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

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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in North Myrtle Beach, SC, but only in specific zoning districts. The city requires a business license and a short-term rental permit to operate legally. The primary zones where short-term rentals are permitted are the Resort Residential (RR) and Limited Industrial (LI) zones. It is crucial to verify the zoning of your property before proceeding with any investment or operation.

For contrast, the adjacent city of Myrtle Beach has much stricter rules: most traditional residential neighborhoods are NOT zoned for short-term rentals, defined as rentals of less than 90 days.

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

Starting an STR business in North Myrtle Beach involves several key steps, which must be completed to ensure legal operation:

Research Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with North Myrtle Beach's specific STR regulations, zoning requirements, and permitting process.
Choose a Suitable Property: Identify a property located within an approved zoning district, such as RR or LI.
Obtain Necessary Permits: Apply for and obtain the required permits.
- Business License: This is mandatory for any business operating in the city.
- Short-Term Rental Permit: This permit is specific to operating an STR.
Register for Taxes: Register to collect and remit the required taxes.
Prepare the Property: Ensure the property meets all safety standards (fire inspections, detectors, etc.) and has the necessary amenities.
Create a Rental Agreement: Draft a clear agreement outlining terms and conditions.
List and Manage: List your property on platforms (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) and manage bookings and guest communications.
Maintain Compliance: Regularly review regulations and maintain the property to standards.

The application process for the Business License and Rental License is conducted through the city's official online portal: Application Portal.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

To obtain a business license and short-term rental permit, the following documentation is typically required:

Business License Application: Completed application form.
Proof of Ownership: Deed or tax record to confirm legal ownership.
Floor Plan: Detailed layout of the property, including locations of safety equipment.
Parking Plan: Outline of available parking spaces for guests.
Occupancy Limits: Specified maximum number of guests.
Local Property Management Contact: Information for a local contact person who can respond to issues.
Proof of Insurance: Liability insurance documentation.
Fire Inspection Plan Review: The property must pass a fire safety inspection.
Zoning and Application Review Fee: A fee to cover the application review process.

The city also provides a portal for checking the status of business licenses and for renewals: Business License Status Search and Business License Payments and Renewals.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of North Myrtle Beach Regulations

Taxes: A combined 13% tax is applied to all short-term rentals, which includes:
- 7% State Sales Tax
- 6% Local Accommodations Tax
Occupancy & Parking: Properties must adhere to specified occupancy limits and provide adequate parking for guests.
Noise Regulations ("Quiet Hours"): The city enforces quiet hours between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM. During this time, no discernible noise from music or other sources should be audible beyond the property line.
Zoning: STRs are only permitted in designated zones, primarily Resort Residential (RR) and Limited Industrial (LI).

Horry County (State-Level) Regulations

South Carolina's statewide rules provide a general framework that complements local regulations:

Retail License: STR operators must obtain a retail license from the South Carolina Department of Revenue to collect and remit the 7% state sales tax.
Building & Fire Safety Codes: All STR properties must comply with statewide building and fire safety codes, which include requirements for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.
Local Accommodations Taxes: Horry County, in which North Myrtle Beach is located, may have its own accommodations taxes in addition to the city's 6% tax. Operators should confirm the exact tax rate with both the city and the county.
Local Governance: While the state sets the overarching rules, local governments in South Carolina (like North Myrtle Beach) have the authority to impose additional regulations and restrictions.

Contact Information for the Local Authority

The primary authority for short-term rental regulations and licensing in North Myrtle Beach is the Business License Division.

North Myrtle Beach Business License Division

Address: 1018 2nd Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Phone: (843) 280-5555
Online Application Portal: https://northmyrtlebeach.progressivecloud.net/blwebapplication/default.aspx?formType=Rentals
Business License Status Search: https://northmyrtlebeach.progressivecloud.net/websearch/
Business License Renewals: https://northmyrtlebeach.progressivecloud.net/webrenewals/

For official news and updates on short-term rental regulations, you can also visit the city's website: https://nmb.us/

Important Source Links

City of North Myrtle Beach FAQ on Rental Licenses: https://nmb.us/Faq.aspx?QID=121
Application Portal for Rental Licenses: https://northmyrtlebeach.progressivecloud.net/blwebapplication/default.aspx?formType=Rentals
BNBCalc Guide on North Myrtle Beach STR Regulations: https://www.bnbcalc.com/blog/short-term-rental-regulation/North-Myrtyle-South-Carolina-guide
City of Myrtle Beach STR Overview (for contrast): https://www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/news_detail_T6_R1468.php
WMBF News on STR Information Gathering Events: https://www.wmbfnews.com/2025/06/19/north-myrtle-beach-holds-first-two-sessions-short-term-rentals/

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in North Myrtle Beach?

North Myrtle Beach hosts earn a median $40,074/year with $278 ADR and 60% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $60,143+ per year.

See the full North Myrtle Beach market breakdown

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Ask the AI Advisor about North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach is a coastal resort city in Horry County, South Carolina, home to approximately 18,000 year-round residents. Sitting at the northern end of the Grand Strand, a roughly 60-mile arc of Atlantic Ocean beaches, the city has a relaxed, family-friendly character that sets it apart from the busier Myrtle Beach to its south. It is best known as a summer beach destination, a home base for shag dancing, which is South Carolina's official state dance, and a quieter alternative to its larger southern neighbor. The nearest major city is Charleston, located about 85 miles to the southwest, roughly a 90-minute drive down US-17.

Barefoot Landing is the city's marquee entertainment and shopping destination, set along the Intracoastal Waterway. The open-air complex features a mix of national retailers, locally owned boutiques, and a cluster of waterfront restaurants, alongside live-music venues and a small wildlife attraction. Visitors can spend an afternoon browsing shops, dining on the boardwalk, or catching a show, all within a short drive of nearly every neighborhood in the city.

To the north, Cherry Grove Beach offers one of the most laid-back stretches of sand in the area. The community is anchored by the Cherry Grove Pier, a long-standing fishing pier that extends into the Atlantic and serves as a gathering spot for both anglers and sightseers. The neighborhood is especially popular with visitors who want a quieter beach experience and tends to draw returning families who appreciate its low-key feel.

Further south, Ocean Drive Beach is the historic heart of the shag-dancing scene that gives North Myrtle Beach much of its identity. The Ocean Drive Pavilion and the surrounding blocks of beachfront clubs and beach-music venues host dancers and live bands year-round, and the area comes alive during events like the Carolina Beach Music Awards and the Society of Stranders conventions. Even outside of those gatherings, the stretch of oceanfront between Main Street and the pier retains a nostalgic, mid-century beach-town atmosphere that appeals to longtime visitors.

Together, these draws make North Myrtle Beach a natural fit for short-term-rental investors. The city offers a real beach-resort identity, four distinct beach communities within its borders, and a quieter, more residential feel than Myrtle Beach proper, while still providing easy access to the broader Grand Strand's restaurants, golf courses, and entertainment. Its proximity to Charleston, Wilmington, and the larger Research Triangle region expands the potential visitor base well beyond the traditional summer crowd, giving the market a year-round rhythm that supports steady occupancy for owners.