Columbia allows long-term rental of an ADU subject to the UDO Sec. 17-4.3(c) owner-occupancy condition: either the principal dwelling or the ADU must be the owner's permanent residence. Short-term rental (30 days or less) of an ADU is regulated by Columbia Ord. 2023-037, which requires a Short-Term Rental Permit, a city Business License, and a local representative within 45 miles of city limits. Long-term tenancy is otherwise governed by the SC Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, SC Code §27-40, and University of South Carolina student rentals are common in nearby neighborhoods.
Columbia's UDO Sec. 17-4.3(c) permits long-term rental of an accessory dwelling unit as long as the owner occupies either the principal dwelling or the ADU as a permanent, full-time residence. Long-term tenancies (30+ days) are governed by the SC Residential Landlord and Tenant Act at SC Code §27-40. The ADU and principal dwelling remain a single legal parcel and cannot be conveyed separately. Short-term rentals (30 days or less) are regulated by Columbia Ordinance 2023-037, adopted April 4, 2023 and effective May 4, 2023, codified in the Columbia Code of Ordinances. STR operators must obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit and a city Business License before allowing occupancy. The nonrefundable application fee is $50; the annual permit fee is $100 for owner-occupied properties and $250 for non-owner-occupied properties. Each operator must either live within 45 miles of city limits or designate a local representative within that radius to respond to emergencies. STR operators must also remit SC state sales tax, the state accommodations tax under SC Code §12-36-920, and the Columbia local accommodations tax. The proximity of the University of South Carolina drives significant rental demand in nearby neighborhoods (Five Points, Shandon, Rosewood); USC tenancy is otherwise treated as standard residential rental under SC §27-40.
Operating a short-term rental without a city STR Permit and Business License is a Chapter 17 violation; civil penalties escalate per occurrence and the city may suspend or revoke the permit and business license. Violating the UDO Sec. 17-4.3(c) owner-occupancy condition triggers separate code enforcement. Failure to remit state and local accommodations taxes is referred to the SC Department of Revenue. Confirm current penalties with Columbia Planning and Development.
Columbia, SC
Columbia prohibits dogs that bark excessively and disturb neighbors. Columbia Animal Services handles complaints about nuisance barking.
Columbia, SC
Columbia regulates noise under Chapter 8, Article III (Noise) of the Code of Ordinances. The city prohibits unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace, with ...
Columbia, SC
Columbia requires vehicles to be parked on improved surfaces. Parking on unimproved areas in residential zones is a code violation.
Columbia, SC
Columbia regulates on-street parking with time limits, metered downtown areas, and restrictions near hydrants and intersections.
Columbia, SC
Columbia restricts parking of large commercial vehicles in residential areas through zoning regulations.
Columbia, SC
South Carolina does not require neighbor consent to build a fence. Fences must be within property lines. SC has no general fence cost-sharing statute.
See how Columbia's adu rental restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.