How to get a short-term rental permit in Charleston, SC (2026)
Charleston requires Short Term Rental (STR) Operational Permit (Certificate of Operation), plus City of Charleston business license — the fee is $345, renewed annual. Here's how to get and keep it.
Permit at a glance
| Permit required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Permit name | Short Term Rental (STR) Operational Permit (Certificate of Operation), plus City of Charleston business license |
| Permit fee | $345 |
| Renewal | Annual |
Step by step
- 1
Confirm your property is eligible
Charleston restricts short-term rentals to your primary residence, so confirm the property qualifies before applying. Residential STR permits come in three location-based categories: Category 1 (Old and Historic District on the peninsula — building must be individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places), Category 2 (rest of the peninsula outside the STR Overlay Zone — principal building must be at least 50 years old), and Category 3 (all off-peninsula areas: West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, Cainhoy/Daniel Island). Only one STR unit per property; max 4 adults; off-street parking required (Cat 1/2: one space per rented bedroom in addition to spaces required for the residence; Cat 3: one space per bedroom exempting the first). Commercially zoned properties inside the Cannonborough-Elliotborough Short Term Rental Overlay Zone are instead eligible for a Commercial STR Permit or Bed & Breakfast Permit.
- 2
Apply for the Short Term Rental (STR) Operational Permit (Certificate of Operation), plus City of Charleston business license
Submit the Short Term Rental (STR) Operational Permit (Certificate of Operation), plus City of Charleston business license application to Charleston and pay the $345 fee. $345 zoning and application review fee effective Jan 1, 2024 (was $200 before 2024), collected at application. Additional fees at issuance: Fire review ($40 application fee + $32.61 plan review + $32.61 inspection) and business license ($64 base + $3.90 per additional $1,000 of expected income). Application requires notarized affidavit, site plan, floor plans, photos, driver's license, and proof of 4% legal-residence exemption; process includes 15-day public posting and 5-business-day appeal period.
- 3
Register for occupancy taxes
Register to collect and remit the applicable lodging/occupancy taxes for Charleston. Some are collected automatically by the booking platform and some you may need to remit yourself.
- 4
Renew on schedule
The permit renews annual — set a reminder so it never lapses, since operating on an expired permit typically triggers fines.
STR rules change without warning.
Get an email the moment Charleston changes its short-term rental rules — plus renewal reminders before your permit expires.
Watch Charleston for changes →Free monthly digest · same-day alerts from $5/mo · cancel anytime
Keep going
Verified July 10, 2026. Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Permit requirements and fees change; confirm current requirements with Charleston before applying.