Category 1 short-term rentals in Charleston's residential zones require the owner to use the property as a primary residence and remain physically present during guest stays, with strict documentation reviewed annually.
Charleston's STR ordinance defines four categories. Category 1 (residential zones, including the Old and Historic District outside commercial overlays) explicitly requires the operator to be the homeowner, occupy the dwelling as a primary residence, and be onsite while guests are present. Applicants prove primary residency using SC driver's license, voter registration, vehicle registration, and prior-year tax returns showing the homestead exemption. Category 1 permits are non-transferable; sale of the home extinguishes the permit, and renting while the owner is traveling abroad violates the host-presence requirement.
Investigators issue citations up to $1,087 per night for absent-host operation, plus permit revocation and one-year ban on re-application at the address.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Charleston, SC
Charleston does not regulate residential lawn ornaments such as statues, garden gnomes, flamingos, religious displays, or holiday figures on private property...
Charleston, SC
Charleston's sign provisions in the Zoning Ordinance (Title 54) prohibit commercial inflatable advertising devices, balloons, and similar wind-driven attenti...
Charleston, SC
Charleston does not impose general municipal time limits on residential holiday lights, and the Zoning Ordinance sign provisions exempt non-commercial reside...
Charleston, SC
Outdoor kitchens with permanent gas lines, water/sewer connections, electrical wiring, or roofed structures require permits in Charleston. A covered or walle...
Charleston, SC
Charcoal, wood, and pellet smokers are treated as open-flame cooking devices under the 2021 IFC adopted by South Carolina. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits thei...
Charleston, SC
Charleston follows the 2021 International Fire Code as adopted by the South Carolina Building Codes Council. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking...
See how Charleston's host presence rule rules stack up against other locations.
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