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Greenville

South Carolina · United States
Restricted
Last updated: 2026-07-29  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-29  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Greenville Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusRestricted — rules apply
Permit / License RequiredYes
Tax RateSC State Accommodations Tax: 7%; City of Greenville Local Accommodations Tax: 3% (due by 20th of each month for 1–89-day rentals); SC Sales Tax: addit
Minimum Stay30 days minimum in residential zoning districts; no stated minimum for permitted non-residential/commercial zones.
Permit FeeBusiness license required (fee based on gross receipts per City rate schedule); separate STR permit required. Exact flat permit fee not published on c
PenaltiesPermit denial, suspension, retraction, or revocation per City Code Ch. 8 Div. 4 Sec. 8-174. Monetary fines may apply for unlicensed operation; specifi
Occupancy LimitNot specified in available city materials; governed by applicable building codes for the structure.
Browse all 11 STR regulations in South Carolina → Browse all 535 STR regulations in United States →

Greenville Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Greenville Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rentals in Greenville, South Carolina are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are Business license required (fee based on gross receipts per City rate schedule); separate STR permit .

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Greenville

Short-term rental operators in Greenville should be aware of these tax obligations: SC State Accommodations Tax: 7%; City of Greenville Local Accommodations Tax: 3% (due by 20th of each month for 1–89-day rentals); SC Sales Tax: additional percentage may apply..

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Greenville

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Greenville include: Occupancy limit: Not specified in available city materials; governed by applicable building codes for the structure.. Minimum stay: 30 days minimum in residential zoning districts; no stated minimum for permitted non-residential/commercial zones..

Zoning and Location Requirements in Greenville

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Greenville: STRs of less than 30 days ONLY permitted in non-residential zoning districts where 'General Lodging' use is allowed. Residential zoning districts (RH-, RN-, RC- prefixes) prohibit new STRs under 30 da. Density rules: No published citywide density cap; zoning district eligibility serves as the primary control mechanism.. Insurance: Yes.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Greenville

Hosts who fail to comply with Greenville's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Permit denial, suspension, retraction, or revocation per City Code Ch. 8 Div. 4 Sec. 8-174. Monetary fines may apply for unlicensed operation; specific fine amounts not published on city STR page..

Platform Obligations in Greenville

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Greenville: Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit state-level sales and accommodations taxes on behalf of hosts for qualifying bookings; hosts remain responsible for city local accommodations tax remittance..

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Restricted
License / Registration
Yes
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
Business license required (fee based on gross receipts per City rate schedule); separate STR permit required. Exact flat permit fee not published on city website; contact Planning Dept at 864-467-4476.
Occupancy Limit
Not specified in available city materials; governed by applicable building codes for the structure.
Tax Rate
SC State Accommodations Tax: 7%; City of Greenville Local Accommodations Tax: 3% (due by 20th of each month for 1–89-day rentals); SC Sales Tax: additional percentage may apply.
Zoning Restrictions
STRs of less than 30 days ONLY permitted in non-residential zoning districts where 'General Lodging' use is allowed. Residential zoning districts (RH-, RN-, RC- prefixes) prohibit new STRs under 30 days. Properties legally operating before July 15, 2023 may hold a non-conforming status, but this does not transfer to new ownership. Homes in residential zones may be leased for a minimum of 30 days under 'Household Living' use.
Minimum Stay
30 days minimum in residential zoning districts; no stated minimum for permitted non-residential/commercial zones.
Density Rules
No published citywide density cap; zoning district eligibility serves as the primary control mechanism.
Insurance Required
Yes
Platform Obligations
Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit state-level sales and accommodations taxes on behalf of hosts for qualifying bookings; hosts remain responsible for city local accommodations tax remittance.
Compliance Notes
Significant zoning overhaul took effect July 15, 2023. STRs are classified under the 'General Lodging' use category. Properties outside city limits fall under Greenville County regulations (county does not require a business license but requires business registration and separate zoning compliance). SC Senate Bill S.442 (2025) clarified state-level STR framework while preserving local authority. Commercial general liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence required per SC state law.
Effective Date
2023-07-15
Key Notes
STRs under 30 days are effectively banned in all residential zoning districts unless a grandfathered special exception was obtained before July 15, 2023. Grandfathered status does not survive a change in ownership. Operators must hold both a city STR permit and a city business license before listing.
Penalties
Permit denial, suspension, retraction, or revocation per City Code Ch. 8 Div. 4 Sec. 8-174. Monetary fines may apply for unlicensed operation; specific fine amounts not published on city STR page.
Additional Context
The City of Greenville regulates STRs based on zoning classification following a comprehensive zoning code revision. Properties in mixed-use and commercial zones remain the primary eligible locations for sub-30-day rentals. Greenville County (unincorporated areas) has separate, less restrictive rules. Contact: planning@greenvillesc.gov / 864-467-4476.
Sources
City of Greenville Official STR Page: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/1572/Short-Term-Rentals
City of Greenville Business Licenses: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/business-licenses
Greenville Municipal Code Ch. 8 (Businesses): https://library.municode.com/sc/greenville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH8BU
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Greenville?

Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Greenville but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Significant zoning overhaul took effect July 15, 2023. STRs are classified under the 'General Lodging' use category. Properties outside city limits fall under Greenville County regulations (county doe

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Greenville?

Yes. Greenville requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Greenville?

Short-term rental hosts in Greenville are subject to the following tax obligations: SC State Accommodations Tax: 7%; City of Greenville Local Accommodations Tax: 3% (due by 20th of each month for 1–89-day rentals); SC Sales Tax: additional percentage may apply..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Greenville?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Greenville may face enforcement. Permit denial, suspension, retraction, or revocation per City Code Ch. 8 Div. 4 Sec. 8-174. Monetary fines may apply for unlicensed operation; specific fine amounts not published on city STR page..

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Greenville?

STRs under 30 days are effectively banned in all residential zoning districts unless a grandfathered special exception was obtained before July 15, 2023. Grandfathered status does not survive a change in ownership. Operators must hold both a city STR permit and a city business license before listing.

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