Columbia, South Carolina – Columbia is moving its short-term rental registration process into a new digital era, giving property owners and operators a single online place to apply for permits, pay fees, follow application progress and prepare for annual renewals.
Beginning May 20, 2026, the City of Columbia Code Enforcement Division launched a new cloud-based platform in partnership with Tolemi. The self-service portal, powered by Slate by Tolemi, is intended to make the registration process easier to manage while helping the city continue enforcing local ordinances and protecting neighborhood standards.
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The transition arrives at an important time for current operators. All short-term rental renewals are due by June 30, 2026, and existing customers will automatically receive an email explaining how to create a login and enter the new system. New applicants will be able to begin registering through the portal on June 1, 2026, at 1 p.m.
The portal can be accessed at https://slate.tolemi.com/c/columbia-sc.
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Short-term rentals are homes or units rented for fewer than 30 days at a time, often through online services such as Airbnb and Vrbo. In Columbia, every short-term rental operating within city limits must be registered annually with the city. The registration requirement gives officials an official record of licensed properties while maintaining a direct point of communication with operators when concerns arise.
Under the new system, applicants will no longer need to rely on separate steps to monitor where their paperwork stands. Owners and operators can submit applications online, make electronic payments and view the status of an application in real time. They will also be able to review their application history through the same platform.
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Once a permit is approved, it can be generated and delivered by email. The platform will also send automatic renewal reminders approximately 60 days before a permit expires, providing operators with advance notice before another annual deadline arrives.
Another feature connects registered properties with city code enforcement activity. Automatic email notifications will be sent when code enforcement cases are associated with a registered short-term rental property, helping owners or operators stay informed about issues that may require attention.
The city also plans to broaden the system’s role in the future. While the initial launch centers on short-term rentals, the platform is expected to later include long-term rental permits and vacant building registrations.
Before receiving a short-term rental permit, applicants must first obtain zoning approval and business license approval. Depending on the property and application, additional information may be required, including proof of ownership, a diagram or photograph showing designated parking spaces, local contact information, proof of insurance, safety compliance documents and a valid City of Columbia business license.
Fees vary according to whether the rental property is owner occupied. The annual permit fee is $100 per unit for owner-occupied properties and $250 per unit for non-owner-occupied properties. Applicants must also pay a $50 annual application fee and a $10 zoning fee.
For the city, the Short Term Rental Registry is more than a list of permitted units. It serves as the official record of licensed short-term rental properties within Columbia city limits and supports the city’s efforts to communicate with operators, respond to neighborhood concerns and encourage responsible rental activity.
For residents, the registration program also provides a path for reporting problems linked to short-term rentals. Concerns involving noise, parking, trash or safety may be reported through the City of Columbia Code Enforcement Office.
With renewal season approaching, the new portal places much of the process in one online location, from the first application to payment, permit delivery and future reminders. Columbia officials are positioning the change as a practical update for operators and a stronger administrative tool for neighborhoods affected by short-term rental activity.
Additional information is available through the City of Columbia Code Enforcement Office at 803-545-3430.
