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Charleston County, SC Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Limited Home Rental
Must be owner-occupied
Extended Home Rental
Owner or non-owner-occupied
AGR/AG-8 Extended
Affidavit of residency required
Blanket primary-residence rule
No county-wide rule
Application asks
Is property owner-occupied?

Summary

Charleston County does not impose a blanket primary-residence-only rule. A Limited Home Rental must be owner-occupied, but an Extended Home Rental may be owner-occupied or non-owner-occupied. The permit application asks whether the property is owner-occupied.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Charleston County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

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.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Article 6.8 splits STRs by owner-occupancy. A Limited Home Rental is defined as a property with an owner-occupied residential dwelling in listed residential/agricultural districts (RM, AG-15, AG-10, AG-8, AGR, RR-3, S-3, R-4, M-8, M-12, MHS), capped at 72 days a year. An Extended Home Rental may be owner-occupied or non owner-occupied, in S-3, R-4, M-8, M-12, or MHS districts, for more than 72 up to 144 days. For AGR/AG-8 Extended rentals, the owner must file an affidavit showing the property is their legal voting address or the address on their driver's license. So investors can operate an Extended Home Rental, but only through the stricter Special Exception path.

Violations & Fines

Renting an owner-occupied Limited Home Rental while not occupying it violates the permit definition and is enforced under Article 6.8.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run an STR on a property I don't live in?
Yes, as an Extended Home Rental (non-owner-occupied allowed) in eligible districts, but it requires a Special Exception and Site Plan Approval.
Does a Limited Home Rental require me to live there?
Yes. A Limited Home Rental is defined as an owner-occupied dwelling; non-owner-occupied properties must use the Extended path.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Charleston County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental PermitsSome RestrictionsHost Presence RuleSome RestrictionsTaxes & FeesSome RestrictionsOccupancy LimitsSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental Parking RulesSome RestrictionsInsurance RequirementsSome RestrictionsNight CapsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions

All Charleston County rules

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Primary-Residence-Only Rule in Cities Across Charleston County

Charleston, SCNorth Charleston, SC