Hilton Head, South Carolina, September 20, 2025
News Summary
In a recent meeting, the Hilton Head town council opted against implementing a moratorium on short-term rentals, timeshares, and subdivisions. The decision followed extensive public feedback, with over 800 citizens signing a petition advocating for caution regarding short-term rentals. Instead, the council will direct staff to draft new regulations aimed at addressing urgent safety and quality of life concerns. The proposed regulations will focus on issues such as noise, parking, and enforcement, with the intent of maintaining community livability as short-term rental permits reach 7,112.
Hilton Head, South Carolina – The Hilton Head town council concluded a regular meeting on Tuesday and decided against imposing a moratorium on short-term rentals, timeshares, and subdivisions. Following public outcry, the council directed the town manager to remove moratorium options as a method for managing growth on the island. Instead, town staff will draft updated regulations regarding short-term rentals, major subdivisions, and timeshares.
The intent of the new regulations is to address urgent safety and quality of life concerns before the short-term rental permit renewal period at the end of 2025. Over two hours of public comments were heard at the meeting, with real estate agents and vacation rental owners opposing the moratorium, while some longtime residents advocated for a temporary moratorium, believing it would help assess the impact of short-term rentals on community livability. An online petition supporting the moratorium garnered over 800 signatures from concerned citizens.
The proposed moratorium would have applied only to new permits and would not affect existing short-term rentals. Realtors voiced concerns that discussing a moratorium could negatively influence investment and property values, discouraging prospective buyers. Town leaders have recently discussed amending the town’s short-term rental ordinance to address issues like parking, occupancy limits, and fire safety requirements. However, previous proposed amendments by the town council were not moved forward to a second reading after a meeting in February.
Mayor Alan Perry expressed his opposition to a moratorium on short-term rentals during the council meeting. The town’s short-term rental properties have increasingly come under scrutiny due to their significant growth and impacts on the community. As of January 31, there were 7,112 short-term rental permits registered in Hilton Head, primarily located near the beach.
The proposed new regulations aim to tackle issues such as safety, noise, parking, and enforcement of rental operations. Suggestions for improved ordinance regulations include clear parking instructions for visitors and occupancy limits based on the rental type. Moreover, the anticipated changes seek to enhance safety measures, particularly for larger rental properties. Responses to citations for violations could include fines and potentially revocation of rental permits if not addressed.
The town council will continue to deliberate on the proposed ordinances and regulations in upcoming meetings, aimed at ensuring the balanced growth of short-term rentals while safeguarding the quality of life for residents.
FAQ
- What decision did the Hilton Head town council make regarding the short-term rental moratorium?
- The Hilton Head town council concluded a regular meeting on Tuesday and decided against imposing a moratorium on short-term rentals, timeshares, and subdivisions.
- What will the town staff do instead of imposing a moratorium?
- The town staff will draft updated regulations regarding short-term rentals, major subdivisions, and timeshares.
- What is the intent of the new regulations?
- The intent is to address urgent safety and quality of life concerns before the short-term rental permit renewal period at the end of 2025.
- How long was the public comment session during the meeting?
- Over two hours of public comments were heard at the meeting, with real estate agents and vacation rental owners opposing the moratorium.
- How many signatures did the online petition supporting the moratorium receive?
- An online petition supporting the moratorium garnered over 800 signatures.
- What will the proposed new regulations tackle?
- The proposed new regulations aim to address issues such as safety, noise, parking, and enforcement of rental operations.
Key Features of Short-Term Rental Regulations
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Moratorium on New Permits | Not imposed; discussions abandoned after public outcry. |
| Public Feedback | Over two hours of comments, with mixed community responses. |
| New Regulatory Focus | Address safety, noise, parking, and enforcement of short-term rental operations. |
| Current Permits | 7,112 short-term rental permits registered as of January 31. |
| Response to Violations | Fines and potential revocation of rental permits for non-compliance. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Hilton Head Council Debates Short-Term Rental Moratorium Amid Community Concerns
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Rental Regulations Discussion
- Island Packet: Real Estate News in Hilton Head
- WTOC: Hilton Head Town Council Meeting
- Post and Courier: Hilton Head Short-Term Rentals
- Realtor.com: Short-Term Rentals Demand in South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Short-term rental
- Google Search: Hilton Head short-term rentals
- Google Scholar: Hilton Head short-term rentals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Short-term rentals
- Google News: Hilton Head 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.
