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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in North Charleston, SC

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Permits are capped at 60 per Council district, though owner-occupied room rentals are exempt. Occupancy is limited to 2 persons per bedroom (max 8 total), and properties must provide 1 off-street parking space per 2 bedrooms. A 24-hour local contact must be available to respond within 30 minutes, and events (weddings/parties) are prohibited.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Apply via the City's Customer Portal with required documents (proof of ownership, site plan, photos, and HOA approval). 2. Pass mandatory building and fire inspections scheduled after preliminary approval. 3. Obtain a business license and pay the $350 application fee ($250 for annual renewals by Feb 28).

Official Resources

Official North Charleston STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in North Charleston, SC?
Airbnb listings are allowed in North Charleston, SC, but with restrictions. Permits are capped at 60 per Council district, though owner-occupied room rentals are exempt. Occupancy is limited to 2 persons per bedroom (max 8 total), and properties must provide 1 off-street parking space per 2 bedrooms. A 24-hour local contact must be available to respond within 30 minutes, and events (weddings/parties) are prohibited. 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 North Charleston, SC?
Permits are capped at 60 per Council district, though owner-occupied room rentals are exempt. Occupancy is limited to 2 persons per bedroom (max 8 total), and properties must provide 1 off-street parking space per 2 bedrooms. A 24-hour local contact must be available to respond within 30 minutes, and events (weddings/parties) are prohibited.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in North Charleston?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in North Charleston. 1. Apply via the City's Customer Portal with required documents (proof of ownership, site plan, photos, and HOA approval). 2. Pass mandatory building and fire inspections scheduled after preliminary approval. 3. Obtain a business license and pay the $350 application fee ($250 for annual renewals by Feb 28).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in North Charleston?
1. Apply via the City's Customer Portal with required documents (proof of ownership, site plan, photos, and HOA approval). 2. Pass mandatory building and fire inspections scheduled after preliminary approval. 3. Obtain a business license and pay the $350 application fee ($250 for annual renewals by Feb 28).
Is Vrbo legal in North Charleston, SC?
Vrbo is permitted in North Charleston, 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 North Charleston?
Short-term rental hosts in North Charleston 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 North Charleston?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for North Charleston. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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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