Myrtle Beach, SC Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Regulations 2026
Everything you need to know about operating a legal short-term rental in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Complete guide to business licensing, accommodation taxes, zoning districts, and compliance requirements updated for 2026.
Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular vacation destinations on the East Coast, and its regulatory framework for short-term rentals reflects the city's deep reliance on tourism revenue. Unlike many cities that restrict STRs, Myrtle Beach actively protects its vacation rental inventory -- while limiting where they can operate through strict zoning requirements.
Regulation Overview
Myrtle Beach treats vacation rentals as commercial activity subject to business licensing, zoning compliance, and multiple layers of accommodation taxes. The city defines short-term rentals as properties rented for periods of less than 90 days. Unlike many municipalities, Myrtle Beach does not require owner-occupancy for STR operation, making it attractive to investors.
Key Regulatory Bodies
- Myrtle Beach Planning & Zoning Department: Handles zoning verification, land use permits, and code enforcement
- Myrtle Beach Business License Office: Issues and renews city business licenses for STR operators
- Horry County Revenue Collections: Administers county hospitality fees and accommodation taxes
- South Carolina Department of Revenue: Oversees state accommodation tax and sales tax collection
Business License Requirements
All short-term rental operators in Myrtle Beach must obtain a city business license before advertising or renting their property. The business license application requires verification that your property is in a permitted zoning district.
Application Requirements
Submit application to the City of Myrtle Beach Business License Office with property details and projected gross revenue
Confirm your property is located within a permitted zoning district (RMV, MU-H, C6, A, E, HC1, or HC2)
Register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for accommodation tax and sales tax collection
Create a Horry County hospitality fee account for county tax collection and remittance
Register for Myrtle Beach local accommodation tax collection and filing
Zoning Districts
Zoning is the single most critical factor in determining whether you can legally operate a short-term rental in Myrtle Beach. The city explicitly prohibits vacation rentals in most residential zoning districts.
Permitted Zoning Districts
| Zone Code | Zone Name | STR Status |
|---|---|---|
| RMV | Residential Multi-Family Visitor | Permitted Use |
| MU-H | Mixed-Use High Density | Permitted Use |
| C6 | Urban Village | Permitted Use |
| A | Amusement | Permitted Use |
| E | Entertainment | Permitted Use |
| HC1 | Highway Commercial 1 | Permitted Use |
| HC2 | Highway Commercial 2 | Permitted Use |
| IR | Interim Redevelopment | Special Exception |
| R-* | All Other Residential Zones | Prohibited |
The RMV District
The RMV (Residential Multi-Family Visitor) district is the only residential zoning category that permits short-term rentals. This district is primarily located in the oceanfront corridor east of Kings Highway, where most of Myrtle Beach's hotels, condos, and vacation rental properties are concentrated. Key characteristics include:
- High-density residential development oriented toward tourism
- Located primarily in the beachfront and near-beach areas
- Condominiums, resort-style buildings, and vacation rental complexes
- No minimum rental period restrictions within the zone
Accommodation Taxes
Myrtle Beach STR operators are responsible for collecting and remitting multiple layers of accommodation and sales taxes. The 3% city accommodation tax helps fund beach maintenance, restoration projects, and tourism infrastructure.
| Tax Type | Rate | Collected By | Remittance |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Local Accommodations Tax | 3% | Host or Platform | Monthly to City |
| SC State Accommodations Tax | 2% | Host or Platform | Monthly to SC DOR |
| SC State Sales Tax | 5% | Host or Platform | Monthly to SC DOR |
| Horry County Accommodations Tax | 1.5% | Host or Platform | Monthly to County |
| Horry County Hospitality Fee | 2% | Host or Platform | Monthly to County |
| Total | ~13.5% | - | - |
Platform Tax Collection
As of 2026, Airbnb collects lodging taxes for the state, Myrtle Beach, and Horry County on most bookings. VRBO collects state lodging taxes and Myrtle Beach local accommodations tax. However, hosts remain responsible for:
- Registering with the South Carolina Department of Revenue
- Creating a Horry County hospitality fee account and remitting county fees
- Filing accommodation tax returns with the City of Myrtle Beach
- Collecting all applicable taxes on direct bookings outside platforms
- Verifying which specific taxes each platform collects -- coverage varies by platform
Hosting Limits & Rules
Myrtle Beach imposes operational standards on vacation rental properties to maintain quality of life and guest safety. Notably, the city does not impose an owner-occupancy requirement.
