No pending change foundLast verified 2026-10-25

Sullivan's Island short-term rental rules

New vacation rentals are prohibited; only rentals lawfully operating before Nov 21, 2000 may continue.

Not legal advice. This is a plain-language summary of public sources, last checked 2026-10-25. Rules change, and some items are pending. Always verify with the municipality or county before you buy, list, or renew. Each fact links to its official source.

The rules at a glance

TopicWhat the official sources say
Allowed and whereProhibited, except nonconforming vacation rentals lawfully used during the 12 months before Nov 21, 2000.
Permit or licenseFor grandfathered rentals: annual Certificate of Zoning Compliance plus a Vacation Rental Business License. The certificate is lost if the building is enlarged or razed.
Feesunknown (business license class rate not confirmed). Late penalty 5% per month.
Caps or wait listEffectively closed: no new vacation rentals.
Owner-occupancyGrandfathered property must be assessed at the 6% (non-owner-occupied) rate.
Occupancy limitunknown
Post your limits where guests see them. Host Printables include fillable house rules and Wi-Fi signs. Take a look
Parkingunknown
Taxes on staysTown accommodations 1% plus Charleston County accommodations 2% (Charleston County), plus SCDOR sales 5%, state accommodations 2% and state-collected local sales taxes.
Registration and renewalBusiness license year May 1 to Apr 30.
Gross receipts for license and tax filings. The Host Income and Expense Tracker totals them by month. Take a look
Recent changes (dated)Nov 21, 2000: grandfathering cutoff date. No 2025 or 2026 change confirmed.

Estimate the lodging tax on a booking in Sullivan's Island with the free Keel & Charter calculator.

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Host templates from Keel & Charter

Simple spreadsheets and printables for running a rental. Instant download.

Host Bundle

Income tracker, turnover schedule, house rules and Wi-Fi signs in one download.

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Airbnb Host Income and Expense Tracker

Occupancy, ADR, net income by month and a Schedule E summary. Handy for the gross receipts your license renewal asks for.

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STR Cleaning and Turnover Schedule

Turnaround windows, cleaner status and pay, and a supplies reorder list.

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Host Printables

Fillable house rules and Wi-Fi signs. Post your occupancy, parking and quiet hours where guests will see them.

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