Columbia, South Carolina Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Executive Summary: STR Allowance Status

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Columbia, SC, but with significant restrictions and regulatory requirements. The City of Columbia has implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework for short-term rentals (STRs) that includes both permitting requirements and a current moratorium on new permits in residential districts. As of June 17, 2025, Columbia City Council established a 365-day moratorium on the issuance of any new Short-Term Rental permits within residentially zoned districts, affecting applications received after Monday, June 9, 2025. Current STR permits with expiration dates of June 30, 2025, may still renew prior to July 1, 2025, but are not transferable to new owners.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Columbia?

Columbia hosts earn a median $33,685/year with $168 ADR and 68% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $47,851+ per year.

See the full Columbia market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Columbia, SC

Step-by-Step Process

Pre-Application Assessment
- Verify your property zoning is not subject to the current moratorium
- Confirm your property meets all regulatory requirements
- Assess whether you qualify as owner-occupied or non-owner-occupied
Business License Acquisition (REQUIRED FIRST)
- Contact the Business License office at 803-545-3345
- Email: businesslicensemail@columbiasc.gov
- This must be obtained before applying for an STR permit
STR Permit Application
- Download and complete the STR application from Columbia PD website
- Submit via email to the provided address
- Pay applicable fees once approved
Payment and Permit Issuance
- Make online payment at: access.columbiasc.gov/selfservice
- Permit will be mailed upon payment confirmation

Key Eligibility Requirements

Responsible Local Representative: Must have residence or business office within 45 miles of the STR property
Ownership Structure: Owner or designated representative must be eligible for permit issuance
Zoning Compliance: Property must be in an approved zoning district

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Primary Permits and Licenses

Business License (MANDATORY FIRST STEP)
- Contact: 803-545-3345
- Email: businesslicensemail@columbiasc.gov
- Must be obtained prior to STR permit application
Short-Term Rental Permit
- Owner-occupied: $100 per year per unit + $50 application fee
- Non-owner-occupied: $250 per year per unit + $50 application fee
- Effective July 1st to June 30th annually
- Late renewal fee: $100 (after July 1st)

Required Documentation

Completed STR application and checklist
Business License proof
Property ownership documentation
Responsible local representative designation (if applicable)
Parking arrangement verification
Compliance with occupancy limits

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Current Moratorium (Effective June 2025)

365-Day Moratorium on New STR Permits in Residential Districts:

Effective Date: June 17, 2025 (Ordinance 2025-054)
Affected Zoning Districts:
- T/C: Transitional/Conservation District
- LL-R: Large Lot - Reserve District
- RSF-1: Residential Single Family - Large Lot District
- RSF-2: Residential Single Family - Medium Lot District
- RSF-3: Residential Single Family - Small Lot District
- RD: Residential Two-Family District
- RD-MV: Residential Two-Family - Mill Village District
- RM-1: Residential Mixed District
- RM-2: Residential Mixed District

Operating Requirements

Definition: Short-term rental means the use and enjoyment of a dwelling unit, or portion thereof, for a duration of less than 30 consecutive days in exchange for valuable consideration. Hotels, motels, bed and breakfast establishments, and inns are excluded.

Minimum Stay Requirements:

Property must not be available for occupancy for less than two nights (up from one night)

Occupancy Limits:

Maximum occupancy: Two people per bedroom (excluding children) plus two additional people
Total occupancy applies at any time of day, not just overnight stays

Parking Requirements:

Two parking spaces must be made available on the property for each dwelling unit
All parking must be off-street or on-site

Age Restrictions:

Guest making the booking must be at least 25 years of age (raised from 18)

Guest Screening Requirements:

Hosts must screen bookings for guests who live within 30 minutes of the property
Verification required to ensure legitimate overnight stay, not parties or events

Neighbor Notification:

Owners or representatives must notify adjacent homes that they are operating a short-term rental

Business License Requirements

Both the property owner and the person responsible for offering the unit must have a business license.

