Rock Hill, South Carolina Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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

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
Complete STR Permit Application
- Apply through the online application portal
- Submit Short-term Rental Application Packet (PDF)
- Ensure property has five or fewer bedrooms
Obtain Business License(s)
- Host must obtain business license as hotel use
- Property owner (if different from host) must obtain separate business license
Establish Accommodations Tax Account
- City creates account upon permit approval
- Submit monthly payments by 20th of each month
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

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.

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