Simpsonville, SC Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary-residence rule
- No, not required
- STR type covered
- Unhosted (owner vacates)
- Local presence
- Agent within 15 miles
- Owner-occupied stays
- Only as B&B inn
- Rule section
- Sec. 10-291, 10-297
Summary
No. Simpsonville does not require an STR to be the owner's primary residence. The ordinance is written for "unhosted" rentals where the owner vacates the property, so non-owner-occupied whole-home rentals are the norm, subject to permitting.
These standards shall apply to "unhosted" short-term rentals where the homeowner vacates the property during the rental period.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 10-291 states the standards apply to "unhosted" short-term rentals where the homeowner vacates the property during the rental period. There is no primary-residence or owner-occupancy mandate for a standard STR permit. Instead of requiring the owner to live on-site, the ordinance requires a designated STR agent who lives within a 15-mile radius (Sec. 10-297). Owner-occupied "hosted" stays are treated differently and are allowed only as a bed-and-breakfast inn where zoning permits, under the zoning ordinance's Bed and Breakfast Inn standards.
Violations & Fines
Not applicable as a stand-alone violation; standard STR operation without a permit is a misdemeanor under Sec. 10-293/1-9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must I live in the home to run an STR in Simpsonville?
Can I rent out a second home or investment property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Simpsonville
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