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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Mount Pleasant, SC

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · 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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Mount Pleasant, SC, but with restrictions. 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. 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.
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.
Is Vrbo legal in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Vrbo is permitted in Mount Pleasant, 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Mount Pleasant?
Short-term rental hosts in Mount Pleasant 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Mount Pleasant?
The most recent tracked change in Mount Pleasant is "Mount Pleasant STR Permit Program Launch" (2023-10-01, status: passed). Town formalized STR permit requirement; all operators must obtain annual permit and display permit number in all listings. Fee structure based on bedroom count. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction