New residents of Hilton Head Island should be aware that the town enforces a variety of local rules and regulations to balance quality of life for full-time residents with the needs of visitors and property owners. The most significant involve short-term rental (STR) laws, beach parking fees, and community expectations for property upkeep and behavior.
Short-Term Rentals (STR):
All STR properties (rented for less than 30 days) must have a valid Town permit, renewed yearly. As of 2025, the permit fee is $250, but a new ordinance (effective May 2026) will raise this to $1,000 per property.​
Owners must also have a business license and comply with rules for noise, trash, parking, fire safety, and guest conduct.​
New rules taking effect in May 2026 include stricter parking requirements (max six vehicles, all off-street), enhanced fire safety for homes over 3,600 sq. ft., mandatory display of permit numbers in ads and on-site, and stronger enforcement measures with higher fines.​
Violators face escalating fines: $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second, and $1,000 for further violations within a 12-month period. Three violations in a year can result in permit revocation.​
STR operators must be reachable 24/7 and respond to complaints within one hour on-site.​
Beach Parking:
As of March 2025, residents with parking permits get free parking at all town beach parks. Visitors must pay ($3/hr weekdays, $15/day max; $20 flat fee weekends; enforced 7 a.m.–5 p.m. during peak season).​
Parking is paid through a digital app; cash is not accepted. Fines range from $50 to $500 for violations.​
General Community Rules:
Hilton Head maintains strict codes on noise, trash disposal, outdoor lighting, and property upkeep. Refer to the Town Code of Ordinances for details.​
Many neighborhoods maintain their own HOA or ARB guidelines covering home appearance, landscaping, and construction or renovation standards.​
New residents are strongly encouraged to:
Register with the Town for updates on rules, permits, and community events.
Check if their property falls under additional HOA restrictions.
Review the Town website for current ordinances, fees, and contact information when renting, building, or making property changes.
Hilton Head’s approach aims to protect neighborhood character, public safety, and the appeal of its coastal setting for both residents and guests.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.teamhiltonhead.com/2025/02/10/hilton-head-island-short-term-rental-laws-regulations-updated-for-2025/)
[2](https://www.herehiltonhead.com/hilton-head-str-regulations/)
[3](https://www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/blog/2025/06/hilton-head-island-approves-new-fines-for-short-term-rentals-breaking-rules.html)
[4](https://hiltonheadislandsc.gov/news/news.cfm?NewsID=3220)
[5](https://hiltonheadislandsc.gov/news/news.cfm?NewsID=3281)
