Short-term Rental Permit Application and Re-Application Process

All short-term rental permits for the 2022 permit year have been issued.  No other permits will be issued for 2022, unless a short-term rental property changes ownership or the current owner relinquishes their permit.  To check on the status of permits available, you can contact the PLAN Department by emailing Jane Yager-Baumrind at str@tompsc.com, or by calling our office at 843-884-1229.  

Property owners wanting short-term rentals must apply for a short-term rental permit each year.   The property owner (or their agent) can apply for a short-term rental permit (please note, that the application review fee is non-refundable). Re-application for a short-term rental permit cannot be completed prior to the start of the new permit year, and doing so will cause denial of the permit application. In addition to filling out the application and paying the appropriate review fee, the following information must be uploaded with the application: 

• Signed Property Owner Affidavit (a separate form for each owner)
• Copy of current homeowner's insurance showing personal liability coverage and that the policy is in force
• Proof of property taxes paid
• Copy of ADU certificate of occupancy, if applicable 
• Photo showing location of required off-street parking for each short-term rental unit(s) 
• Initialed, dated, and signed Short-Term Rental Fire Safety Criteria
• Signed STR Requirement Acknowledgement form
• Link of all URL listings from all booking sites
• List of all sites used for advertisement
• Transaction History Report
• Provide a copy of covenants and restrictions (upon request)

More information on the application process and requirements can be found by viewing the ordinance. 

Town Implements New Portal for Short-term Rental Violation Concerns

The Planning, Land Use, and Neighborhoods Department has implemented an online portal where residents can register concerns of possible violations of the short-term rental regulations.  Residents now have 24 hour access to register these concerns.  "Typically these issues arise after Town business hours or on the weekends," noted Jane Yager-Baumrind, who monitors the short-term rental program. "This new software will provide a better means of monitoring the violations and enforcement of the Town's regulations.  To access the portal and register a concern, click on the icon below.

Jane Yager-Baumrind Podcast Interview with Mount Pleasant Magazine

Jane Yager-Baumrind, Planning Specialist, and staff liaison for the Town's short-term rental program was recently interviewed by Mr. Bill Macchio with Mount Pleasant Magazine about the STR program.  You can access the entire podcast by clicking on the image below.

Short-term Rental Permit Application and Re-Application Process

Property owners wanting short-term rentals must apply for a short-term rental permit each year.   The property owner (or their agent) can apply for a short-term rental permit (please note, that the application review fee is non-refundable). Re-application for a short-term rental permit cannot be completed prior to the start of the new permit year, and doing so will cause denial of the permit application. In addition to filling out the application and paying the appropriate review fee, the following information must be uploaded with the application: 

• Signed Property Owner Affidavit (a separate form for each owner)
• Copy of current homeowner's insurance showing personal liability coverage and that the policy is in force
• Proof of property taxes paid
• Copy of ADU certificate of occupancy, if applicable 
• Photo showing location of required off-street parking for each short-term rental unit(s) 
• Initialed, dated, and signed Short-Term Rental Fire Safety Criteria
• Signed STR Requirement Acknowledgement form
• Link of all URL listings from all booking sites
• List of all sites used for advertisement
• Transaction History Report
• Provide a copy of covenants and restrictions (upon request)

More information on the application process and requirements can be found by viewing the ordinance. 

Sales, Use and Accommodation Taxes 

There are several types of taxes that must be collected, and some are paid to the state and some to Charleston County. 

Please visit the SC Department of Revenue website with specific questions about state taxes you may owe or contact them at 803-898-5970. 

For information about county taxes you may owe, please visit the Charleston County website or contact them at 843-202-6095.