Overview

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Summerville, SC. The Town of Summerville adopted comprehensive regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) in February 2020, allowing residents to operate STRs within specific zoning districts and under strict operational requirements. STRs are defined as "the leasing or rental of an entire or extra dwelling unit by a permanent resident typically using a hosting platform in increments of less than one month."

The town recognizes STRs as legitimate business activities while implementing measures to ensure neighborhood compatibility and safety standards. Investors can operate legally within Summerville, but must comply with owner-occupancy requirements, business licensing, safety inspections, and specific zoning provisions.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Summerville

Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance

First, confirm that your property is located in an approved zoning district:

Permitted Uses (No Special Approval Needed):

• D-MX (Downtown Mixed-Use)
• UC-MX (Urban Corridor Mixed-Use)
• N-B (Neighborhood Business)
• G-B (General Business)

Conditional Uses (Special Approval Required):

• N-R (Neighborhood Residential)
• N-MX (Neighborhood Mixed-Use)
• GR-2 (General Residential-2)
• GR-3 (General Residential-3) - Requires Special Exception
• GR-5 (General Residential-5) - Requires Special Exception
• MF-R (Multi-Family Residential)
• MH-R (Manufactured Home Residential)

Step 2: Complete Application Process

Apply through the Town's online Citizenserve portal accessible at www.summervillesc.gov. For properties requiring conditional use permits or special exceptions (particularly GR-3 and GR-5 zones), submit applications through the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Step 3: Obtain Required Documentation

Before operating, secure a business license and complete the mandatory safety inspection process.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Requirements:

Business License:

• Required for all permanent residents operating STRs
• Must be maintained valid throughout operation
• Available through Citizenserve portal

Safety Inspection:

• Initial inspection conducted by the Town
• Additional compliance inspections may be performed with 24-hour notice
• Conducted by Town inspectors

Insurance:

• Valid liability insurance required
• Coverage must extend to owner, property management company, or other operating entity
• Required for each STR unit being licensed

Conditional Use Permits and Special Exceptions:

• Conditional Use Permits: Required for N-R, N-MX, GR-2, MF-R, and MH-R zoning districts
• Special Exceptions: Required for GR-3 and GR-5 zoning districts (requires Board of Zoning Appeals approval)

Documentation and Recordkeeping:

• Maintain records for two years demonstrating compliance
• Include primary residency documentation
• Track number of days occupied annually
• Track number of days rented as STR annually
• Document insurance compliance
• Records must be available to Town upon request

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Summerville

Owner-Occupancy Requirements (Mandatory):

• Ownership: STR must be owned and operated by at least 50% of record owner(s)
• Residency: Owner(s) must use property as legal voting address, SC driver's license address, SC identification card address, and 4% homeowners assessment ratio address
• Occupancy Period: Must reside on property at least 183 days each year
• Presence: Must be on-site anytime guests are registered

Business Entity Compliance:

• For LLCs, corporations, or other business entities, at least 50% ownership must be held by qualifying resident(s)
• Same restrictions and qualifications apply as for individual owners

Operational Standards:

Neighborhood Compatibility:

• Use must create no disturbing or offensive noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odor, heat, glare, unhealthy or unsightly conditions
• No traffic or parking problems
• Must maintain peaceful enjoyment by neighbors

Property Maintenance:

• Properties must maintain reasonable standards for cleanliness and upkeep
• Exterior appearance must remain residential in nature

Online Advertisement Recognition:

• Any online advertisement by owner or permanent resident constitutes sufficient determination that unit is offered as STR

Safety and Inspection Protocols:

• Initial safety inspection required before operation
• Town may conduct additional compliance inspections as deemed necessary
• 24-hour notice provided for non-initial inspections
• Properties must meet all applicable building and fire codes

Contact Information for Local Authority

Town of Summerville Planning Department

• Phone: (843) 851-4214
• Address: Town of Summerville, 200 South Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483
• Main Phone: (843) 871-6000
• Website: www.summervillesc.gov

Citizenserve Portal: Available through www.summervillesc.gov for online applications and permit submissions

Board of Zoning Appeals: For special exception applications required in GR-3 and GR-5 zoning districts

Sources and Links

Primary Source - Town of Summerville Press Release:

• summervillesc.gov/CivicAlerts.asp?AID=29

Unified Development Ordinance (UDO):

• www.summervillesc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2418/Summerville-UDO-Final-Draft-PDF

Town of Summerville Official Website:

• www.summervillesc.gov

Citizenserve Online Portal:

• Accessible through www.summervillesc.gov

Important Notes:

• Regulations were adopted February 10, 2020, with Town Council approval on October 10, 2019
• Additional state-level taxes may apply (SC state sales tax of 6% and local accommodation taxes)
• Investors should verify current regulations as they may be subject to future amendments
• Properties in GR-3 and GR-5 zones require special exception approval from Board of Zoning Appeals
• All STR operations must comply with SC Department of Revenue requirements for tax collection and remittance