Charleston vs Park City
South Carolina Restricted | Utah Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Charleston, South Carolina | Park City, Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee | $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) |
| Tax Rate | ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes) | ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible | Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses |
| Verdict | Park City has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Charleston, South Carolina
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee
Tax Rate ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible
Park City, Utah
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual)
Tax Rate ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses
Park City has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Charleston Overview
Whole-house STRs are effectively banned; at least one full-time resident must sleep on-site each night. Max 4 adult guests. Charleston is one of the few U.S. cities that criminally prosecutes illegal STR operators. $1M liability insurance required.
Full Charleston guide →Park City Overview
Nightly Rental License required; only certain zones allow STRs (e.g., Old Town, Canyons Village). Areas like Prospector and Meadows Estates prohibit nightly rentals. Must pass building inspection and designate 24/7 local contact.
Full Park City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Charleston or Park City?
Charleston is classified as "Restricted" while Park City is "Legal with Permit." Charleston's permit fee is $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee compared to $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) in Park City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Charleston or Park City?
Charleston charges ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes), while Park City charges ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Charleston: Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible. Park City: Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses.