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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Greenville, SC, but with significant restrictions. Short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are only permitted in specific commercial and mixed-use zones within the city limits. Properties in residential zones cannot operate new short-term rentals after July 15, 2023, unless they obtained a special exception permit before that date.

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

Step 1: Verify Zoning Eligibility

Critical First Step: Confirm your property is zoned for short-term rentals before proceeding.

For Less Than 30-Day Rentals:

• Allowed zones: MX-2, MX-3, MX-5, MX-D, MXS-2, MXS-3, MXS-5, MXS-D, BG, BH, IX, CM
• Prohibited zones: RH-A to RH-D, RN-A to RN-C, RC-2 to RC-5, IG, CV, PK, and other residential zones

For 30-89 Day Rentals:

• Expanded eligibility: Both residential zones (RH-A to RH-D, RN-A/B, RNX-B/C) and non-residential zones (IG, CV, PK, mixed-use, commercial) are allowed

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

City of Greenville (Incorporated Areas):

1. Occupancy permit from the Planning Department
2. Business license from the city
3. Special exception permit (required for properties outside designated commercial/mixed-use zones before July 15, 2023)

Greenville County (Unincorporated Areas):

1. Short-term rental permit (~$40) via the eTrakit system
2. Business license
3. Processing time: Approximately 5 days

Required Documentation:

• Proof of ownership
• Site/floor plans
• Parking plan
• Liability insurance (minimum $1 million commercial general liability)
• Compliance affidavit

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Greenville Requirements

Permits:

• Occupancy permit from Planning Department
• Business license from city
• Special exception permit (for existing operations or specific circumstances)

Documentation:

• Property ownership verification
• Detailed site plans
• Floor plans showing room configurations
• Parking plan demonstrating adequate spaces
• Commercial general liability insurance ($1 million minimum)
• Compliance affidavit

Greenville County Requirements

Permits:

• Short-term rental permit ($40 fee)
• Business license

Documentation:

• Property ownership proof
• Site/floor plans
• Parking plan
• Liability insurance
• Compliance affidavit
• Use GIS tools to verify "Lodging" eligibility

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Greenville (Effective July 15, 2023)

• STRs restricted to downtown/Central Business District and main corridors (Laurens Road, Pleasantburg, Augusta Road)
• New STRs prohibited in residential neighborhoods unless special exception permit was obtained before July 15, 2023
• No "grandfathering" for non-conforming uses when properties change ownership

Greenville County

• Use GIS system to determine lodging eligibility
• Special exceptions may be required for certain properties
• Active enforcement with contractors identifying unpermitted properties

State-Level Regulations (South Carolina)

• No statewide ban on STRs (House Bill 3253 did not pass)
• Local governments retain authority to regulate STRs
• Insurance requirement: Minimum $1 million commercial general liability policy
• Tax obligations: Collect and remit state and local sales and accommodations taxes

Tax Requirements

State Taxes

• State accommodations tax: 7% (5% sales tax + 2% accommodations tax)
• Registration required: Obtain retail license with South Carolina Department of Revenue
• Exemptions:
  • Renting fewer than 15 days/year in primary residence
  • Owning six bedrooms or fewer while living on property (cannot use marketplace platforms)

Local Taxes

City of Greenville:

• Local accommodations tax: 3%
• Collection: Owners must collect and remit monthly (typically by 20th of each month)
• Note: Platforms like Airbnb collect state tax automatically but not local taxes

Greenville County:

• Local accommodations tax: 3%
• Same collection requirements as city

Tax Collection Responsibilities

• Platforms (Airbnb, VRBO): Automatically collect state taxes
• Owners: Must collect and remit local taxes (3% city/county)
• Reporting: Monthly remittance required

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Greenville

Planning & Development Department

• Website: greenvillesc.gov/1572/Short-Term-Rentals
• Department: Planning & Development
• Website: greenvillesc.gov/2654/Planning-Development
• Zoning & Development Code: greenvillesc.gov/182/Zoning-Development-Code

Greenville County

Planning & Zoning Department

• Permit System: eTrakit online portal
• Website: Contact through Greenville County government website

State of South Carolina

Department of Revenue

• Website: dor.sc.gov
• Tax registration and reporting for state-level requirements

Key Zoning Districts and Eligibility

Commercial/Mixed-Use Zones (STRs Under 30 Days Allowed)

• MX-2, MX-3, MX-5, MX-D: Mixed-use districts
• MXS-2, MXS-3, MXS-5, MXS-D: Mixed-use special districts
• BG, BH: Business general, business highway
• IX: Industrial flex
• CM: Commercial

Residential Zones (30-89 Day Rentals Allowed)

• RH-A to RH-D: Residential high density
• RN-A, RN-B, RN-C: Residential neighborhood
• RNX-B, RNX-C: Residential neighborhood mixed

Main Corridors (STRs Under 30 Days Allowed)

• Laurens Road
• Pleasantburg
• Augusta Road (partial)

Enforcement and Compliance

City of Greenville

• Active enforcement with legal team sending letters to illegal STR operators
• Immediate shutdown required for non-compliant operations
• No tolerance policy for new STRs in residential areas after July 15, 2023

Greenville County

• Active enforcement using contractors to identify unpermitted properties
• Fines and court action for violations
• Regular monitoring of compliance

Market Context and Impact

Tourism Impact

• 6.6% of total accommodations demand in City of Greenville (2022)
• 8.7% of total accommodations revenue ($20.5 million)
• "Responsible tourism" approach balancing growth with quality of life

Investment Considerations

• Limited availability in allowed zones increases property values
• Higher competition in commercial/mixed-use areas
• Grandfathering limitations affect investment strategies

Sources and Links

Primary Government Sources

• City of Greenville Short-Term Rentals
• Planning & Development Department
• Zoning & Development Code

News and Market Analysis

• WYFF4 News Coverage
• Century 21 Blackwell Market Analysis

State Resources

• South Carolina Department of Revenue

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Important Note: This information is current as of the provided content. STR regulations can change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the City of Greenville Planning Department or Greenville County Planning Department before proceeding with any STR operation.