Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Georgetown, SC?

Yes—short-term rentals are allowed in the City of Georgetown. The City explicitly defines “Short-Term Vacation Rentals” (STVRs) as accommodations that provide lodging to transient guests for fewer than 30 days and requires operators to obtain a Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit and a City Business License to operate. Group living arrangements, hotels, and motels are expressly excluded from this definition. The City’s zoning and permitting framework now explicitly permits STVRs subject to the standards and approvals detailed below. This represents a shift from the pre-2023 ordinance, which prohibited business activity in residential zones and lacked specific STVR rules; city leaders have since moved to adopt regulations that balance neighborhood concerns with the economic benefits of short-term rentals.

• Key regulatory references:
  • City short-term rental permit information and process (www.georgetownsc.gov/how_do_i_/apply_for/short_term_rental_permits.php)
  • Short-Term Vacation Rental Application (Feb 2025) (www.georgetownsc.gov/Planning%20&%20Community%20Development/Applications/Short%20Term%20Vacation%20Rental%20Application%20Feb%202025.pdf)
  • City ordinance updates and public discussion (www.wmbfnews.com/2023/08/18/city-georgetown-update-short-term-rental-regulations/)
  • City Council consideration of caps and permitting (coastalobserver.com/city-considers-cap-on-short-term-rentals/)

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Georgetown

The City has a sequenced, multi-agency approval process for STVRs. Investors should plan for zoning and land-use determination, permit application and review, business licensing, inspections, and ongoing tax compliance.

1. Pre-application diligence

   • Confirm the property’s zoning district and whether STVR is a permitted use at that location. The Zoning Administrator must approve the STVR certificate as a prerequisite to business license issuance.
   • Review the City’s STVR definition, occupancy rules, parking standards, and notification requirements to ensure feasibility.

2. Submit STVR Application (planning and community development)

   • Complete the Short-Term Vacation Rental Application (Feb 2025) and gather all required documents and fees. The STVR certificate is required before the City issues or renews a business license for the property.
   • Simultaneously submit the City of Georgetown Business License Application for the property owner (and the rental agent, if applicable).
   • Submit A/H Tax registration (local accommodations tax and hospitality tax) forms to enable lodging tax collection/remittance.

3. Review and approvals

   • The Planning & Community Development Department processes the STVR application and issues a determination.
   • The Zoning Administrator approves or denies the Business License application.
   • If zoning approval is granted, schedule and pass STVR inspections by the City’s Building Department and Fire Department.

4. Business license issuance

   • Upon satisfactory inspection results, the City issues the Business License, which serves as the STVR permit (it lists the zoning subtype “short term rental”). No separate physical STVR permit is issued.

5. Operational readiness

   • Finalize your exemplar rental agreement, publish guest rules consistent with City ordinances (noise, trash/recycling, parking, etc.), and establish agent response protocols for on-site issues.
   • Operationalize local tax filings and insurance coverage.

• Source steps and sequencing: (www.georgetownsc.gov/how_do_i_/apply_for/short_term_rental_permits.php)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

A complete and compliant application reduces processing delays and helps avoid costly rework or denial.

Core permits and licensing

• Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Certificate (via STVR application) and annual renewals.
• City of Georgetown Business License (owner and rental agent must each obtain their own separate licenses).
• A/H Tax registration (local accommodations tax and hospitality tax).

New STVR application requirements (non-exhaustive)

• STVR Application (complete pages 1–8 as indicated; required for each dwelling unit).
• Proof of property ownership (e.g., HUD/Settlement Statement if Warranty Deed is unavailable).
• Proof of insurance indicating the property is used as a short-term rental.
• Exemplar rental agreement (sample provided in application or a customized version consistent with City standards).
• Adjacent neighbors notification documentation (see specific rules below).
• Non-refundable initial fee:
  • $500 for non-owner-occupied
  • $250 for owner-occupied or accessory dwelling unit
• If applying as owner-occupied:
  • Proof of valid homestead exemption, or
  • Sworn Affidavit (form included) establishing primary residence/domicile, with two of the following:
    • SC Driver’s License or SC ID
    • Vehicle registration in the applicant’s name
    • Georgetown County Voter Registration Card
    • Prior year W-2 or IRS Tax Return

