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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in North Myrtle Beach, SC

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

All short-term rentals must obtain a business license and remit rental accommodations taxes to the city, county, and state. Operators must comply with local ordinances regarding trash collection, parking, noise, and occupancy, and licenses must be renewed annually.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply for a Rental/Business License via the City’s Business License Application Portal. 2) Complete and submit the Short-Term Rental Management Form to determine tax reporting requirements. 3) Renew the license annually and ensure all contact information remains current.

Regulatory Updates — North Myrtle Beach

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2023

Business License and STR Permit Program Active

North Myrtle Beach requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a city business license and register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for accommodations tax collection. A 24/7 local contact must be designated and the permit number displayed in all listings.

PassedApril 2024

South Carolina Accommodations Tax Compliance

South Carolina's 7% accommodations tax (5% state + 2% local option) applies to all short-term rental income in North Myrtle Beach. The SC Department of Revenue increased outreach to ensure all Grand Strand STR operators are properly registered.

PassedJuly 2024

Noise and Parking Enforcement During Peak Season

North Myrtle Beach increased code enforcement activity during summer months, targeting noise violations and illegal parking at vacation rental properties. The Ocean Drive and Cherry Grove communities see the most enforcement activity during peak season.

Official Resources

Official North Myrtle Beach STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

North Myrtle Beach Chamber of CommerceLocal

Represents local tourism and hospitality businesses including vacation rental operators. Tracks city ordinance changes and provides compliance resources for STR permit holders.

South Carolina Hotel and Lodging AssociationStatewide

State-level trade association monitoring accommodations regulations across South Carolina, including STR licensing and tax requirements.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association with member companies managing vacation rental portfolios along South Carolina's Grand Strand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in North Myrtle Beach, SC?
All short-term rentals must obtain a business license and remit rental accommodations taxes to the city, county, and state. Operators must comply with local ordinances regarding trash collection, parking, noise, and occupancy, and licenses must be renewed annually.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in North Myrtle Beach?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in North Myrtle Beach. 1) Apply for a Rental/Business License via the City’s Business License Application Portal. 2) Complete and submit the Short-Term Rental Management Form to determine tax reporting requirements. 3) Renew the license annually and ensure all contact information remains current.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in North Myrtle Beach?
1) Apply for a Rental/Business License via the City’s Business License Application Portal. 2) Complete and submit the Short-Term Rental Management Form to determine tax reporting requirements. 3) Renew the license annually and ensure all contact information remains current.
What permits are needed to operate a short-term rental in North Myrtle Beach?
Operators need a City of North Myrtle Beach business license (annual renewal with 24/7 local contact) and must register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for accommodations tax collection. Horry County hospitality fee registration may also apply. Properties in oceanfront condo buildings must additionally comply with HOA rental rules, which often include minimum stay requirements and restrictions on independent listing.
What taxes apply to North Myrtle Beach short-term rental income?
South Carolina imposes a 7% accommodations tax on rental receipts (5% state + 2% local option). Horry County adds a 1.5% hospitality fee. Combined, operators typically owe around 8.5–10% on gross rental income depending on applicable local overlays. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit SC state accommodations tax on behalf of hosts. Operators should verify which local and county taxes their platform also remits.
How does North Myrtle Beach differ from Myrtle Beach for STR regulations?
North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach are separate municipalities with independent ordinances, but both follow a tourism-friendly regulatory approach. North Myrtle Beach is generally considered slightly quieter and more family-oriented than Myrtle Beach, with enforcement activity somewhat lower during spring break. Both require a city business license and SC accommodations tax registration. Operators should confirm which city governs their specific property address.
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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