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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Johns Island, SC

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Charleston County recognizes three STR types: Limited Home Rental (up to 72 days/year), Extended Home Rental (72-144 days/year), and Commercial Guest House. Regulations require owner-occupancy for residential types, specific parking minimums, and adherence to unit-count constraints in City of Charleston Category 3 areas.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit the Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit application with the applicable fee ($100-$300), owner-occupied affidavits, and a site plan showing parking. 2) For EHR/CGH types, obtain Site Plan Review and BZA Special Exception approval. 3) Obtain a County Business License after the zoning permit is issued; renew annually by December 31.

Regulatory Updates — Johns Island

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJuly 2022

Charleston County STR Permit Program

All unincorporated Charleston County STRs including Johns Island must hold an annual permit; fee varies by bedroom count. Safety compliance and county business license required.

ProposedJuly 2025

Johns Island Residents STR Opposition Petition

Neighborhood groups submitted a formal petition to Charleston County requesting STR restrictions in agricultural (AG) zoning districts on Johns Island; county planners reviewing.

Under ReviewOctober 2025

Charleston County Rural Zone STR Ordinance Review

County planning staff reviewing whether additional protections for rural and agricultural zones are warranted; decision expected in 2026 following public comment period.

Official Resources

Official Johns Island STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Charleston Area Short-Term Rental AllianceLocal

Local advocacy group representing STR operators in the greater Charleston area; monitors Charleston County proceedings and ordinance reviews.

South Carolina Vacation Rental Managers AssociationStatewide

Statewide professional association representing SC vacation rental managers; provides legislative advocacy and compliance resources.

Vacation Rental Management AssociationNational

National trade association offering education, advocacy, and resources for professional vacation rental managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Johns Island, SC?
Charleston County recognizes three STR types: Limited Home Rental (up to 72 days/year), Extended Home Rental (72-144 days/year), and Commercial Guest House. Regulations require owner-occupancy for residential types, specific parking minimums, and adherence to unit-count constraints in City of Charleston Category 3 areas.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Johns Island?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Johns Island. 1) Submit the Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit application with the applicable fee ($100-$300), owner-occupied affidavits, and a site plan showing parking. 2) For EHR/CGH types, obtain Site Plan Review and BZA Special Exception approval. 3) Obtain a County Business License after the zoning permit is issued; renew annually by December 31.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Johns Island?
1) Submit the Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit application with the applicable fee ($100-$300), owner-occupied affidavits, and a site plan showing parking. 2) For EHR/CGH types, obtain Site Plan Review and BZA Special Exception approval. 3) Obtain a County Business License after the zoning permit is issued; renew annually by December 31.
What's required for an STR on Johns Island?
A Charleston County annual STR permit (fee varies by bedroom count), county business license, and collection of SC Accommodations Tax (2%) plus Charleston County accommodations fee (1.5%). Fire safety compliance is required.
Are STRs restricted in Johns Island's rural/agricultural areas?
Currently STRs are permitted throughout unincorporated Charleston County with a permit. A 2025 neighborhood petition may lead to agricultural zone restrictions; operators in AG-zoned properties should monitor county proceedings closely.
Is Johns Island part of the City of Charleston?
No — most of Johns Island is unincorporated Charleston County, not the City of Charleston. Charleston County's STR rules apply here; the City of Charleston's separate, stricter regulations do not.
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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