Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Columbia, SC

Airbnb listings are allowed in Columbia, SC, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted by zoning; they are allowed in mixed-use and commercial districts but limited in residential districts to parcels on 4-lane arterial/collector streets. Requirements include two parking spaces per unit, a local representative within 45 miles, and a 365-day moratorium on new residential STR permits effective June 17, 2025. 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 by zoning; they are allowed in mixed-use and commercial districts but limited in residential districts to parcels on 4-lane arterial/collector streets. Requirements include two parking spaces per unit, a local representative within 45 miles, and a 365-day moratorium on new residential STR permits effective June 17, 2025.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Columbia. 1. Obtain a Business License from the Business Licensing Division. 2. Apply for an STR Permit through the Code Enforcement Division, paying a $50 application fee plus annual permit fees ($100 for owner-occupied, $250 for non-owner-occupied). Permits must be renewed annually by July 1st.

1. Obtain a Business License from the Business Licensing Division. 2. Apply for an STR Permit through the Code Enforcement Division, paying a $50 application fee plus annual permit fees ($100 for owner-occupied, $250 for non-owner-occupied). Permits must be renewed annually by July 1st.

Vrbo is permitted in Columbia, 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 Columbia 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 Columbia. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.