Short-term rentals

Isle of Palms' short-term rental law went into effect in March. A short look at its major provisions:

Occupancy: The total number of people allowed to stay in any house is limited to 1) two people per bedroom plus two, or 2) one person per 250 square feet (not including decks), or 3) six people. (Children under 2 aren't counted.)

Parties: No house can have more than 40 people at any time, including children. (This is for renting a house to use it as a home. Events, such as weddings, are a different story.)

Parking limit: Between 11 p.m. and 9 a.m, the total number of vehicles allowed at a rental home is either 1) one vehicle per bedroom, or 2) one vehicle per every 2.5 people allowed under the total overnight occupancy.

Written notice: A sign displaying information about rules applicable to short-term renters must be prominently displayed in the home.

Contact information: The owner or property manager of a short-term rental has to provide the city with a number where he or she can be reached 24 hours a day.

To report nuisance violations, call Sgt. William B. O'Donnell, livability officer, at 886-8282 or the Isle of Palms dispatch at 886-6522.