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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Greenville, SC

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (<30 days) are permitted by right only in specified mixed-use, business, and commercial zoning districts (MX-2, MX-3, MX-5, MX-D, MXS-2, MXS-3, MXS-5, MXS-D, BG, BH, IX, CM). Rentals of 30–89 days are allowed in a different set of residential and industrial zones. In multi-unit buildings, no more than 25% of dwelling units may operate as short-term rentals.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Confirm property zoning using the City zoning map; 2) Submit the Short Term Rental application packet via mail, fax, or drop-off (email not accepted) with the $40 fee and required documentation (e.g., HOA approval); 3) Obtain a City business license and register for local accommodations tax (3% for 1–89 day rentals).

Regulatory Updates — Greenville

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedOctober 2024

Mixed-Use Zone Eligibility Expanded with Downtown Rezoning

Greenville's downtown rezoning initiative expanded the footprint of MX-designated zones, increasing the number of parcels eligible for by-right STR use in the growing arts and innovation districts.

PassedJune 2024

Residential Zone STR Enforcement Maintained

The City maintained active enforcement of its prohibition on by-right STRs in residential zones, issuing notices to operators in R-zones advertising on booking platforms without required special approvals.

PassedFebruary 2024

30-89 Day Rental Framework Clarified

Greenville clarified that rentals of 30 to 89 days are treated differently from STRs (under 30 days) and standard leases (90+ days), with a separate compliance pathway that operators in residential zones may be able to use.

Official Resources

Official Greenville STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals in the Greenville and Upstate South Carolina market.

South Carolina Association of RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate organization monitoring Greenville's STR zone restrictions and advocating for property owner rights in Upstate South Carolina.

Visit Greenville SCLocal

Local destination marketing organization for Greenville, monitoring STR accommodation supply and its contribution to the city's rapidly growing downtown tourism and event market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Greenville, SC?
Short-term rentals (<30 days) are permitted by right only in specified mixed-use, business, and commercial zoning districts (MX-2, MX-3, MX-5, MX-D, MXS-2, MXS-3, MXS-5, MXS-D, BG, BH, IX, CM). Rentals of 30–89 days are allowed in a different set of residential and industrial zones. In multi-unit buildings, no more than 25% of dwelling units may operate as short-term rentals.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Greenville?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Greenville. 1) Confirm property zoning using the City zoning map; 2) Submit the Short Term Rental application packet via mail, fax, or drop-off (email not accepted) with the $40 fee and required documentation (e.g., HOA approval); 3) Obtain a City business license and register for local accommodations tax (3% for 1–89 day rentals).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Greenville?
1) Confirm property zoning using the City zoning map; 2) Submit the Short Term Rental application packet via mail, fax, or drop-off (email not accepted) with the $40 fee and required documentation (e.g., HOA approval); 3) Obtain a City business license and register for local accommodations tax (3% for 1–89 day rentals).
Can I operate an STR in my Greenville residential neighborhood?
Not by right. STRs are only permitted by right in Greenville's mixed-use and commercial zones (MX-2, MX-3, MX-5, MX-D, MXS variants, BG, BH, IX, CM). Residential zones prohibit STRs by right and require special approval, which is not guaranteed.
Is Greenville's downtown expanding its STR-eligible zones?
Yes. Downtown rezoning has expanded MX-designated zones, increasing the number of parcels eligible for by-right STR use. If you're purchasing for STR purposes in Greenville, focus on properties in mixed-use zones near downtown or the arts and innovation districts.
What is the 30-89 day rental rule in Greenville?
Rentals of 30 to 89 days are treated as a separate category — not an STR (under 30 days) and not a standard lease (90+ days). Operators in residential zones who cannot legally run STRs may have options in this middle-duration range. Confirm the specific requirements with the city's planning office.
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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