Columbia, South Carolina

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Richland County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: RequiredBusiness License Required
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/7/2026

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$100/year owner-occupied, $250/year non-owner-occupied, plus $50 annual application fee and $10 annual zoning fee
Renewalannual
Business License RequiredYes
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNo
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates

Zoning Restrictions

  • yes

Official Sources

columbiapd.net/short-term-rentals/
Data confidence: 97%Last updated: June 7, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Columbia, South Carolina

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Columbia, South Carolina are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $100/year owner-occupied, $250).

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Columbia, South Carolina?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in Columbia, South Carolina.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Columbia?

A short-term rental permit is required, a business license is also required, the fee is $100/year owner-occupied, $250.

Where do these Columbia short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Columbia's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Columbia, Richland County, or South Carolina authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.