Overview

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Goose Creek, SC. The city has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for short-term rentals under Title XI, Chapter 115 of the City of Goose Creek Code of Ordinances. However, investors must obtain proper permits and licenses before advertising or operating any short-term rental property.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Goose Creek

Step 1: Pre-Application Research

• Verify zoning compliance with the Planning and Zoning Department
• Confirm the property is not in a Planned Unit Development District without HOA approval
• Ensure the property can accommodate required parking (1 space per bedroom)
• Review the city's Noise Control Ordinance (quiet hours 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM)

Step 2: Application Submission

• Complete the Short-term Rental Unit Permit Application online through the city's portal
• Submit all required supplemental documents and forms
• Pay the $100 annual permit fee
• Allow processing time before advertising or operating

Step 3: License and Tax Registration

• Obtain annual Business License from the City
• Register for Accommodations Tax (ATAX) collection
• If using a rental agent, ensure they obtain their own Business License

Step 4: Compliance Setup

• Designate a qualified local agent (24/7 availability, within 1-hour response time)
• Post required documents in the rental unit
• Set up tax remittance system (monthly filings due by the 20th)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

1. Short-term Rental Unit Permit ($100 annual fee)

   • Required before advertising or operating
   • Annual renewal mandatory
   • Not transferable (new permit required with ownership change)

2. Business License

   • Required for property owner
   • Required for rental agent if different from owner
   • Annual renewal required

3. Accommodations Tax License

   • Required for tax collection and remittance
   • Separate from business license

Required Forms and Documentation

1. Agent Authorization Form

   • Designates qualified local agent
   • Must be 18+ years old with 24/7 availability

2. Short-Term Rental Checklist

   • Initial and sign confirming compliance
   • Life-safety compliance verification

3. Property Owner's Responsibilities and Acknowledgement Affidavit

   • Confirms understanding of obligations

4. Notice to Adjacent Property Owners Affidavit

   • Documents notification to neighbors

5. Home Occupation License Application (home-stay rentals only)

6. HOA/POA Approval Letter (if in Planned Unit Development District)

Proof of Ownership

• Title documentation or recorded deed
• Property tax records
• Purchase agreement or settlement statement

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Location and Capacity Restrictions

• Maximum 1 STR per lot
• Dwelling must be principal or primary residence
• Cannot be accessory structure
• Off-street parking required: 1 space per bedroom
• Vehicles cannot block sidewalks

Operational Requirements

Agent Responsibilities

The designated agent must:

• Be available 24/7 at listed phone numbers
• Respond to property within 1 hour of notification
• Receive legal notice service on owner's behalf
• Produce rental agreements for current occupants
• Monitor property weekly for compliance

Guest Information Posting Requirements

Must post in conspicuous location (back of main door or refrigerator):

• Copy of STR Permit
• Guest Information document containing:
  • Agent name, address, phone, email
  • Business License number
  • Maximum occupancy
  • Required parking locations
  • Emergency numbers (police and fire)
  • Solid waste and recycling schedule
  • Nearest hospital location
  • Quiet hours notice (10:00 PM - 7:00 AM)

Tax and Financial Obligations

Accommodations Tax (ATAX)

• Rate: 1% of gross short-term rents
• Due monthly by the 20th of following month
• Applies to all consideration including non-optional fees
• Remitted directly by owner (not collected by platforms)

Penalty Structure

• 5% penalty for payments delinquent by one month
• Interest calculated on late payments

Permit Modifications and Transfers

• Changes to rental agent require permit modification
• Bedroom count changes require permit modification
• Ownership transfer immediately invalidates permit
• New owner must apply for fresh permit

Prohibited Activities

• Operating without proper permits
• Exceeding occupancy limits
• Blocking sidewalks with vehicles
• Creating nuisances during quiet hours (10 PM - 7 AM)
• Failing to maintain posted information

Contact Information

City of Goose Creek

Address: 519 North Goose Creek Blvd P.O. Drawer 1768 Goose Creek, SC 29445

Phone: 843-797-6220 Fax: 843-863-5208

Licensing and Tax Contact

Email: licensing@goosecreeksc.gov Contact: Jennifer Althoff Email: jalthoff@goosecreeksc.gov

Technical Support

GovOS Support: blt.str.support@govos.com Phone: (888) 751-1911

Source Links

1. City STR Permit Information: www.goosecreeksc.gov/government/departments/administration/business-licenses/short-term-rentals

2. Short-term Rental Application Instructions: www.goosecreeksc.gov/sites/default/files/PIO/2023.07.13%20Short-term%20Rental%20Application%20Instructions.pdf

3. Goose Creek Business Center: goosecreeksc.munirevs.com/faq/

4. Apply for Short Term Rental Unit Permit: www.goosecreeksc.gov/how-do-i/apply-short-term-rental-unit-permit

5. Goose Creek Online Portal: goosecreeksc.portal.opengov.com/

Important Notes for Investors:

• The city does not partner with Airbnb or VRBO for tax collection
• Independent inspections are encouraged but not required by city
• Insurance companies may have additional requirements
• Homeowners' Associations in Planned Unit Developments may have additional restrictions
• Permit fees are separate from business license fees
• Tax filings required even during months with no rental activity

This regulatory framework provides clear guidelines for legitimate STR operations while maintaining neighborhood quality of life standards.