Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Pickens County?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Pickens County, South Carolina. The county has implemented a regulatory framework that requires short-term rental operators to register with the county and comply with local accommodations fee requirements. As of July 1, 2024, all short-term rental owners must register through the county's online system and remit the local accommodations fee.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Pickens County

Starting a short-term rental business in Pickens County requires several key steps:

1. Property Assessment and Zoning Compliance

• Verify that your property zoning allows for short-term rental use
• Ensure the property meets all building codes and safety requirements
• Consider proximity to tourist attractions (Table Rock State Park, Lake Keowee, Blue Ridge Mountains)

2. Registration Process

• Register your short-term rental through the county's official platform: **pickenscountysc-self.govplatform.com/**
• Complete all required business information
• Submit registration before commencing operations

3. Tax Collection and Remittance Setup

• Implement systems to collect the local accommodations fee from guests
• Set up monthly remittance schedule (due by the 20th of each month)
• Consider using property management software that can automate tax collection

4. Insurance and Business Protection

• Obtain adequate liability insurance for short-term rental operations
• Consider business interruption coverage
• Review homeowners insurance implications if operating from a personal residence

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Based on the available information, the primary requirements are:

Mandatory Registration

• Short-Term Rental Registration through Pickens County's online platform
• Local Accommodations Fee Registration - required for tax collection and remittance

Tax Registration

• Registration for local accommodations fee collection and remittance
• Compliance with state sales tax requirements (South Carolina 6% state sales tax applies)

Documentation Needed for Registration

• Property ownership or lease documentation
• Business contact information
• Property address and description
• Expected rental operation details

Note: The available information is limited regarding additional permits or licenses that may be required. Property owners should verify with local authorities for any zoning permits, business licenses, or other municipal requirements.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Local Accommodations Fee Requirements

Definition of Short-Term Rental: Pickens County defines a short-term rental as "any rooms, campground spaces, lodgings, or sleeping accommodations furnished to transients by any hotel, inn, tourist court, tourist camp, motel, campground, residence or any place in which rooms, lodgings, or sleeping accommodations are furnished to transients for a consideration."

Tax Collection and Remittance:

• All short-term rental operators must collect the local accommodations fee from guests
• Fees must be remitted to Pickens County by the 20th day of the month following collection
• If the 20th falls on a non-business day, payment is due the next business day
• A 5% penalty applies if payment is not received by the 20th of the following month

Third-Party Management:

• Property owners using third-party vendors or property management companies remain responsible for ensuring local accommodations fees are collected and remitted
• Owners must verify their management company is properly collecting and submitting fees

Legal Authority:

• Regulations are codified in Pickens County Code of Ordinances, Article IV Section 10
• Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances governs business regulations

Enforcement and Monitoring

• Pickens County has partnered with Host Compliance, a specialized monitoring company
• Over 400 short-term rentals have been identified throughout the county
• The county is actively pursuing compliance from non-registered operators

Tourism Fund Allocation

Local accommodations fees collected support tourism-related activities including:

• Tourism-related buildings (civic centers, coliseums, aquariums)
• Cultural, recreational, or historic facilities
• Beach access and water access improvements
• Highways, roads, streets, and bridges to tourist destinations
• Tourism promotion and advertising
• Water and sewer infrastructure for tourism demand

State-Level Regulations (South Carolina)

While specific city-level regulations are limited, short-term rental operators in Pickens County must comply with broader South Carolina regulations:

Sales Tax Requirements:

• South Carolina state sales tax of 6% applies to short-term rentals
• Operators must register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for sales tax collection
• Monthly or quarterly filing requirements may apply

Zoning and Land Use:

• Properties must comply with local zoning ordinances
• Residential zoning may have restrictions on commercial rental activities
• Check with Pickens County Planning Department for specific zoning requirements

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact:

• Email: pcstr@pickenscountysc.gov
• Phone: (864) 898-5844

Physical Address: Pickens County Parks, Recreation, & Tourism Department
222 McDaniel Avenue, B-2
Pickens, SC 29671

Online Resources:

• Registration Portal: pickenscountysc-self.govplatform.com/
• County Website: www.co.pickens.sc.us/departments/parks,_recreation,___tourism/short_term_rentals.php

General County Information:

• Main Phone: (864) 898-5844
• Website: www.co.pickens.sc.us

Source Pages

Primary Sources:

1. Pickens County Short-Term Rentals Official Page
2. Pickens County News Release - STR Registration Launch
3. Pickens County Code of Ordinances - Chapter 10 Business Regulations

News Coverage: 4. FOX Carolina News Coverage 5. FOX Carolina Video Coverage

Important Notes:

• The provided content suggests that Pickens County does not have extensive city-specific short-term rental regulations beyond the accommodations fee and registration requirements
• Property owners should verify zoning compliance with local authorities
• Additional permits or licenses may be required at the municipal level depending on the specific jurisdiction within Pickens County
• State sales tax registration with the South Carolina Department of Revenue is likely required for all short-term rental operations

This guide provides the essential regulatory framework for operating short-term rentals in Pickens County, but investors should consult with local authorities and legal professionals to ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations.