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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Rock Hill, SC under specific regulatory framework. The city permits STRs for properties with five or fewer bedrooms that are rented for overnight stays of less than 30 days to guest parties. However, significant regulatory changes implemented in late 2023 have dramatically altered the STR landscape in Rock Hill.

Key Regulatory Changes (Effective November 2023):

• Eliminated the previous cap of 150 total STR permits - no formal limit on the number of STR units
• Restricted all new STR permits to commercial zones only - residential-only neighborhoods are no longer eligible for new permits
• Eliminated neighbor consent requirements for new STR permits
• Removed pre-permit inspections unless building permits are required
• Prohibited transfer of STR properties to other owners (no family or LLC transfers)
• Grandfathered existing residential STRs for five years - must convert to permanent rentals by April 30, 2029

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Rock Hill

Step-by-Step Process

1. Verify Zoning Compliance

   • Confirm your property is located in an approved commercial zoning district:
     • Mixed Use (MX)
     • Neighborhood Office (NO)
     • Neighborhood Commercial (NC)
     • Limited Commercial (LC)
     • General Commercial (GC)
     • Community Commercial (CC)
     • Commercial Industrial (CI)
     • Downtown (DTWN)
     • Mixed Use Corridor (MUC)
   • Use the City's GIS maps to verify property zoning

2. Complete STR Permit Application

   • Apply through the online application portal
   • Submit Short-term Rental Application Packet (PDF)
   • Ensure property has five or fewer bedrooms

3. Obtain Business License(s)

   • Host must obtain business license as hotel use
   • Property owner (if different from host) must obtain separate business license

4. Establish Accommodations Tax Account

   • City creates account upon permit approval
   • Submit monthly payments by 20th of each month

5. Annual Renewal Requirements

   • Renew STR permit and business license annually
   • Deadline: April 30th each year
   • Late renewal results in permit loss for non-compliant properties

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

Short-Term Rental Permit:

• Requirement: Mandatory for all STR operations
• Scope: Properties with ≤5 bedrooms rented <30 days
• Renewal: Annual, due April 30th
• Application: Online portal with PDF packet submission

Business License:

• Host License: Required under "hotel use" classification
• Owner License: Required if host is not property owner
• Renewal: Annual, aligned with STR permit renewal

Local Accommodations Tax Registration:

• Payment Schedule: Monthly, due by 20th of following month
• Account Creation: Automatic upon STR permit approval

Supporting Documentation Requirements

• Property ownership verification
• Zoning confirmation through GIS maps
• Bedroom count verification (≤5 requirement)
• Contact information for local representative
• Emergency contact details
• Insurance documentation (implied for business operation)

Inspection Requirements

Initial Inspections:

• Eliminated for standard STR permits (as of 2023 changes)
• Required only if building permits are needed for modifications

Ongoing Compliance:

• Adherence to Zoning Ordinance provisions
• Compliance with Development Standards (Parking Section)
• Nonconforming STR regulations per Chapter 10

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning and Location Restrictions

Permitted Zoning Districts (for new permits):

• Mixed Use (MX)
• Neighborhood Office (NO)
• Neighborhood Commercial (NC)
• Limited Commercial (LC)
• General Commercial (GC)
• Community Commercial (CC)
• Commercial Industrial (CI)
• Downtown (DTWN)
• Mixed Use Corridor (MUC)

Prohibited Locations:

• Residential-only neighborhoods (for new permits)
• Properties outside approved commercial zones

Operational Limitations

Property Requirements:

• Maximum 5 bedrooms per STR unit
• Must comply with all Zoning Ordinance provisions
• Subject to Development Standards parking requirements

Transfer Restrictions:

• STR properties cannot be transferred to new owners
• No family transfers or LLC ownership changes permitted
• Each new owner must apply for new permit

Sunset Provision:

• Units in non-compliant zoning districts must cease operations by April 30, 2029
• No renewals issued for operation after this date

Tax and Fee Obligations

Local Accommodations Tax:

• Monthly remittance required
• Due by 20th of each month for previous month's revenue
• City establishes account upon permit approval

Business License Fees:

• Annual payment required
• Separate licenses needed for host and property owner

Guest and Operational Standards

• Minimum stay: Less than 30 days (no explicit minimum stated)
• Maximum occupancy: Not explicitly defined in provided materials
• Parking: Subject to Development Standards requirements
• Noise and conduct: General city ordinances apply

Contact Information for Local Authority

Planning & Development Department

Physical Address: BY APPOINTMENT ONLY: 155 Johnston Street, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Mailing Address: PO Box 11706, Rock Hill, SC 29731-1706
Primary Contact: Amy Britz, Zoning Coordinator
Email: amy.britz@cityofrockhill.com
Phone: 803-329-5586

Neighborhood Services (Complaints)

Phone: (803) 329-7014
Email: nsinspections@cityofrockhill.com

Business License Division

Phone: 803-325-2500
Online Services: Available through city website

City Hall

Address: 155 Johnston Street, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Phone: 803-325-2500
Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday (appointments and utility payments)
Drive-through: 8 AM to 6 PM

Source Links and References

Primary Regulatory Sources

1. Rock Hill STR Permits Page: www.cityofrockhill.com/departments/planning-and-development/permits-inspections/short-term-rental-permits
2. Short-term Rental Application Packet (PDF): www.cityofrockhill.com/home/showpublisheddocument/32398/638850706224570000
3. Short-term Rental Permit Renewal Application (PDF): www.cityofrockhill.com/home/showpublisheddocument/32374/638850687486600000
4. Zoning Ordinance (PDF): www.cityofrockhill.com/home/showpublisheddocument/2065/638627763842470000

Business Licensing and Tax Resources

5. Business License Information: www.cityofrockhill.com/departments/planning-and-development/business-licenses
6. Local Accommodations Tax Forms: www.cityofrockhill.com/departments/finance/business-tax-forms
7. Online Services Portal: www.cityofrockhill.com/departments/planning-and-development/online-services

Zoning and Mapping Resources

8. GIS Maps (Zoning Verification): crhgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2993d16c73be44c1b972eab8e8784c1d
9. Street Ownership Maps: crhgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2993d16c73be44c1b972eab8e8784c1d

Regulatory News and Updates

10. SC Public Radio STR Regulatory Changes (Nov 2023): www.southcarolinapublicradio.org/sc-news/2023-11-28/rock-hill-finalizes-big-changes-to-the-citys-short-term-rental-rules
11. Proper Insurance SC STR Regulations: www.proper.insure/regulations/south-carolina-airbnb-laws/

Critical Timeline Reminder: All STR investors must complete annual renewals by April 30th to maintain operational status. Properties not in approved zoning districts must cease operations by April 30, 2029, with no renewals available beyond that date.