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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Mount Pleasant, SC, but they are highly regulated with strict caps and requirements. The Town of Mount Pleasant has implemented comprehensive regulations for residential dwelling units used as short-term rentals. The town has placed a cap of 400 STR permits to maintain community balance and control. All available permits for 2025 have been issued, and new applicants are placed on a wait list for any permits that become available throughout the year.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Mount Pleasant

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

• Property Requirements: You must have a certificate of occupancy (CO) for both the home AND accessory dwelling unit if applicable
• Location Restrictions: STRs are not allowed in multifamily dwellings or anywhere in the Old Village
• Property Type: Properties can be entire homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), or bedrooms within the home

Step 2: Join the Wait List (Currently Required)

Since all 2025 permits have been issued, you must:

• Email the STR Department at str@tompsc.com with:
  • Property address
  • Owner's name and contact information (email and phone)
  • Type of dwelling unit desired (entire home, ADU, or bedrooms within home)

Step 3: Understand the Two-Tier Permit System

Mount Pleasant operates a two-tier permit system:

Part-Time Permits (15-72 days per year):

• Application fee: $250
• Tax rate: 4% (residential tax rate)
• Ideal for homeowners looking to rent occasionally

Full-Time Permits (over 72 days per year):

• Application fee: $1,500
• Tax rate: 6% (commercial tax rate)
• For hosts aiming for substantial rental operations

Important: Operating as a full-time rental under a part-time permit will result in rectification fees and potential penalties.

Step 4: Complete the Application Process

• Submit STR permit application through the town's online system
• Submit business license application to the Business License Division
• Provide all required documentation (see requirements section below)
• Pay applicable fees and taxes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Permits and Licenses

1. Short-Term Rental Permit (capped at 400 town-wide)
2. Business License (required from Business License Division)
3. Certificate of Occupancy (required for home AND accessory dwelling unit)

Tax Registrations and Requirements

1. State Registration: Register with SC Department of Revenue for accommodations tax
2. County Registration: Register with Charleston County for local accommodations tax
3. Tax Obligations:
   • State: 10% sales and use taxes (accommodations tax)
   • County: 3% accommodations taxes to Charleston County

Compliance Documentation

1. Designated Local Agent: Must be able to physically respond within 60 minutes in emergencies
2. STR Online Advertisement Links: Must submit all URLs and notify of any changes
3. Insurance: Commercial general liability insurance (minimum $1,000,000 coverage recommended)
4. Emergency Contact Information: Comprehensive contact list for guests

Posting Requirements

• Within Rental Unit: Current STR permit number, business license number, and all required ordinances
• In Advertisements: STR permit number and business license number (in description section, not title)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Town of Mount Pleasant Regulations

Permit Cap and Wait List System:

• Hard cap: 400 STR permits town-wide
• Wait list: All 2025 permits have been issued; new applications go on wait list
• Wait list procedure: Email str@tompsc.com with property and contact information

Property Restrictions:

• Prohibited locations: Multifamily dwellings, Old Village district
• Required documentation: Certificate of occupancy for home AND ADU

Operational Requirements:

• Designated Local Agent: Must respond within 60 minutes; failure results in automatic violation
• Agent changes: Must immediately notify Planning Department at str@tompsc.com
• Posting requirements: Permit and business license numbers in all ads and within rental
• Advertisement management: Must submit all online booking URLs and notify of changes

Tax Implications:

• Part-time rentals (15-72 days): 4% residential tax rate
• Full-time rentals (>72 days): 6% commercial tax rate
• Misclassification penalties: Operating full-time under part-time permit status

Charleston County Regulations

• Local accommodations tax: 3% in addition to state taxes
• Registration required: Contact Charleston County Revenue Collections at 843-202-6095
• Documentation: May require proof of tax payments

South Carolina State Regulations

• State accommodations tax: 10% on all short-term rentals
• Registration: Required with SC Department of Revenue (803-898-5970)
• Exemptions: Rentals less than 15 days annually OR fewer than six bedrooms in primary residence
• Marketplace collection: Platforms like Airbnb may collect state taxes automatically

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary STR Contact

Jane Yager-Baumrind
Short-Term Rental Coordinator
Email: str@tompsc.com
Phone: (843) 884-1229

Physical Address:
Town of Mount Pleasant
100 Ann Edwards Lane
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Additional Contacts

Planning, Land Use, & Neighborhoods Department
Email: planning@tompsc.com
Phone: (843) 884-1229

Business License Division
Email: newlicense@tompsc.com
Phone: (843) 849-2786

Tax Authorities

South Carolina Department of Revenue
Phone: 803-898-5970
Website: dor.sc.gov/tax/accommodations

Charleston County Revenue Collections
Phone: 843-202-6095
Website: charlestoncounty.org/departments/revenue-collections/local-accommodations-tax-application.php

Links to Source Pages

• Town of Mount Pleasant STR Main Page: www.tompsc.com/1154/Short-Term-Rentals
• STR Public Portal: str-public-portal.deckard.com/sc-townofmountpleasant
• STR Complaints Portal: tompsc-str-complaints.deckard.com
• STR Requirements Document: www.tompsc.com/DocumentCenter/View/37682/2021-2022---STR-Additional-Requirements-signature-sheet
• Short-term Rental Ordinance: www.tompsc.com/DocumentCenter/View/44952/Ord-23010-STR-amendments-April-2023
• Charleston County ATAX Information: www.tompsc.com/DocumentCenter/View/52147/Chas-Cty-ATAX-QA-UPDATED-27-Aug-2025
• Charleston County Local Accommodations Tax: www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/revenue-collections/local-accommodations-tax-application.php

Additional Resources for Investors

Monitoring and Compliance Tools

• STR Public Portal: Track issued permits, addresses, and permit numbers
• GIS & Mapping Services: gis-tomp.hub.arcgis.com/
• Project & Applications Map: Monitor development and zoning changes

Professional Support

Given the complexity of Mount Pleasant's STR regulations, consider engaging:

• Local real estate attorneys specializing in short-term rentals
• Professional property management companies familiar with local regulations
• Tax professionals experienced in STR tax compliance

Key Takeaways for Investors

1. Supply is severely limited: Only 400 permits town-wide with current wait list
2. Two-tier system creates different economics: Part-time vs. full-time permits have significantly different fee and tax structures
3. Location restrictions are strict: Cannot operate in Old Village or multifamily dwellings
4. Compliance burden is substantial: Multiple registrations, permits, and ongoing reporting required
5. Market knowledge is critical: Understanding local regulations and neighborhood dynamics is essential for success

The Mount Pleasant STR market presents opportunities for compliant operators but requires significant upfront investment in permits, ongoing compliance costs, and careful navigation of regulatory requirements. The capped supply and high demand suggest potential for strong returns for those who can secure permits and maintain compliance.