Greenville County, SC, Edges Closer to STR Ordinance

8/26/2026

Greenville County, South Carolina, is moving closer to adopting its first short-term rental ordinance after months of research and public input. The county estimates about 1,200 STRs operate in unincorporated areas, while VisitGreenvilleSC estimates the county may be losing roughly $900,000 annually in accommodations tax revenue. A working draft would require rentals to register with the county and provide owner, operator, property, and tax-registration information. The zoning administrator would oversee registration, but council members questioned whether staffing is sufficient. They also raised concerns about confusing language in the county’s existing business registration ordinance, which the proposal references. The committee voted to keep the draft in committee while officials resolve these issues and determine whether broader changes to existing business regulations are necessary.

Greenville Journal (08/18/26) Jay King

Why It Matters: Greenville County’s proposal would create new registration and compliance requirements for STR operators while stopping short of more restrictive measures such as caps or density limits.