Short-Term Rental Permits

On December 15, 2020, Seabrook Island Town Council adopted Ordinance 2020-14, which established new permitting and operating requirements for the following types of businesses:

• Short-Term Rental Units. A short-term rental unit is defined as residential dwelling that is rented or leased, or offered for rent or lease, as an overnight accommodation for periods of less than thirty (30) consecutive days at any time during a calendar year. A short-term rental unit is generally used by renters and their guests in a manner that is consistent with the residential character of both the dwelling and the surrounding area. Hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and vacation time-sharing plans are not considered short-term rental units.

• Vacation Club Units. A vacation club unit is defined as a residential dwelling that is owned, leased or managed by a private membership organization or commercial business entity that is engaged in providing short-term overnight accommodations and related services to its members. Vacation clubs typically own or lease properties on a long-term basis, offer and rent those properties to the club’s members on a short-term basis, and model a membership structure where its members purchase membership levels granting access to a portfolio of properties and personalized services, but does not convey upon its members an ownership interest in the properties. Properties offered by vacation clubs to members for less than thirty (30) consecutive days are considered short-term rental units, regardless of whether the vacation club is the owner of record, lessee or manager of the property. 

In addition to an annual business license, all rental units operating in the town must apply for and obtain an annual Short-Term Rental Permit. Each unit shall be required to have a separate permit. Short-Term Rental Permit applications must be submitted with the annual business license application. Please include your payment (cash or check only) with your application forms, unless paying by credit card.

Each permit year runs from May 1st to April 30th. Renewal applications must be received no later than April 30th for each subsequent year. New short-term rental units must apply for and obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit prior to advertising and/or renting the unit.​

Individuals and businesses who are found guilty of failing to comply with the requirements of Ordinance 2020-14 shall be subject to fines of up to $500.00 (plus statutory assessments), imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both, for each violation. Each day a violation continues to exist shall be considered a separate offense. 

For more information, please contact us by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at [email protected]

Permit Fees

Effective January 1, 2023

• New Permit: $450.00
• Permit Renewal: $450.00
• Permit Modification (Owner/Agent/Contact): $25.00
• Permit Modification (All Other Changes): $100.00
• Reinstatement of Suspended Permit: $225.00
• Late Penalty in Addition to Permit Fee:
  • 31 Days or Less Late = $150.00
  • 32-61 Days Late = $300.00
  • Over 61 Days Late = $450.00

More Information

Short-Term Rental Ordinance (2020-14)
Short-Term Rental Permit FAQ's
​Business License Requirements

Forms

2024-25 STR Permit Application Form

Resources for Guests

Short-Term Rental Info Packet

Contact

Beth Rinehimer
STR Compliance Manager
(843) 768-9121​
[email protected]

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