Short-term rental owners in North Charleston, S.C., must renew permits by February 28 or lose their operating rights. Over 600 applications are pending renewal or approval. The city enforces this strictly—operating without a valid permit risks shutdown.
District Caps and Waitlists
North Charleston limits each of its 10 districts to 60 short-term rentals:
- Districts 5, 6, 8, and 10 already exceed the cap.
- Timely renewals secure spots for current holders.
- New applicants in open districts get priority; capped ones join waitlists.
This setup balances growth while preventing overcrowding.
Common Misconception: Permits Don’t Transfer
Permits are personal, not tied to the property. If you sell your home:
- The permit stays with you, the owner.
- Buyers must apply anew—no automatic transfer.
City official Tanya McCargo notes frequent calls on this issue.
Application Tips
- Renew early: Approvals for existing holders can take as little as 3 weeks before the deadline.
- The city encourages compliance to support businesses, but won’t extend processing amid backlogs.
For official details, check the City of North Charleston website or contact their Compliance Enforcement Office. If you’re an owner there, have you started your renewal yet?
