6 rules for unincorporated Dorchester County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
South Carolina sets no statewide STR permit. Unincorporated Dorchester County hosts need a county business license (Sec. 8-19); Summerville allows STRs only in four zoning districts and requires a lodging permit, business license, and inspection.
Dorchester County Code § 8-19
Every person engaged or intending to engage in any business, calling, occupation, profession, or activity engaged in with the object of gain, benefit, or advantage, in whole or in part within the limits of the County of Dorchester, South Carolina, is required to pay an annual license tax for the privilege of doing business and obtain a business license as herein provided.
STR guests follow the general noise ordinance, Sec. 28-2 in the unincorporated county and Summerville's Sec. 12-32 nuisance standard in town. Summerville can revoke an STR lodging permit after repeated guest-noise complaints.
Summerville Code § 12-32
Any noise and/or vibration of such character, intensity or duration which substantially interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of persons of ordinary sensibilities occupying, owning or controlling nearby properties, or persons making use of public properties for their intended purposes, is hereby declared to be unlawful and to be a nuisance, and is prohibited.
South Carolina imposes a 7% sales tax on transient accommodations under S.C. Code §12-36-920 (5% sales plus 2% state accommodations), on top of Dorchester County's 1% local accommodations tax and a business license.
S.C. Code § 12-36-920
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
No South Carolina or Dorchester County rule sets STR parking. Unincorporated rentals follow general zoning; Summerville requires no parking problems as a permit condition. HOA covenants are usually the tightest constraint.
Dorchester County limits the number of guests allowed in short-term rental properties. Occupancy caps are typically based on bedroom count or square footage to protect neighborhood quality of life.
Dorchester County may require hosts to carry liability insurance for short-term rental properties. Minimum coverage amounts vary by jurisdiction.
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