Short-Term Rentals Ordinance, Taking Effect Tonight

Handsome Properties July 9, 2018

Tonight, July 9th at midnight, the Charleston Short Term Rental Ordinance will take effect. This ordinance will “establish clear Short-Term Rental eligibility guidelines within Charleston’s historic districts and provide the city with the tools necessary to enforce the ordinance.” A short-term rental, such as an Airbnb or similar service, provides a renter with a brief stay without supervision of a homeowner or host.

After July 10th, STR providers must fill out a Short-Term Rental application on the Charleston city website. Providers must meet certain building and zoning requirements and apply for a business license. All necessary information regarding the STR Application process can be found on the STR Application website. Contact the Office of Livability at (843) 724-3779 regarding complaints of non-compliance or email directly to STR staff at [email protected].

To Qualify for Short-term Renting Under the New Ordinance, the Property Must:

Serve as the owner's full-time primary residence, verified by receiving the Charleston county 4% tax exemption for owner-occupied property.
A host must be “generally available” for the duration of the guests stay and sleep overnight in the residence.
Meet zone-specific criteria based on property location in either Category 1 (Old and Historic District), Category 2 (outside existing STR overlay), Category 3 (non-peninsula area), or the short term rental overlay.
If you have a Category 1 home and would like information on how to add your home to the National Register of Historic Places, please use this resource.
Contain third parking space for STR use, in addition to adequate legal parking.

In Order to Begin Listing a Qualifying Residence, You Must:

Submit an STR Application online or at the Charleston Permit Center. Applications must include:
- Floor plans drawn to scale, detailing all rooms to be used by STR guests, and rooms used for sleeping.
- Site plans of the lot showing location of STR property and required off-street parking.
- Documents for proof of primary residence and 4% tax status, which include driver’s license, state ID, voter registration, or a letter from county auditor attesting to 4% tax status.
Obtain a business license:
- Must be renewed 1 year from issuance date.
- Obtain a Short-Term Rental permit, renewed annually at the beginning of each calendar year. Permit number must be included in any advertisement, online or print.