Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Myrtle Beach, SC, but with significant restrictions. Short-term rentals are explicitly prohibited in traditional residential neighborhoods (all zoning districts beginning with "R") with only one exception: the RMV (Residential Multifamily Visitor) zone. This represents a highly restrictive regulatory environment where most single-family residential areas and traditional multifamily zones do not permit STR operations.

Short-term rentals are defined as accommodations rented for less than 90 continuous days in Myrtle Beach, which differs from South Carolina's state definition of 30 days. The city operates a commercial accommodation model for STRs, meaning they are treated as commercial uses rather than residential uses, even when operating within residential structures.

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

Step 1: Zoning Verification

Before purchasing or committing to a property, verify that it is located in an approved zoning district:

RMV (Residential Multifamily Visitor) - The only residential zone allowing STRs
MU-H (Mixed-Use High Density)
C6 (Urban Village)
A (Amusement)
E (Entertainment)
HC1 (Highway Commercial)
HC2 (Highway Commercial)
IR (Interim Redevelopment) - Special exception only

Step 2: Business License Acquisition

Obtain a business license from the City of Myrtle Beach Business License Division before operating:

Valid for one year
Must be renewed by April 30 annually
Fee calculated based on gross rental revenue
Required regardless of whether the property is owner-occupied or investor-owned

Step 3: Tax Registration and Setup

State lodging taxes (when not collected by platforms)
City local accommodations tax (3%)
Horry County hospitality fee
Federal income tax obligations

Step 4: Compliance Systems

Implement systems to ensure ongoing compliance with:

Zoning restrictions
Tax collection and remittance
City ordinances related to noise, parking, and occupancy
Business license renewal requirements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Business License Requirements

Required Documents:

Completed business license application
Property ownership documentation or lease agreement
Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number)
SSN or ITIN for individual operators
Proof of property insurance
Site plan and floor plans
Driver's license for verification

Associated Fees:

Business license fee (percentage of gross revenue)
Annual renewal required by April 30

Tax Registration Requirements

State Level:

South Carolina Department of Revenue registration for lodging tax
Federal EIN application
State tax identification number

Local Level:

Myrtle Beach local accommodations tax registration
Horry County hospitality fee account setup

Safety and Compliance Documentation

Fire safety device verification
Property insurance documentation
Emergency contact information
Occupancy limit documentation
Parking plan (where applicable)

Property-Specific Requirements

Zoning compliance verification
Property survey or site plan
Floor plans showing bedroom and bathroom count
Proof of compliance with building codes

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Myrtle Beach Regulations

Zoning Restrictions:

Prohibited: All residential zones beginning with "R" (R-1, R-2, R-3, etc.)
Permitted: RMV, MU-H, C6, A, E, HC1, HC2 zones
Special Exception: IR zones
Grandfathered: Approximately 30 properties in traditional residential zones that were operating as STRs before current regulations

Definition and Duration:

Short-term rental: Less than 90 continuous days
Covers timesharing, fractional ownership, and investment partnerships
Applies regardless of ownership structure

Business Operations:

Business license mandatory for all STR operations
Must comply with all city ordinances (noise, parking, trash)
Maximum occupancy limits apply
Advertising must include appropriate identifiers

Enforcement and Penalties:

Violations are misdemeanors
Fines up to $500 and/or 30 days imprisonment upon conviction
Business license revocation possible
Zoning code violations subject to Quality of Life Court

Conversion Restrictions (2025 Update):

Ordinance prohibits converting STR buildings to long-term rentals in designated overlay zones
Applies to hotels and STRs with 2+ units constructed for or used for STRs under 90 days
Covers 114 city blocks east of Kings Highway to the ocean
Exemptions exist for properties with existing long-term rental licenses and primary residences

Horry County Regulations

Hospitality fee collection and remittance required
Same accommodation tax structure as state requirements
County enforcement of local tax obligations

State of South Carolina Regulations

Definition:

State defines STR as less than 30 consecutive days
Excludes non-residential uses (retail, restaurant, banquet space)
Local definitions may differ (Myrtle Beach uses 90 days)

Tax Requirements:

State Sales Tax: 5.0%
State Accommodations Tax: 2.0%
Local Option Sales Tax: 1.0%
County Transportation Tax: 1.0%
School District/Education Tax: 1.0%
County Accommodations Tax: Up to 3.0%
City Accommodations Tax: Up to 3.0% (Myrtle Beach charges maximum 3%)

Platform Collection Exceptions:

Airbnb collects state, city, and county lodging taxes automatically
Vrbo collects state lodging taxes and Myrtle Beach local accommodations tax
Direct bookings require manual tax collection and remittance

Registration Exemptions:

Rentals under 15 days per year exempt from accommodations tax collection
Rental of 6 bedrooms or fewer in owner-occupied home exempt (if not using STR platforms)
Rentals exclusively through STR platforms exempt from state registration requirements

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Myrtle Beach

Business License Division

Phone: (843) 918-1168
Website: www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/departments/business_license_division.php
Email: Business License inquiries via city website
Address: P.O. Box 2468, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578

Planning & Zoning Department

Phone: (843) 918-1179
Website: www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/departments/planning_and_zoning_department.php
Services: Zoning verification, permit inquiries, code compliance

Finance Department

Phone: (843) 918-1200
Website: www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/departments/financial_services_department.php
Services: Tax questions, accommodations tax remittance

Code Enforcement & Quality of Life Court

Website: www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/i_want_to/learn_about/quality_of_life_court.php
Services: Violation reporting, enforcement

Horry County

Treasurer's Office - Hospitality Fee

Phone: (843) 915-5470
Website: www.horrycountysc.gov/departments/treasurer/hospitality-fee/
Services: Hospitality fee registration and remittance

Accommodations Tax Department

Phone: (843) 915-5150
Services: County accommodations tax questions

State of South Carolina

Department of Revenue

Phone: (803) 898-5000
Website: dor.sc.gov/
Services: State tax registration, lodging tax questions
Forms: ST388 (lodging tax return)

Links to Source Pages

Investment Considerations and Market Reality

Limited Opportunity Zones

With STRs prohibited in most residential zones, investment opportunities are significantly restricted to:

RMV zoned properties (limited inventory)
Commercial zones with appropriate zoning
Existing grandfathered properties (very limited and likely premium-priced)

Compliance Risk

The regulatory environment carries substantial compliance risks:

Strict zoning enforcement
Criminal penalties for violations
Complex tax obligations
Changing regulations (as evidenced by the 2025 conversion overlay)

Due Diligence Requirements

Before any STR investment in Myrtle Beach:

Zoning verification with Planning & Zoning Department
Business license eligibility confirmation
Tax obligation calculation and setup
Legal counsel consultation on complex regulations
Insurance verification for STR operations
HOA/COA rule verification if applicable

Alternative Markets

Given Myrtle Beach's restrictive environment, consider these nearby alternatives:

North Myrtle Beach: More permissive STR regulations
Charleston: Established STR market with defined permit process
Horry County (unincorporated areas): Potentially fewer restrictions

This regulatory framework makes Myrtle Beach one of the most restrictive STR markets in South Carolina, requiring careful navigation and significant due diligence before investment.

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