Short-term rentals are allowed in Clemson, South Carolina, but they are heavily regulated. Clemson has a dedicated "Short Term Residential Rental" ordinance, and properties must be registered and inspected annually. A key restriction is that a property may be rented for a total of only 25 days per calendar year. Additionally, properties must meet the maximum occupancy standards of the zoning district in which they are located.

To begin operating a short-term rental in Clemson, you must:

1. Schedule an appointment with the Planning & Development department to create a rental record.
2. Schedule and pass an annual inspection of the property.
3. Pay a permitting fee of $125, at which point the permit is issued.
4. Complete and submit the Short Term Rental Registration Form.

The primary documents, permits, and guidelines required are:

• Short Term Rental Registration Form (PDF): This form is mandatory and collects the property and owner/manager information. It also requires the owner to acknowledge that they will abide by the Short Term Rental Housing Ordinance.
• Rental Housing Program Permit Application (PDF): This is the standard application for all rental properties in Clemson.
• Short Term Rental Guest Log (PDF): This log must be maintained and kept for each rental period.
• Inspection Checklist: A list of items to be checked during the annual inspection, including specific requirements for non-compliant windows.
• Code of Ordinances: The legal framework for the regulations, including the full text of the Short Term Rental Ordinance (Chapter 13, Article IV) and the rental housing requirements.

Specific city regulations for short-term rentals in Clemson include:

• Annual Registration and Inspection: Both are required every calendar year from April 15 to April 14.
• Day Limitation: Properties may be rented for a total of 25 days per calendar year.
• Signage: A city-provided sign must be posted at the property while it is being rented.
• Occupancy Limits:
  • Owner-Occupied Properties: Maximum of 2 people per bedroom, plus 2 additional people, for a total of 10 people.
  • Non-Owner-Occupied Properties: Must adhere to the zoning district's occupancy limit, which in most neighborhoods in Clemson is 2 unrelated people.
• Parking: All guest parking must be on private property and on improved surfaces.
• Violations: The first litter, noise, parking, or nuisance violation in a calendar year will result in a warning and possible fines. The second violation will trigger a revocation hearing before City Council to determine if the property can continue participating in the short-term rental program. Any occupancy violation will also result in a revocation hearing.

For state-level regulations, the state imposes the South Carolina Accommodations Tax, which must be collected from guests and remitted. Additionally, Clemson is located in Pickens County, which has a Local Accommodations Fee that applies to short-term rentals. This fee must be registered for and remitted to the county.

The primary contact for short-term rental regulations in Clemson is the Planning & Development department.

• Planning & Development Department
  • Physical Address: 1250 Tiger Boulevard, Suite 4, Clemson, SC 29631
  • Phone: (864) 653-2050
• Specific Contacts:
  • Hunnicutt Lindsay - Code Enforcement Officer: Email Hunnicutt
  • Jacob Peabody - Zoning and Codes Administrator: Email Jacob
  • Rebekah Wilbanks - Office Manager: Email Rebekah

Links to Source Pages

• City of Clemson - Rental Housing
• Code of Ordinances - Sec. 13-79. Requirements.
• Short Term Rental Registration Form (PDF)
• Pickens County - Short-Term Rentals