contact Colleton County Planning & Development / Zoning Administrator to confirm parcel zoning and whether the proposed lodging is a permitted, conditional, or special-exception use. 2) Submit a zoning permit application with a site plan to Planning & Development; if the use is conditional or a special exception, follow the conditional use / special exception procedures (administrative review by director or Board of Zoning Appeals). 3) Comply with use-specific conditions (e.g., bed-and-breakfast owner-occupancy, parking: one space per guest room plus two for resident) and obtain any required building permits/inspections.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Colleton County?
1) Contact Colleton County Planning & Development / Zoning Administrator to confirm parcel zoning and whether the proposed lodging is a permitted, conditional, or special-exception use. 2) Submit a zoning permit application with a site plan to Planning & Development; if the use is conditional or a special exception, follow the conditional use / special exception procedures (administrative review by director or Board of Zoning Appeals). 3) Comply with use-specific conditions (e.g., bed-and-breakfast owner-occupancy, parking: one space per guest room plus two for resident) and obtain any required building permits/inspections.
Is Vrbo legal in Colleton County, SC?
Vrbo is permitted in Colleton 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Colleton County?
Short-term rental hosts in Colleton 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Colleton County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Colleton County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction