Short-Term Rentals in Charleston County, SC (2026)

Charleston County ZLDR Chapter 6, Article 6.8

All Short-Term Rental Properties require a Zoning Permit and Business License. The full regulations for Short-Term Rental Properties can be found in Chapter 6, Article 6.8 of the Charleston County Zoning and Land Development Regulations Ordinance (ZLDR).

SC Code 12-36-920(A)

A sales tax equal to seven percent is imposed on the gross proceeds derived from the rental or charges for any rooms, campground spaces, lodgings, or sleeping accommodations furnished to transients.

Charleston County ZLDR Art. 6.8 STR Zoning Permit Application

Number and location of Parking Spaces Provided Onsite (required parking is 1 space per permitted bedroom plus the required parking for the applicable use).

Charleston County ZLDR Art. 6.8 STR Zoning Permit Application

Note: Using five (5) or more bedrooms for Short-Term Rental purposes may trigger additional building code requirements. Please contact the Building Inspections Department for guidance.

Charleston County ZLDR Art. 6.8 STR Zoning Permit Application

The property owner is responsible for contacting the Charleston County Building Services Department... to ensure the Short-Term Rental Property complies with all Charleston County Building Code requirements. This will include applying for and receiving a Building Safety Permit.

Charleston County ZLDR Article 6.8 (Limited Home Rental)

A Limited Home Rental is a property with an owner-occupied residential dwelling... not to exceed 72 days in the aggregate during any calendar Year, with individual rental terms not exceeding 29 consecutive days.

Charleston County ZLDR Article 6.8 (STR brochure)

Unless renewed, the Zoning Permit for the Short-Term Rental Property use will terminate on April 1st of each year, regardless of whether or not the applicant receives notice from the Zoning and Planning Department.

Charleston County ZLDR Art. 6.8 STR Zoning Permit Application

Is the Short-Term Rental Property going to be managed by a local property management company? YES NO. If yes, please provide their name & number.

Charleston County ZLDR Article 6.8 (Extended Home Rental)

An Extended Home Rental is a property with an owner-occupied or non owner-occupied residential dwelling, located in the S-3, R-4, M-8, M-12, or MHS Zoning Districts... for more than 72 days but not to exceed 144 days in the aggregate during any calendar year.