Occupancy Limits: Charleston vs North Charleston
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Charleston, SC and North Charleston, SC?
North Charleston has fewer restrictions than Charleston.
Charleston, SC
Charleston County
Charleston Ord. 2018-141 caps short-term-rental occupancy at two adults per bedroom plus two additional persons, with a hard ceiling tied to the certificate of occupancy regardless of dwelling size or layout.
View full Charleston rules →North Charleston, SC
Charleston County
North Charleston caps short-term rental occupancy at two persons per bedroom up to a maximum of eight persons (including children), with stays limited to twenty-nine consecutive days, under Section 4-21 of Appendix A (Zoning Regulations) of the Code of Ordinances.
View full North Charleston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Charleston | North Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | 2 per bedroom + 2 | - |
| Children | Under 12 exempt | - |
| Ordinance | Ord. 2018-141 | - |
| Enforced by | Livability & Tourism | - |
| Code | - | Sec. 4-21, App. A (Ord. 2023-022) |
| Cap | - | 2/bedroom, 8 persons max |
| Max Stay | - | 29 consecutive days |
| Effective | - | Jan 1, 2023 |
| District Cap | - | 60 STR permits/district |
| Posting | - | Required inside unit + ads |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Charleston FAQ
Do infants count toward occupancy?
No. Charleston's STR rules exclude children under twelve from headcount, but the figure must still respect the building's certificate-of-occupancy load.
Can I host a wedding at my STR?
No. Special events, weddings, and receptions exceeding posted overnight occupancy are prohibited and trigger automatic permit review.
North Charleston FAQ
What is the maximum occupancy of a short-term rental in North Charleston SC?
Two persons per bedroom, up to a maximum of eight persons (including children), under Section 4-21 of Appendix A of the city Code.
How long can a short-term rental stay last in North Charleston?
No more than twenty-nine consecutive days per rental, by definition in the STR ordinance.
Are children counted toward the occupancy limit?
Yes. The eight-person ceiling expressly includes children, unlike some neighboring cities where children are excluded from the per-bedroom count.
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