Short-Term Rentals in Columbia, SC: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Columbia or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Columbia has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Occupancy Limits

Columbia caps short-term rental occupancy at two people per bedroom (excluding children) plus two additional persons, applied at any time of day, under Chapter 5, Article IX of the Code of Ordinances.

Key details: Code: Ch. 5, Art. IX (Ord. 2023-037). Cap: 2/bedroom + 2 (excludes kids). Applies: Any time of day. Permit Fee: $100 owner-occ; $250 non. Moratorium: Ord. 2025-054 (residential).

Operating an STR over the bedroom-based occupancy cap is a violation of the city's STR ordinance and can lead to permit revocation, denial of renewal, and code enforcement citations. Renewal applications submitted after July 1 also incur a $100 late fee.

This is one of the stricter rules in Columbia's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Insurance Requirements

Columbia requires short-term rental operators to carry liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence covering personal injury (including death) and property damage, under Chapter 5, Article IX of the Code of Ordinances.

Key details: Code: Ch. 5, Art. IX (Ord. 2023-037). Coverage: $1M per occurrence min.. Covers: Personal injury + property. Required: STR Permit + Business License. App Fee: $50/year.

Operating without the required insurance is grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of the STR Permit and for code enforcement citations. Renewal applications received after July 1 incur a $100 late fee, and the 365-day moratorium under Ord. 2025-054 blocks most new residential-zone permits.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Columbia actively enforces its insurance requirements requirements.

Parking Rules

STR properties must provide adequate parking for guests. Guest vehicles must comply with city street parking regulations.

Key details: Off-Street Parking: Required per UDO. Street Parking: City rules apply. Guest Info: Operator provides. Downtown: Additional limits.

Parking tickets for violations. Repeated parking issues may affect STR permit status.

Permit Requirements

Columbia regulates short-term rentals through the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). STR operators must obtain permits and comply with zoning, safety, and registration requirements.

Key details: Regulation: UDO (2021). Permit: Required. Tax: Accommodations tax. Contact: Planning & Development.

Operating without permits is a code violation. Fines and cease-and-desist orders for non-compliant operations.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Columbia actively enforces its permit requirements requirements.

Taxes & Fees

Columbia requires STR operators to collect and remit South Carolina accommodations tax and local hospitality tax on all short-term stays.

Key details: SC Accommodations Tax: 2% state. Local Tax: Additional rate. Registration: SC DOR + city. Filing: Monthly/quarterly.

Back taxes plus penalties. State and local enforcement actions.

Compared to other cities, Columbia takes a harder line on taxes & fees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Noise Rules

STR guests must comply with Columbia's noise ordinance. Operators are responsible for ensuring guests observe quiet hours.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 11 PM–7 AM. House Rules: Should be posted. Complaints: Columbia PD. Permit Risk: Review possible.

Noise violations up to $500. Repeated complaints may affect STR permit status.

The Bottom Line

Columbia is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Columbia, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Columbia can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.