Richland County, SC Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Overnight cap
- 2 persons per bedroom, excl. minor children
- Extra allowance
- Plus 2 additional people per unit
- Overnight hours counted
- 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Minimum booker age
- 18 years old
- Minimum stay
- 1 night
- Penalty
- Infraction under § 1-8, per-day offense
Summary
Richland County caps overnight stays at a short-term rental at two people per bedroom, plus two more per unit, counting only between midnight and 7 a.m. Bookings must run at least one night and guests booking must be at least 18.
(k) The maximum overnight occupancy of a short-term rental shall not exceed two (2) persons, excluding minor children, per bedroom, as defined in the International Building Code, plus two (2) additional people per dwelling unit. ... Overnight occupancy. The occupancy of a premises between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. ... (g) The guest making the booking or reservation for a short-term rental shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age. ... (h) The short-term rental shall not be available for occupancy for a period of less than one (1) night. ... Sec. 16-83. Violations. (b) In addition to appropriate civil and equitable remedies for the enforcement of this article, an owner or responsible local representative who violates the provisions of this article is deemed guilty of an infraction. An infraction is subject to punishment under the general penalty provisions of Section 1-8 of this Code of Ordinances. Each day of violation is considered a separate offense.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-24: This supplement is current through Ordinance No. 033-25HR).
Full Breakdown
Section 16-82(k), adopted by Ord. No. ," so the cap is measured against who is on the property overnight rather than total daytime visitors. Two related booking rules tie into the occupancy limit: Section 16-82(g) requires the guest making the booking or reservation to be at least 18 years old, and Section 16-82(h) bars renting the property for less than one night. Section 16-82(l) makes the owner or responsible local representative responsible for confirming that anyone occupying the rental is actually listed on the booking or reservation, which is the mechanism the county uses to enforce the per-bedroom cap against unregistered overnight guests.
Because the definition excludes minor children from the bedroom count, a family with young children can occupy a bedroom without those children counting toward the two-person limit, while adult occupants and older minors are counted.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the overnight occupancy cap, renting to an under-18 booker, or booking a stay of less than one night violates Article VIII. Under Section 16-83(b), an owner or responsible local representative who violates any article requirement is guilty of an infraction punishable under the general penalty provisions of Section 1-8, with each day of violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can stay overnight at a Richland County short-term rental?
What counts as 'overnight' for the occupancy limit?
Can a teenager book a short-term rental in Richland County?
Is there a minimum length of stay?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richland County
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