Simpsonville, SC Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- Hosted STRs
- Only as B&B inn
- Zoning standard
- Sec. 3.2.1 Bed & Breakfast
- Unhosted STRs
- Standard STR permit
- On-site host
- Not required for STR
- Rule section
- Sec. 10-291
Summary
Simpsonville draws a sharp line: "hosted" rentals where the owner stays on-site during the guest's stay are permitted only as a bed-and-breakfast inn where zoning allows. The standard STR permit is for "unhosted" rentals where the owner vacates.
"Hosted" short-term rentals where the homeowner resides at the property during the rental period shall only be permissible as a bed and breakfast inn, where permitted, and shall be subject to the standards in Section 3.2.1, Bed and Breakfast Inn, of the Simpsonville Zoning Ordinance.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 10-291 provides that "hosted" short-term rentals, where the homeowner resides at the property during the rental period, shall only be permissible as a bed-and-breakfast inn where permitted, subject to the Bed and Breakfast Inn standards in Section 3.2.1 of the Simpsonville Zoning Ordinance. So a host who wants to remain on-site cannot use the standard STR permit; they must qualify as a B&B under zoning. The STR article itself governs unhosted whole-property rentals. In place of an on-site host, the ordinance relies on a designated agent living within 15 miles (Sec. 10-297).
Violations & Fines
Running a hosted rental outside the B&B framework, or an unhosted STR without a permit, is a misdemeanor under Sec. 10-293 (penalty per Sec. 1-9).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in the home while guests rent a room?
Is a host required to be present at an STR?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Simpsonville
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