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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Mount Pleasant, SC

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are permitted with limits: owner-occupancy/primary residence is required for certain configurations; maximum occupancy is two persons per bedroom plus two additional for whole-house rentals (ADU max 3); at least one additional off-street parking space is required per STR; prohibited in multi-family dwellings and where neighborhood covenants forbid them; annual cap of 400 STR dwellings.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit an STR permit application to the Town Department of Planning, Land Use & Neighborhoods with required documentation (address, rental type, parking photos, insurance) and pay fees ($50 application + registration fee); 2) Obtain/renew a Town business license after the STR permit is issued; 3) Renew both the STR registration and business license annually.

Regulatory Updates — Mount Pleasant

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedOctober 2023

Mount Pleasant STR Permit Program Launch

Town formalized STR permit requirement; all operators must obtain annual permit and display permit number in all listings. Fee structure based on bedroom count.

Under ReviewApril 2025

Mount Pleasant Non-Owner-Occupied STR Review

Town Council reviewing whether to restrict investor-owned STRs in R-1 residential zones; public hearings ongoing with a decision expected in 2026.

FailedJune 2025

South Carolina STR Preemption Bill Defeated

SC Senate bill that would have preempted local STR bans and restrictions failed committee vote; municipalities including Mount Pleasant retain full authority to regulate STRs.

Official Resources

Official Mount Pleasant STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Charleston Area Short-Term Rental AllianceLocal

Local advocacy group representing STR operators in the greater Charleston area; monitors Town of Mount Pleasant and Charleston County proceedings.

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 Mount Pleasant, SC?
STRs are permitted with limits: owner-occupancy/primary residence is required for certain configurations; maximum occupancy is two persons per bedroom plus two additional for whole-house rentals (ADU max 3); at least one additional off-street parking space is required per STR; prohibited in multi-family dwellings and where neighborhood covenants forbid them; annual cap of 400 STR dwellings.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Mount Pleasant?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Mount Pleasant. 1) Submit an STR permit application to the Town Department of Planning, Land Use & Neighborhoods with required documentation (address, rental type, parking photos, insurance) and pay fees ($50 application + registration fee); 2) Obtain/renew a Town business license after the STR permit is issued; 3) Renew both the STR registration and business license annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Mount Pleasant?
1) Submit an STR permit application to the Town Department of Planning, Land Use & Neighborhoods with required documentation (address, rental type, parking photos, insurance) and pay fees ($50 application + registration fee); 2) Obtain/renew a Town business license after the STR permit is issued; 3) Renew both the STR registration and business license annually.
What permits do I need for an STR in Mount Pleasant?
A Town of Mount Pleasant STR zoning permit and business license are required annually. You must also collect and remit the South Carolina Accommodations Tax (2%) and Mount Pleasant local accommodations fee (1.5%).
Are non-owner-occupied STRs allowed in Mount Pleasant?
Currently yes, with proper permits. However, a 2025 Town Council review of investor-owned STRs in R-1 zones is ongoing; restrictions could take effect in 2026. Monitor council proceedings closely if you own non-primary-residence STRs.
Does South Carolina have state preemption for STRs?
No. A 2025 preemption bill failed in committee. Each municipality in South Carolina independently sets its own STR rules — Mount Pleasant, the City of Charleston, and unincorporated Charleston County all have different requirements.
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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