Permit Validity and Renewals

Permit Period: July 1st to June 30th each year
Renewal Deadline: Applications must be received on or prior to July 1st
Late Fee: $100 for renewals received after July 1st
Transferability: Current permits expiring June 30, 2025, are not transferable to new owners

Responsible Local Representative Requirements

Must have residence or business office within 45 miles of the STR property
Designated as agent responsible for operating the property in compliance with city ordinances
Authorized to accept service of process on behalf of the owner under South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure

Enforcement Powers

Police chief or designee has power to immediately revoke license for extreme infractions
Code Enforcement Division monitors compliance

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Primary STR Authority

Code Enforcement Division
ATTN: Audrey Lewis
920 Hemlock Drive
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 545-3430
Website: columbiapd.net/short-term-rentals/

Business License Authority

Business License Office
Phone: (803) 545-3345
Email: businesslicensemail@columbiasc.gov

Online Services

STR Application Submission: Via email to Code Enforcement
Payment Portal: access.columbiasc.gov/selfservice
Online Service Requests: columbiapd.net/service-requests/

State-Level Regulations (South Carolina)

Tax Requirements

South Carolina State Taxes for STRs:

Rentals less than 90 continuous days are subject to state sales tax, state accommodations tax, and local tax
Must register for retail license with South Carolina Department of Revenue (sc.gov/DOR)

Exemptions:

Property rented less than 15 days during taxable year
Six bedrooms or less in owner's primary residence (if not using marketplace platforms)

Marketplace Compliance:

Owners using only STR marketplaces (Airbnb, VRBO) may not need state registration
Still must file state lodging tax returns (may result in zero returns)

HOA Considerations

While South Carolina doesn't have statewide STR restrictions, Homeowners Associations can impose their own limitations:

Many HOAs restrict or prohibit short-term rentals
Restrictions should appear in association governing documents
Common limitations include rental caps, prerequisites for renting, and tenant responsibility requirements

Source Links and References

Columbia Police Department - Short-Term Rentals: columbiapd.net/short-term-rentals/
Ordinance 2023-037 (STR Regulation): columbiapd.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/O_2023_037_Amending_1998_Code_of_Ordinances_Chapter_5.pdf
Columbia Municipal Code - Short-Term Rentals: library.municode.com/sc/columbia/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH5BUBURE_ARTIXSHTERE
STR Application and Checklist: columbiapd.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/STR-checklist-application-5-30.pdf
STR Renewal Application: columbiapd.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/STR_Renewal_Application_2024_04_20.pdf
WLTX News - Columbia STR Ordinance Changes: www.wltx.com/article/news/local/columbia-sc-new-short-term-housing-rules/101-d31e44a4-e843-48c7-b12d-c3d0e711df9f
Airbnb Help - Columbia SC Regulations: www.airbnb.com/help/article/3606
South Carolina Department of Revenue: dor.sc.gov/

Important Note for Investors: The current moratorium significantly impacts new STR investments in residential areas. Existing permit holders may continue operations, but expansion opportunities are limited during the 365-day moratorium period. Consider monitoring city council meetings for updates on potential ordinance changes and moratorium expiration.

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Columbia, the capital of South Carolina and seat of Richland County, is a mid-sized city of roughly 135,000 residents that anchors the Midlands region of the state. Set along the fall line where the Broad and Saluda Rivers meet to form the Congaree, the city has a relaxed, college-town energy thanks to the University of South Carolina, paired with the steady pace of a working state capital. Visitors tend to arrive for Gamecock sporting events, government business, or as a launching point for exploring both the Lowcountry coast and the Blue Ridge foothills, and it sits roughly two hours southeast of Charlotte, North Carolina, and about two hours northwest of Charleston.

A short drive southeast of downtown, Congaree National Park protects one of the largest remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the United States. The park's elevated boardwalk loop, about 20 to 30 minutes from the city center, draws hikers, paddlers, and birdwatchers, and it offers a noticeably different landscape from the rest of the Midlands. Closer to the heart of Columbia, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden sits along the Saluda River and combines a sizeable animal collection with botanical gardens and zip-line attractions, making it a natural anchor for families staying in the area. Just northwest of the zoo, the South Carolina State Museum occupies a former textile mill on the Congaree River and showcases the state's natural history, art, and cultural heritage, including an extensive collection on Southern folk traditions.

About 20 minutes west of downtown, Lake Murray covers roughly 50,000 acres and provides boating, fishing, swimming, and waterfront dining in a setting of pine-covered shoreline. Closer in, the historic downtown districts of the Vista, Main Street, and Five Points offer locally owned restaurants, art galleries, and live music venues, while the South Carolina State House, an active seat of government, anchors the capitol grounds and remains open for guided tours. A short drive north, Fort Jackson is one of the U.S. Army's largest training installations and regularly draws families to the area for graduations and visits.

For short-term rental owners, Columbia offers a steady mix of demand drivers: university move-ins and graduations, Gamecock football weekends that fill hotels across the Midlands, military ceremonies at Fort Jackson, and a steady flow of travelers heading to Congaree National Park, Lake Murray, or the coast. Its central location between Charlotte, Charleston, and the mountains makes it a natural overnight stop, and the blend of historic neighborhoods, green space, and riverfront attractions gives guests a range of things to do in every season.