Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in North Charleston, SC under a comprehensive regulatory framework adopted by City Council on May 26, 2022, with an effective date of January 1, 2023. However, the city has implemented strict permit limitations, operational requirements, and oversight mechanisms to manage STR activity. A "Short Term Rental" is legally defined as "a dwelling unit intended to provide temporary sleeping accommodations for no more than two persons per bedroom, up to eight (8) persons (including children) maximum, for a period not to exceed twenty-nine (29) consecutive days per rental."

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business

The city has established a five-step process for establishing a legally compliant STR:

Step 1: Meet Prerequisites

Before applying, ensure you can satisfy all of the following conditions:

• Limit overnight guests to no more than two persons per bedroom (maximum 8 persons total)
• Provide minimum one off-street parking space per two bedrooms rented (maximum 4 spaces total)
• Identify a local contact available 24/7 who can respond to the property within 30 minutes
• Obtain HOA/POA approval if applicable
• Be current on all required taxes
• Have no more than three (3) Notices of Violation for zoning, noise, or refuse ordinances in the previous one-year period
• Agree not to host events (weddings, parties, gatherings) on the property
• Restrict signage to only the city-issued STR decal and one square foot identifying sign

Step 2: Apply for STR Permit

Submit your application through the city's online portal at maps.northcharleston.org/CustomerPortal. You must create an account and upload comprehensive documentation.

Step 3: Pass Required Inspections

Building and fire inspections are mandatory and will examine fire protection, egress, electrical, and heating components.

Step 4: Obtain Business License

A business license will only be issued after preliminary approval of your STR permit application.

Step 5: Pay Fees and Receive Final Permit

The STR permit is issued only after preliminary approval, successful inspections, business license issuance, and payment of the $350 application fee.

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Documentation Required for Application:

1. Proof of ownership (tax bill, tax record, or deed)
2. HOA/POA approval (if applicable)
3. Contact information for local response contact
4. Site plan showing building location and parking spaces (Google Maps aerial with highlighted structure is acceptable)
5. Photographic evidence of:
   • Off-street parking spaces
   • Exterior of STR building
   • Guest entrance
   • Interior furnishing as intended for guests

Permits and Licenses Required:

• STR Permit (initial application: $350; renewal: $250)
• Business License (separate from STR permit, required for each STR unit)
• Building and Fire Inspections (mandatory for all new STRs)

Annual Renewal Requirements:

• STR Permit renewal deadline: February 28 annually
• Business License renewal deadline: April 30 annually
• Each STR unit requires its own separate permit and business license

Specific Regulations for North Charleston STRs

Permit Availability and Caps

• Council District Cap: Maximum 60 STR permits per Council district
• Owner-Occupied Exception: Room rentals in owner-occupied dwellings are exempt from the 60-permit cap
• Current Status: Districts 5, 8, and 10 have exceeded their 60-permit limits and are closed to new permits until numbers drop below 60
• Good Standing Exception: Existing STR units in good standing may be renewed annually even if district caps are exceeded

Operational Requirements

• Maximum Occupancy: Two persons per bedroom, maximum eight persons total (including children)
• Rental Duration: No rental may exceed 29 consecutive days
• Parking: Minimum one space per two bedrooms, maximum four spaces; street parking by guests prohibited
• Contact Requirement: Local contact must respond within 30 minutes
• Event Prohibition: No weddings, parties, or similar gatherings allowed
• Single Unit Per Parcel: Only one STR permitted per property parcel

Enforcement and Compliance

• Violation Tolerance: More than three zoning/noise/refuse violations in one year invalidates all STR permits
• Inspection Requirements: Buildings and fire safety must meet city standards
• Advertising Compliance: Must include permit number and maximum occupancy in all listings

Recent Regulatory Updates

An amendment establishing the 60-permit district cap was adopted February 27, 2025, following City Council approval after committee review. The city maintains a live dashboard showing permit availability by district.

State and County Context

While this guide focuses on North Charleston specifically, be aware that different regulatory frameworks may apply in adjacent municipalities. Charleston County unincorporated areas have different rules, and neighboring cities like Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and others maintain separate STR ordinances with varying restrictions.

Contact Information for North Charleston STR Administration

Primary Contact:

• Phone: 843-740-2818
• Email: strcomplaints@northcharleston.org

Physical Address: City of North Charleston 2500 City Hall Lane North Charleston, SC 29406

Online Services:

• Permit Applications: maps.northcharleston.org/CustomerPortal
• Permit Status/Dashboard: maps.northcharleston.org/portal/apps/dashboards/41649ed3a6ed45d0951d142dc35dd66b
• Main City Website: northcharleston.org

General City Information:

• Main Phone: 843-554-5700

Source Links

• North Charleston STR Permit Page: northcharleston.org/business/construction_and_development/permits/short_term_rentals_permit.php
• Online Permit Applications: maps.northcharleston.org/CustomerPortal
• STR Permit Dashboard: maps.northcharleston.org/portal/apps/dashboards/41649ed3a6ed45d0951d142dc35dd66b

Important Notes:

• Permits are only issued for legally established dwelling units (RVs not eligible)
• Any structural alterations require separate building permits
• ADUs cannot be used as STRs per recent zoning updates
• The city actively enforces STR regulations with penalties for non-compliant operations
• Application processing typically takes 1-3 weeks depending on volume

This regulatory environment requires careful compliance management but provides a structured pathway for legitimate STR operations within North Charleston's defined parameters.