Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Pawleys Island, SC?

Based on the provided content, short-term rentals appear to be permitted in Pawleys Island, SC, though with important caveats and limited specific regulatory information available.

The town has not issued a permanent ban on short-term rentals. The only prohibition documented in the provided content was a temporary COVID-19 emergency ordinance passed on March 28, 2020, which prohibited short-term rentals from March 28 through May 14, 2020. This was explicitly an emergency measure during the pandemic and does not represent permanent STR policy.

Important Note: The provided content does not contain specific current STR regulations for Pawleys Island. Investors should verify current regulations directly with local authorities, as STR regulations can change frequently.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Pawleys Island

Based on South Carolina's general framework (as Pawleys Island-specific information is limited in the provided content):

Step 1: Business License

• Obtain a South Carolina business license from local authorities
• Business licenses are typically valid for one year
• Fees are calculated based on gross revenue from rental activities

Step 2: Tax Registration

• Register for tax collection and remittance at state, county, and city levels
• Apply for required tax identification numbers

Step 3: Zoning Compliance

• Verify that your property is located in an area where STRs are permitted
• Contact the Town of Pawleys Island Building Department for zoning verification
• Use the GIS mapping system provided by Georgetown County for parcel identification

Step 4: Property Preparation

• Ensure property meets safety requirements (smoke detectors, fire safety equipment)
• Obtain adequate insurance coverage for commercial STR operations
• Prepare site and floor plans for permit applications

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documents for South Carolina STR Operations:

• Driver's License (owner/operator identification)
• Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Proof of Ownership and/or residence documentation
• Site Plan (property layout and dimensions)
• Floor Plans (complete building layout)
• Insurance Documentation (comprehensive coverage for STR operations)
• Business License Application (local requirements)

Permit Requirements:

• Business License (mandatory for all STR operations)
• Short-Term Rental Permit (if required by local regulations - verification needed)
• Fire Safety Inspection (common requirement in SC jurisdictions)

Specific Regulations for Pawleys Island, Georgetown County, and South Carolina

Town of Pawleys Island:

• Temporary COVID-19 Prohibition: The only documented STR prohibition was an emergency ordinance passed March 28, 2020, extending through May 14, 2020
• No Current Permanent Ban: No evidence of permanent STR prohibitions in the provided content
• Limited Current Information: The provided content does not contain specific current STR regulations

Georgetown County (Pawleys Island falls within Georgetown County):

• County-Level Regulations: The provided content does not specify county-level STR regulations
• Tax Requirements: County accommodations taxes may apply (verification needed)

South Carolina State Requirements:

• Business License: Required for all commercial STR operations
• Tax Obligations: Multiple tax requirements including:
  • State Sales Tax: 5.0%
  • State Accommodations Tax: 2.0%
  • Local taxes vary by jurisdiction

State Definition:

• South Carolina defines short-term rentals as properties offered for less than 30 consecutive days
• Applies to single-family homes, dwelling units, condominiums, co-ops, timeshares, and individual rooms

General Operating Guidelines:

• Safety Compliance: Properties must have working fire safety devices
• Insurance Requirements: Comprehensive coverage recommended for commercial operations
• Zoning Compliance: STRs must operate in accordance with local zoning ordinances

Contact Information for Local STR Authorities

Primary Contact - Town of Pawleys Island:

Town Hall

• Address: 323 Myrtle Avenue, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
• Phone: 843-237-1698
• Fax: 843-237-7083
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Website: www.townofpawleysisland.com

Key Departments for STR Inquiries:

Building Department

• Contact through main town number: 843-237-1698
• Handles zoning verifications and building permits
• GIS mapping available through Georgetown County

Planning Commission

• Reviews zoning and development applications
• Meeting schedules available through town website

Town Council

• Makes final decisions on ordinance changes
• Contact information and meeting schedules available on town website

Municipal Court

• Handles violations and enforcement issues
• Contact through main town number

State and County Resources:

• South Carolina Department of Revenue (tax registration)
• Georgetown County (county-level regulations and permits)

Important Notes and Recommendations

Critical Due Diligence Required:

1. Verify Current Regulations: The provided content does not contain current STR regulations for Pawleys Island
2. Direct Contact: Contact the Town of Pawleys Island directly to confirm current requirements
3. Zoning Verification: Confirm STR permissions for specific properties before purchase
4. Professional Consultation: Consider hiring a local real estate attorney familiar with Pawleys Island regulations

Investment Considerations:

• Limited Information Available: The provided content suggests Pawleys Island has minimal published STR-specific regulations
• Potential Restrictions: Past temporary prohibition demonstrates regulatory flexibility
• Market Research: Limited market performance data provided for Pawleys Island specifically
• Professional Guidance: Engage local real estate professionals and legal counsel

Source Links

• Town of Pawleys Island - COVID-19 STR Prohibition Notice
• Town of Pawleys Island - STR Extension Notice
• South Carolina STR Laws Overview
• STR Profit Map - South Carolina Regulations
• Town of Pawleys Island - Ordinances and Codes
• Georgetown County GIS Mapping

Disclaimer: This guide is based solely on the provided content and may not reflect the most current regulations. Investors should verify all information with local authorities before making investment decisions.