Renewal application requirements

• STVR Application (pages 1, 2, 3, 5, 6), plus:
  • STVR Certificate number
  • Address and STVR Business Location Information (page 4)
  • Copy of an active (non-expired) City Business License
  • Proof of insurance for short-term rental use
  • Non-refundable annual renewal fee ($250 for all STVR property types)
  • If rental agent changed:
    • New written exemplar agreement
    • Updated adjacent neighbor notification (required within five business days of the agent change)

Operational documents and rules

• Exemplar rental agreement that informs guests of quiet hours (11 pm–7 am), parking limits, trash/recycling procedures, pet waste rules, and neighborhood standards.
• Rental Agent Written Certification documenting the agent’s duties (see responsibilities below).

Fees and cycles

• Application cycle: May 1–April 30 (annual). Fees are not prorated. Submit renewals at least 30 days before expiration to avoid lapse.

• Multiple properties: a separate STVR application and fee are required per dwelling unit.

• Source requirements and forms: (www.georgetownsc.gov/Planning%20&%20Community%20Development/Applications/Short%20Term%20Vacation%20Rental%20Application%20Feb%202025.pdf); Business License application (cms7files.revize.com/georgetownsc/Document%20Center/Forms/Standardized%20Business%20License%20Application.pdf); A/H Tax forms and info (www.georgetownsc.gov/City%20of%20Georgetown%20Local%20ATAX%20HTAX%20Fillable%20Form.pdf; www.georgetownsc.gov/how_do_i_/apply_for/short_term_rental_permits.php; www.georgetownsc.gov/governmental_services/boards___commissions/a-tax_h-tax_committee.php)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals (City, County, and State)

City of Georgetown

• Definition and scope

  • Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVR) are lodging accommodations for transient guests staying fewer than 30 days. Group living, hotels, and motels are excluded.

• Zoning and approvals

  • STVRs must be approved by the Zoning Administrator before a business license is issued.
  • The STVR certificate is a prerequisite to business license issuance/renewal. Both the owner and the rental agent must hold separate City Business Licenses.
  • A building inspection, site plan, and/or Board of Zoning Appeals application may be required depending on the property and any proposed changes.

• Occupancy limits and property thresholds

  • Maximum 6 bedrooms per parcel.
  • Occupancy:
    • 1–2 bedrooms: maximum occupancy of 4 guests
    • 3+ bedrooms: maximum occupancy = 2 x number of bedrooms
  • Property classification:
    • 6–14 bedrooms considered operating an inn
    • 15+ bedrooms considered operating a hotel
  • 4+ bedrooms require a parking plan (diagram/snapshot of spaces).

• Parking

  • Guests must park only in designated spaces. A documented parking plan is required for 4+ bedrooms. Properties with fewer than four bedrooms must still meet the City’s off-street parking standards.

• Noise and conduct

  • Quiet hours are 11 pm–7 am. Public intoxication, littering, and disorderly conduct are prohibited. Violations can result in fines or eviction without refund.

• Waste and recycling

  • Guests must use City collection carts specific to the property. Trash bags and recycling may not be left outside carts, on porches, or in alleys. Pet waste must be cleaned up immediately. Litter laws are strictly enforced.

• Adjacent neighbor notification

  • Notify adjacent neighbors to the left and/or right before issuance of the initial STVR certificate. The notice must include:
    • STVR street address
    • Location of on-site parking for occupants
    • Maximum occupancy (using the City’s formula)
    • A copy of the exemplar rental agreement
    • Property owner and rental agent contact information (if owner acts as agent, owner contact information is provided)
  • Notification must be delivered either in person (with signed acknowledgment) or by certified mail, return receipt requested (copies of the letter and certified mail receipts are required).

• Rental agent responsibilities

  • Agents must be reasonably available and able to appear on site within two hours after City notification regarding issues such as noise, disturbances, overcrowding, or violations of the City Code.
  • Agents must receive service of notices of violation and monitor the unit for compliance with Article IV, Section 441 (Short-Term Vacation Rentals).
  • Failure to timely respond to two or more complaints may be grounds for penalties.

