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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Isle of Palms, SC

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are permitted but regulated: dwelling units rented for terms of three months or less must be licensed. Maximum overnight occupancy is generally two persons per bedroom plus two (max 12 total); single-family homes must be rented as entire units. Owners must post city-provided notices, provide a 24/7 contact phone with a representative able to respond within one hour, and comply with fire-safety requirements.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit the City short-term rental application via the City’s STR application portal (Deckard). 2) Provide required documents: completed Rental Revenue Affidavit, end-of-year rental revenue statements, and the Fire Safety Acknowledgment. 3) Pay the short-term rental license fee ($450 for first $2,000 in gross income and $4.60 per additional $1,000) and renew annually by April 30.

Regulatory Updates — Isle of Palms

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedOctober 2024

Annual Density Limit Review Completed

Isle of Palms reviewed its annual STR density limits for single-family residential zones, maintaining current caps but confirming that properties in areas at the density ceiling are ineligible for new licenses until existing licenses expire.

PassedJune 2024

Occupancy Limit Enforcement — 12-Person Maximum Clarified

The City clarified that the 12-person maximum applies as a hard cap regardless of bedroom count, overriding the 2+2 formula in larger properties. Operators with properties exceeding this limit on their listings received compliance notices.

PassedJanuary 2024

Annual Rental License Renewal Required by January 1

Isle of Palms reinforced its annual rental license renewal deadline of January 1st, sending advance reminders and suspending rental activity for properties that failed to renew on time.

Official Resources

Official Isle of Palms 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 Charleston area including Isle of Palms.

South Carolina Association of RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate organization monitoring Isle of Palms density limits and advocating for reasonable licensing standards for South Carolina coastal property owners.

Charleston Area Convention & Visitors BureauLocal

Regional tourism organization monitoring STR availability on Isle of Palms and its contribution to the Charleston area's visitor accommodation capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Isle of Palms, SC?
Short-term rentals are permitted but regulated: dwelling units rented for terms of three months or less must be licensed. Maximum overnight occupancy is generally two persons per bedroom plus two (max 12 total); single-family homes must be rented as entire units. Owners must post city-provided notices, provide a 24/7 contact phone with a representative able to respond within one hour, and comply with fire-safety requirements.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Isle of Palms?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Isle of Palms. 1) Submit the City short-term rental application via the City’s STR application portal (Deckard). 2) Provide required documents: completed Rental Revenue Affidavit, end-of-year rental revenue statements, and the Fire Safety Acknowledgment. 3) Pay the short-term rental license fee ($450 for first $2,000 in gross income and $4.60 per additional $1,000) and renew annually by April 30.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Isle of Palms?
1) Submit the City short-term rental application via the City’s STR application portal (Deckard). 2) Provide required documents: completed Rental Revenue Affidavit, end-of-year rental revenue statements, and the Fire Safety Acknowledgment. 3) Pay the short-term rental license fee ($450 for first $2,000 in gross income and $4.60 per additional $1,000) and renew annually by April 30.
Is there a limit on how many vacation rentals are allowed in my Isle of Palms neighborhood?
Yes. Isle of Palms imposes annual density limits on single-family STR licenses by zone or neighborhood. If your area is at its density ceiling, new license applications will be denied until an existing license in that area expires. Check current density availability with the city before purchasing with STR intent.
What is the maximum occupancy for my Isle of Palms rental?
Occupancy is limited to 2 persons per bedroom plus 2, with a hard maximum of 12 persons total. Even if the formula would allow more in a large property, 12 is the absolute cap. Update your listing to reflect this limit and include it in your house rules.
When is the annual rental license renewal deadline on Isle of Palms?
Licenses must be renewed by January 1st each year. The city sends advance reminders, but properties that miss the deadline have their rental activity suspended. Renew early — don't wait until December when the holiday booking season is at its peak.
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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