Hilton Head Island, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Hilton Head Island is addressing growing safety and quality of life concerns related to short-term rentals by proposing stricter regulations. Mayor Alan Perry emphasized ensuring residents’ access to their driveways. Key proposals include occupancy limits, off-street parking requirements, fire safety measures, and increased permit fees. These changes aim to alleviate issues like noise and excessive trash, reflecting residents’ frustrations over the impact of rentals. The town council is set to review the proposed amendments in a special meeting on October 13.
Hilton Head Island Targets Short-Term Rentals with Stricter Regulations
The Hilton Head Community Services and Public Safety Committee recently convened to discuss new amendments to the town’s short-term rental ordinance. These proposed regulations aim to address resident concerns about safety, security, and general quality of life, which have become increasingly pressing as short-term rentals proliferate.
Mayor Alan Perry highlighted the primary objective of the proposed amendments: ensuring that residents are able to pull out of their driveways without obstruction. This meeting comes almost eight months after previous council members failed to reach an agreement on potential amendments during a February session.
Residents have expressed increasing frustrations with short-term rentals, citing issues such as parking restrictions, noise disturbances, excessive trash, and a perceived loss of community cohesion. Ward 4 council member Tamara Becker has been a strong advocate for more stringent regulations, underscoring that the rise of short-term rentals has led to a decline in the quality of life for local residents. In some neighborhoods, especially those near the beach in non-gated communities, short-term rentals account for as much as half of all residences.
Details of Proposed Regulations
The new regulations build upon existing rules that were introduced in 2022 and took effect on January 1, 2023. These earlier regulations implemented a permitting system for short-term rentals. The newly proposed rules are expected to include several key components:
- Establishment of occupancy limits, with specific maximums enforced during quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Parking regulations that require all vehicles to park off-street and within driveways, prohibiting any street parking.
- A mandate for all rentals to provide adequate parking, with minimum dimensions of 9 feet by 18 feet per vehicle and a maximum allowance of six vehicles per site plan.
- New fire safety requirements, necessitating operable smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and for properties larger than 3,600 square feet, a fire suppression system. If propane is utilized indoors, a combustible gas detector will be required, along with automatic shut-off timers for exterior gas grills.
- Mandatory inspections of short-term rental properties with a 48-hour notice prior to the inspection.
- Proposed increases in permit fees that may rise to $1,000, up from the current fee of $250, depending on property size and the number of bedrooms.
Some proposals discussed, such as requiring liability insurance for rental owners and mandating the posting of floor plans in the properties, did not advance during the meeting. Enforcement of both new and existing regulations poses a continuing challenge for the town, and council members are still engaged in discussions over various elements of the proposed regulations, including parking limits and penalties for noncompliance.
In conclusion, the ordinance amendments will be reviewed by the town council in a special meeting scheduled for October 13. The outcome of these discussions may significantly impact the landscape for short-term rentals on Hilton Head Island.
FAQ Section
What are the primary goals of the proposed regulations for short-term rentals on Hilton Head Island?
The primary objectives of the proposed amendments are to address resident concerns about safety, security, and quality of life, particularly ensuring residents can pull out of their driveways without obstruction.
What specific regulatory changes are being proposed?
The proposed changes include occupancy limits during quiet hours, off-street parking requirements, fire safety measures, mandatory inspections, and potential increases in permit fees.
What challenges does the town face in enforcing short-term rental regulations?
Enforcement of both new and existing regulations has been an ongoing challenge for the town, and council members are still debating various aspects of the proposed regulations.
When will the town council review the proposed ordinance amendments?
The proposed ordinance amendments will be reviewed by the town council in a special meeting scheduled for October 13.
Key Features of Proposed Regulations
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Occupancy Limits | Specific maximums enforced during quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. |
| Parking Regulations | Off-street parking only, within driveways; street parking prohibited. |
| Fire Safety Requirements | Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and fire suppression systems for larger properties. |
| Mandatory Inspections | Properties must undergo inspections with a 48-hour notice. |
| Permit Fee Increase | Proposed increase from $250 to $1,000 based on size and number of bedrooms. |
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Island Updates
- WTOC: Concerns Over Short-Term Rentals Regulations
- WSAV: Hilton Head Short-Term Rentals Update
- AOL: Hilton Head’s Short-Term Rental Market
- Post and Courier: Overview of HHI Short-Term Rentals
- Wikipedia: Short-term Rental
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island Short-Term Rentals
- Google Scholar: Hilton Head Island Short-Term Rentals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Short-term Rental
- Google News: Hilton Head Island Short-Term Rentals
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
