North Charleston Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in North Charleston,South Carolina?

In North Charleston, South Carolina, the regulations for short-term rentals, including those listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, are governed by specific ordinances and requirements. The City Council adopted an ordinance on May 26, 2022, which came into effect on January 1, 2023. This ordinance, known as "Ord 2023-022 Section 4-21 STR of the City of North Charleston Code of Appendix A, Zoning Regulations, to Modify Regulations for Short Term Rentals," defines a short-term rental as a dwelling unit intended to provide temporary sleeping for up to eight persons for a period not to exceed twenty-nine consecutive days per rental. It's important to note that short-term rental permits are only issued for legally established dwelling units, and recreational vehicles (RVs) are not eligible1.

To establish a short-term rental in North Charleston, certain conditions must be met, such as limiting the number of overnight guests, obtaining a separate short-term rental permit and a separate business license for each unit, and renewing the short-term rental permit annually by February 28, along with the associated business license by April 301.For any concerns or complaints regarding short-term rentals, individuals can contact the city's designated email at [email protected] or call 843-740-2818 for enforcement1.The regulations and ordinances governing short-term rentals in North Charleston are specific and include occupancy limits, permit renewal requirements, and enforcement procedures1.

It's essential to ensure compliance with these regulations when considering a short-term rental business in the area.For further information on short-term rental permit requirements and the related ordinances, individuals can refer to the official website of the City of North Charleston23. Additionally, it's advisable to stay updated on any changes in the regulations, as the information provided may be subject to updates due to the evolving nature of short-term rental regulations4.

In summary, individuals looking to engage in short-term rentals in North Charleston should carefully review the specific ordinances and requirements set forth by the City Council to ensure full compliance with the regulations. This includes obtaining the necessary permits, adhering to occupancy limits, and staying informed about any updates or changes to the existing regulations.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in North Charleston

To start a short-term rental (STR) business in North Charleston, it is essential to understand the city's regulations. The City Council adopted an ordinance regulating short-term rentals on May 26, 2022, with an effective date of January 1, 2023.

According to the ordinance, a "Short Term Rental" is defined as "a dwelling unit intended to provide temporary sleeping up to eight (8) persons (including children) maximum, for a period not to exceed twenty-nine (29) consecutive days per rental." It's important to note that short-term rental permits are only issued for legally established dwelling units, and recreational vehicles (RVs) are not eligible3.

To establish a short-term rental in North Charleston, the following steps must be followed:

• Meet the Following Conditions: Limit the number of overnight guests in the STR unit to no more than two persons per bedroom, up to eight (8) persons (including children) maximum, and post the maximum in the STR and include in advertising3.
• Apply For A STR Permit: Once the conditions are met, the next step is to apply for a Short Term Rental Permit3.
• Pass Inspection(s): The property must pass the necessary inspections to ensure it meets the required standards for short-term rentals3.
• Obtain a Business License: A separate business license is required for each STR unit3.
• Renewal of Permits and Licenses: It's important to note that a Short Term Rental Permit must be renewed annually by February 28, and the associated business license must be renewed by April 3035.

The city's regulations are aimed at providing a framework for the operation of short-term rentals while ensuring the well-being of the community. It's crucial to stay updated with the latest regulations and comply with the requirements to operate a successful short-term rental business in North Charleston.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in North Charleston

To establish a short-term rental (STR) in North Charleston, you must follow the city's licensing requirements. The City Council approved an ordinance regulating STRs on May 26, 2022, with an effective date of January 1, 2023. According to the ordinance, a "Short Term Rental" is defined as "a dwelling unit intended to provide temporary sleeping for up to eight (8) persons (including children) maximum, for a period not to exceed twenty-nine (29) consecutive days per rental." It's important to note that short-term rental permits are only issued for legally established dwelling units, and recreational vehicles (RVs) are not eligible1.

Licensing Process:

• Meet the Following Conditions: Limit the number of overnight guests in the STR unit to no more than two persons per bedroom, up to eight (8) persons (including children) maximum, and post the maximum occupancy in the STR and include it in advertising.
• Apply For A STR Permit: Submit an application for a short-term rental permit.
• Pass Inspection(s): Ensure the property passes all required inspections.
• Obtain a Separate STR Permit and Business License: A separate STR permit and a separate business license are required for each STR unit.
• Renewal: The Short Term Rental Permit must be renewed annually by February 28, and the associated business license must be renewed by April 301.

The city's regulations aim to provide a framework for the operation of short-term rentals while ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. By following these requirements, individuals can legally operate short-term rentals in North Charleston and contribute to the city's hospitality industry in a responsible manner.

Required Documents for North Charleston Short Term Rentals

To obtain a short-term rental (STR) permit in North Charleston, several documents are required to ensure compliance with the city's regulations. The application process typically involves submitting the following documents:

• Application Form: A completed application form provided by the Department of Planning, Preservation & Sustainability is usually required. This form captures essential details about the property and the intended use of the STR.
• Property Information: Documentation related to the property, such as proof of ownership or a lease agreement, may be necessary to verify the legal establishment of the dwelling unit.
• Floor Plan and Maximum Occupancy: A detailed floor plan of the property, including the number of bedrooms and the maximum occupancy, is often required. The maximum occupancy is typically limited to two persons per bedroom, up to a maximum of eight persons, as per the city's regulations4.
• Parking Plan: A parking plan demonstrating compliance with the city's parking requirements for short-term rentals, which may include the provision of a specified number of parking spaces based on the number of bedrooms or guests allowed3.
• Business License: A valid business license for the operation of the short-term rental unit is typically a mandatory document to complete the permit application process1.

It's important to note that the specific documentation requirements may vary, and it's advisable to consult the official resources provided by the city of North Charleston for the most accurate and up-to-date information2.

By ensuring the timely submission of the required documents, property owners can navigate the process of obtaining an STR permit in North Charleston in accordance with the city's regulations.

North Charleston Short Term Rental Taxes

In North Charleston, the tax implications for short-term rentals are determined by the duration of the rental period and the property's classification. For rentals lasting between 24 and 72 nights per year, there is a $250 application fee, and the property will be taxed at the residential tax rate of 4%1.

Additionally, the city differentiates between "full income short term rentals," where the primary motivation is income, and other types of rentals. The regulations for investment short-term rentals are typically more stringent, and permit eligibility requires thorough research1.The City of Charleston also imposes various taxes on short-term rentals, including the Accommodations Tax. This tax includes the Charleston County Accommodations Tax, which is 2.0% and remitted to Charleston County, and the City of Charleston Accommodations Tax, which is 2.0% and remitted to Charleston County.

In total, the taxes on accommodations amount to 12.0%4.It's important for short-term rental operators to be aware of these tax obligations and ensure compliance with the relevant regulations. The rules and tax requirements for short-term rentals can be complex, and property owners are ultimately responsible for collecting and remitting the applicable taxes, even if they engage a property manager4.By understanding and adhering to the tax regulations, short-term rental operators can ensure that they are in compliance with the law and avoid any potential issues related to tax liabilities.

North Charleston wide Short Term Rental Rules

North Charleston has implemented specific regulations to govern short-term rentals (STRs) within the city. The latest proposal, which is the third to be considered, sets the policy for short-term rentals. It allows for two guests per bedroom with a cap at eight guests, and one parking space for every two bedrooms, with a maximum of four spaces.

This policy aims to strike a balance and serve as a good framework for regulating the industry, which has been operating with little oversight in the state. The city's popular Park Circle community has been a focal point for many short-term rentals, leading to concerns from residents about issues such as large parties and parking constraints1.The ordinance, adopted by the City Council, defines a short-term rental as a dwelling unit intended to provide temporary sleeping for up to eight persons for a period not to exceed twenty-nine consecutive days per rental. It is important to note that short-term rental permits are only issued for legally established dwelling units, and recreational vehicles (RVs) are not eligible. The city requires a separate STR permit and a separate business license for each STR unit.

The short-term rental permit must be renewed annually by February 28, and the associated business license must be renewed by April 304.The regulations aim to address the concerns raised by the community and provide a structured approach to managing the impact of short-term rentals on residential areas. The city is seeking to establish control over an industry that has been operating without clear guidance, and the proposed policy is a step towards achieving this objective1.These rules reflect the city's efforts to balance the growing demand for short-term rentals with the need to preserve the quality of life in residential neighborhoods.

By setting clear guidelines on occupancy limits and parking requirements, North Charleston aims to ensure that short-term rentals coexist harmoniously with the local community.

Does North Charleston strictly enforce STR rules?” Is North Charleston Airbnb friendly?

North Charleston has been actively working on formulating and revising its short-term rental (STR) policies to address the growing industry. The city council adopted an ordinance regulating short-term rentals on May 26, 2022, with an effective date of January 1, 20234. The latest proposal allows for two guests per bedroom with a cap at eight guests and one parking space for every two bedrooms2.

The city is seeking to strike a balance and provide some control over an industry that has operated with little oversight2. The regulations aim to address concerns about large parties and other issues that have arisen in popular short-term rental areas like Park Circle2.The city's approach to short-term rentals reflects a concerted effort to manage the industry while acknowledging its presence and impact. While the regulations indicate a level of control, they also recognize the demand for short-term rentals and the need to balance the interests of the industry, the community, and the city2.

The city's active engagement in formulating and revising its policies demonstrates a commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the short-term rental market.In summary, North Charleston's approach to short-term rentals appears to be a work in progress, aiming to find a middle ground between regulation and accommodation of the industry. The city's efforts to create and revise its policies reflect a proactive stance in managing the impact of short-term rentals on the community.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in North Charleston

If you're thinking about starting a short-term rental business in North Charleston, it's important to understand the city's regulations. The city council adopted an ordinance regulating short-term rentals on May 26, 2022, with an effective date of January 1, 2023. A short-term rental is defined as a dwelling unit intended to provide temporary sleeping for up to eight persons for a period not to exceed twenty-nine consecutive days per rental. Short-term rental permits are only issued for legally established dwelling units, and recreational vehicles (RVs) are not eligible1.To start a short-term rental business in North Charleston, you must adhere to the city's regulations. Here are the steps to follow:

• Ensure the property meets the conditions and limitations for short-term rentals.
• Obtain a separate short-term rental permit and a separate business license for each STR unit.
• Renew the short-term rental permit annually by February 28 and the associated business license by April 30.

To establish a short-term rental in North Charleston, you must meet the following conditions:

• Limit the number of overnight guests in the STR unit to no more than two persons per bedroom, up to eight persons (including children) maximum, and post the maximum in the STR and include in advertising.
• Provide a minimum of one off-street or allocated parking space.
• Pass inspection(s).
• Obtain a short-term rental permit and a separate business license for each STR unit.
• Renew the short-term rental permit annually by February 28 and the associated business license by April 303.

If you have any concerns or complaints regarding short-term rentals, you can contact the city's designated email or phone number for enforcement1.To determine whether your home is eligible to be permitted as a short-term rental, you must answer three questions:

• Is the property a legally established dwelling unit?
• Is the property located in a zoning district that allows short-term rentals?
• Does the property meet the conditions and limitations for short-term rentals? 5.

Who to contact in North Charleston about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

To ensure compliance with short-term rental (STR) regulations and zoning in North Charleston, you can contact the city's Department of Planning, Preservation & Sustainability. They can provide detailed information on the specific requirements, application procedures, and any zoning considerations for STRs. You can reach them at the following:

• Phone: 843-740-2572
• Email: planning@northcharleston.org

For any concerns or complaints regarding short-term rentals, you can also contact the city's enforcement team at [email protected] or 843-740-28183.

What do Airbnb hosts in North Charleston on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Airbnb hosts in North Charleston have mixed opinions about the city's short-term rental regulations. Some hosts feel that the regulations are too strict and make it difficult to operate their businesses, while others believe that the regulations are necessary to protect the community and maintain the quality of life for residents.

According to a post on Bigger Pockets1, some hosts in North Charleston have reported that the city's regulations are more restrictive than other cities in the area. One host stated that "North Charleston is not Airbnb-friendly," while another host reported that they had to cancel their Airbnb listing due to the city's regulations.On Reddit2, some hosts have expressed frustration with the city's permit renewal process, which requires annual renewal of both the short-term rental permit and the associated business license.

One host stated that the renewal process was "a pain," while another host reported that they had to pay a $500 fine for failing to renew their permit on time.Despite the regulations, some hosts continue to operate their businesses in North Charleston. On Bigger Pockets1, one host reported that they had been operating their Airbnb listing for over a year without any issues from the city. Another host stated that they had been able to successfully navigate the city's regulations and operate their business.

Overall, it appears that the city of North Charleston has taken a cautious approach to short-term rentals, with regulations that are more restrictive than other cities in the area. While some hosts have reported difficulties operating their businesses under these regulations, others have been able to successfully navigate the process and continue to operate their listings.