Occupancy and Operational Rules
- No Owner-Occupancy Required: Investors can operate STRs without living on or near the property
- Building Code Compliance: All properties must meet current building code standards for habitable space
- Parking: Adequate parking must be provided per the zoning district requirements
- Trash and Recycling: Proper waste management and disposal required
Noise and Nuisance Standards
- City Noise Ordinance: Applicable to all properties including vacation rentals
- Amplified Music: Subject to decibel limits, especially during nighttime hours
- Guest Behavior: Property owners and managers are responsible for guest conduct
- Pool/Hot Tub Hours: Community pools in condo complexes typically have posted hours
Safety Requirements
Vacation rental properties in Myrtle Beach must comply with South Carolina building codes and fire safety requirements.
Working smoke detectors on every level and in each sleeping area
At least one readily accessible fire extinguisher with current inspection
Posted emergency exits, contact numbers, and property address for guest reference
Compliant pool barriers, balcony railings, and safety signage in resort properties
High-rise condo buildings must maintain elevator safety certifications and lit stairways
Long-Term Rental Conversion Ban
In late 2024, Myrtle Beach passed a groundbreaking ordinance banning the conversion of short-term rental buildings to long-term rentals in key areas of the city. This ordinance is designed to protect the city's lodging tax revenue base and maintain tourism infrastructure.
Key Provisions
- Coverage Area: The ordinance applies to a zoning overlay stretching 114 city blocks east of Kings Highway to the ocean, covering commercial districts where most STRs operate
- Affected Properties: Hotels and STR buildings with more than two units that were constructed for or have been used for short-term rentals of less than 90 days
- Prohibition: Covered buildings cannot be converted to long-term residential rentals (90+ day leases)
- Purpose: Protects the city's accommodation tax revenue and maintains tourism capacity
Penalties & Enforcement
Myrtle Beach enforces its STR regulations through its Planning & Zoning Department and code enforcement division.
Violation Penalties
| Violation Type | Penalty | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Operating in prohibited zone | Up to $500 per occurrence | Misdemeanor charge, up to 30 days |
| Operating without business license | Fines + back taxes | Business license revocation |
| Tax non-compliance | Back taxes + penalties + interest | State and local enforcement action |
| Zoning violations | Up to $500 and/or 30 days per occurrence | Court action, cease and desist |
| Conversion ban violation | Per ordinance penalties | Forced reversion to STR use |
Enforcement Methods
- Zoning Complaints: The Planning Department investigates complaints about STRs operating in prohibited zones
- Tax Audits: The state and county can audit accommodation tax filings
- Business License Verification: The city cross-references listings with business license records
- Building Inspections: Code enforcement conducts inspections for building code and safety compliance
2026 Regulatory Updates
Myrtle Beach's STR landscape continues to evolve with both local and state-level changes affecting operators in 2026.
Key Developments for 2026
- Senate Bill S.442 Impact: South Carolina's 2025 legislation created new statewide standards while reaffirming local government authority to enforce their own regulations
- Conversion Ban Enforcement: The city is actively monitoring compliance with the long-term rental conversion prohibition in the oceanfront overlay district
- Enhanced Tax Collection: Expanded agreements with booking platforms for automated tax collection and remittance
- Building Code Updates: Updated safety and building code requirements for high-rise vacation rental properties, particularly in the beachfront corridor
State-Level Developments
South Carolina continues to balance state and local authority over short-term rental regulation. Key state developments include standardized licensing frameworks and property owner rights provisions that may affect Myrtle Beach operators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Myrtle Beach requires all STR operators to obtain a city business license. You must also register for state and local tax accounts. Your property must be in a permitted zoning district -- STRs are banned in all residential zones except RMV (Residential Multi-Family Visitor).
No. Myrtle Beach prohibits vacation rentals in all residential zones starting with "R" except for the RMV (Residential Multi-Family Visitor) district. Operating in a prohibited zone is a misdemeanor. The RMV district is primarily located in the oceanfront corridor east of Kings Highway.
The total tax burden is approximately 13.5%, including a 3% city accommodation tax, 2% state accommodation tax, 5% state sales tax, 1.5% Horry County accommodation tax, and 2% Horry County hospitality fee. Airbnb and VRBO collect most of these automatically, but verify coverage and register with all tax authorities.
No. Myrtle Beach does not require property owners to live on-site or be present during short-term rentals. This makes the market attractive for out-of-state investors. However, you must have a business license and operate in a permitted zoning district.
In late 2024, Myrtle Beach passed an ordinance prohibiting the conversion of STR buildings to long-term rentals in a 114-block oceanfront overlay district. This protects tourism tax revenue and benefits existing STR investors by maintaining vacation rental inventory in the city's core tourism corridor.
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