Saint Helena Island, SC Short-Term Rental Investment Guide

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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Saint Helena Island, SC. However, they are subject to specific zoning requirements and regulatory approval processes. Saint Helena Island is located within unincorporated Beaufort County, SC, and operates under Beaufort County's short-term rental regulations rather than city-specific ordinances.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Saint Helena Island, SC

Step-by-Step Process

For Special Use Permits (Most Common Scenario):

1. Pre-Application Meeting: Contact Lisa Anderson at (843) 255-2171 or via email at lisaa@bcgov.net to schedule a required pre-application meeting
2. Staff Review Team (SRT) Conceptual Review: Submit a plot plan showing rental unit/house location and required parking, along with photos of the house, parking, and property access, plus the Fire Safety Standards Form
3. Zoning Board of Appeals Application: Apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals for Special Use Permit after satisfactory staff review
4. Zoning Permit Issuance: Upon ZBA approval, receive your Zoning Permit
5. Business License: Apply to the Business License Department for required licenses

For Permitted Use Permits (Limited Zoning Districts):

1. Zoning Administrator Meeting: Contact the Zoning Department at (843) 255-2170 to schedule a meeting
2. Application Submission: Provide all requirements listed in the Zoning Permit Application, including photos and Fire Safety Standards Form
3. Business License: Apply to the Business License Department after receiving Zoning Permit

Permitted Zoning Districts

Special Uses Allowed:

• T2 Rural
• T2 Rural Low
• T2 Rural Neighborhood
• T2 Rural Neighbor Open
• T2 Rural Center
• T3 Edge
• T3 Hamlet Neighborhood
• T3 Neighborhood
• T3 Neighborhood Open
• T4 Hamlet Center
• T4 Village Center
• T4 Hamlet Center Open
• T4 Neighborhood Center
• C3 Neighborhood Mixed Use

Permitted Uses Allowed:

• C4 Community Center Mixed Use
• C5 Regional Center Mixed Use

Prohibited Areas: Short-term rentals will not be permitted within the MCAS Airport Overlay District Clear, APZ-1, APZ-2, and Noise Zone 3.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Zoning Permits

• Special Use Permit: $300.00 Zoning Fee
• Permitted Use Permit: $200.00 Zoning Fee
• Application must include plot plan, photos, Fire Safety Standards Form, and property information

Business License Requirements

• Must be obtained after receiving Zoning Permit
• Required before advertising, offering, or providing STR properties for lodging
• Annual renewal required (April 1st each year)

Safety and Compliance Requirements

Fire Safety Checklist:

• Property address installed on exterior (minimum 3-inch numbers)
• Fire safety plan posted on each level and inside each bedroom
• Smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside bedrooms, and on every level
• Carbon monoxide alarms outside bedrooms on every level (if applicable)
• Portable fire extinguishers on every level (minimum 2A10BC size)
• Annual fire extinguisher servicing required
• Gas/heating appliances 36-inch clearance maintained

Property Information Required:

• Maximum number of bedrooms for STR use
• Number of on-site parking spaces (must comply with Article 5.5.40 Parking Space Requirements)
• Maximum number of guests
• Owner occupancy status

Advertising Requirements

• Must include County-issued Zoning Permit Number and Business License Number
• Signage advertising STRs is prohibited in residential zoning districts

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Operating Standards

• STR permits must be renewed annually on or before April 1st
• Annual renewal application required for zoning approval prior to business license renewal
• Tax assessments may change due to partial use as STR property
• Recording covenant affidavit required per South Carolina Code Section 6-29-1145

Zoning Restrictions

• One permit per property
• Only single-family dwellings, principal dwelling units, or accessory dwelling units allowed
• Must comply with all zoning district requirements
• Cannot violate any recorded covenants or restrictions

Operational Guidelines

• Annual business license renewal required
• Property must maintain compliance with fire safety standards
• Maximum occupancy limits must be enforced
• Parking requirements must be met on-site

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contacts

Beaufort County Planning & Zoning Department

• Address: Multi Government Center, 100 Ribaut Road, Post Office Drawer 1228, Beaufort, SC 29901-1228
• Phone: (843) 255-2170
• Contact Person: Lisa Anderson
• Phone: (843) 255-2171
• Email: lisaa@bcgov.net

Fire District Contacts (Required for Safety Compliance)

Ladys Island/St. Helena Fire District (Covers Saint Helena Island)

• Fire Marshal: John Norton
• Office: (843) 525-7692
• Email: norton@staff.lishfd.org

Other Fire Districts (For Reference)

• Sheldon Fire District: Assistant Chief Dale Glass - (843) 846-9221, chiefdglass403@yahoo.com
• Burton Fire District: Captain Daniel Byrne - (843) 255-8011 or (843) 255-8012, byrned@burtonfd.org
• Bluffton Township Fire District: Dan Wiltse - (843) 757-2800 or (843) 548-4353, wiltse@blufftonfd.com

Links to Source Pages

Primary Resources

• Beaufort County Short-Term Rental Procedures: www.beaufortcountysc.gov/zoning/documents/Short%20Term%20Rental%20Procedures.pdf
• City of Beaufort STR Information: www.cityofbeaufort.org/344/Short-Term-Rentals
• STRProfitMap South Carolina Regulations: www.strprofitmap.com/regulations/SC

Important Notes

• Saint Helena Island operates under Beaufort County regulations as an unincorporated area
• Always verify current regulations with local authorities before making investment decisions
• The provided procedures represent the official process as of the most recent updates

Additional Considerations

• Consider reviewing the Beaufort County Community Development Code Section 4.1.360 for complete STR zoning requirements
• Property tax implications should be discussed with local tax assessors
• HOA or neighborhood covenant restrictions should be reviewed before proceeding

Disclaimer: This guide is based on the provided content and reflects regulations as they were documented. Always verify current requirements with local authorities, as regulations may change.