Because short-term vacation rental ordinances vary dramatically across Charleston municipalities, luxury investors and second-home buyers must verify local zoning before purchasing. On Sullivan's Island, short-term rentals under 28 days are strictly prohibited island-wide, preserving its quiet residential character. On Isle of Palms and within Wild Dunes Resort, investment short-term rentals are permitted subject to annual municipal STR business licensing and occupancy limits. On Folly Beach, non-owner-occupied STR licenses are subject to a municipal cap and waitlist, while Kiawah Island regulates rental eligibility by specific resort and residential zoning overlays. In Downtown Charleston, investment STRs without an onsite primary resident are restricted to the Commercial STR Overlay District (such as Cannonborough/Elliotborough) with strict permitting.