• Operations and compliance

  • Construction, alterations, signage, mechanical, plumbing, or electrical work require permits prior to commencement.
  • The City may verify all application information; approvals based on false information are null and void and subject to penalties.
  • The City issues no separate physical permit; the Business License lists the zoning subtype “short term rental” and serves as proof of authorization.

• Permits, renewals, and fees

  • Initial fees: $500 (non-owner-occupied), $250 (owner-occupied or accessory dwelling unit).
  • Annual renewal fee: $250 (not prorated; renewal cycle May 1–April 30).
  • The Business License and STVR certificate expire concurrently on April 30 each year.

• Cap consideration

  • City Council has discussed a cap on the number of STVR permits (proposals include a cap of 250). Council members have also suggested starting lower (e.g., 120) and adjusting later. No final cap has been confirmed in the sources provided, but operators should anticipate the potential for a cap and monitor City Council actions.

• Sources (City): (www.georgetownsc.gov/how_do_i_/apply_for/short_term_rental_permits.php); (www.georgetownsc.gov/Planning%20&%20Community%20Development/Applications/Short%20Term%20Vacation%20Rental%20Application%20Feb%202025.pdf); (coastalobserver.com/city-considers-cap-on-short-term-rentals/); (www.wmbfnews.com/2023/08/18/city-georgetown-update-short-term-rental-regulations/)

Georgetown County and State of South Carolina

• County-level STR regulations (Georgetown County): The City of Georgetown is the only jurisdiction within Georgetown County for which detailed STR rules are provided here. County-wide or unincorporated rules were not included in the sources provided. Check with Georgetown County for any separate county-level requirements if the property is outside the City limits.

• South Carolina state-level considerations

  • Business License: Required to operate; business licensing is administered at the city level for properties within the City.
  • Local Accommodations (ATAX) and Hospitality (HTAX) taxes: South Carolina localities commonly impose accommodations and hospitality taxes on short-term rentals. The City of Georgetown provides A/H Tax forms and administration through its A-Tax/H-Tax Committee. Operators should register and remit applicable taxes as required.
  • Building/fire code and safety inspections: All construction work and certain systems require permits and inspections. Property insurance indicating short-term rental use is required.

• Sources (County/State context): (www.georgetownsc.gov/City%20of%20Georgetown%20Local%20ATAX%20HTAX%20Fillable%20Form.pdf); (www.georgetownsc.gov/governmental_services/boards___commissions/a-tax_h-tax_committee.php); (lodgecompliance.com/local-jurisdiction/georgetown-county-sc); (www.georgetownsc.gov/Planning%20&%20Community%20Development/Applications/Short%20Term%20Vacation%20Rental%20Application%20Feb%202025.pdf)

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

City of Georgetown – Planning & Community Development (Short-Term Vacation Rentals)

• Phone: 843-545-4010
• Address: 1134 N. Fraser Street, Georgetown, SC 29440
• Mailing: P.O. Drawer 939, Georgetown, SC 29442
• Email: Planning@georgetownsc.gov
• Hours: Not specified; confirm by phone or email
• Submission options: By mail, in person, or email. Checks payable to the City of Georgetown. Payment (check, cash, or credit card) must accompany emailed applications.

City Hall switchboard

• Phone: 843-545-4001

Key departments (as referenced in the application)

• Zoning Administrator: Reviews and approves STVR certificate determinations and business licenses.
• Building Department and Fire Department: Conducts STVR inspections once zoning approval is granted.

Links to Source Pages

• City of Georgetown – Short-Term Rental Permit information and process: www.georgetownsc.gov/how_do_i_/apply_for/short_term_rental_permits.php
• Short-Term Vacation Rental Application (Feb 2025): www.georgetownsc.gov/Planning%20&%20Community%20Development/Applications/Short%20Term%20Vacation%20Rental%20Application%20Feb%202025.pdf
• City of Georgetown Business License Application: cms7files.revize.com/georgetownsc/Document%20Center/Forms/Standardized%20Business%20License%20Application.pdf
• City of Georgetown Local ATAX/HTAX Fillable Form: www.georgetownsc.gov/City%20of%20Georgetown%20Local%20ATAX%20HTAX