Council workshop examines ‘responsible local agent’ draft for short‑term rentals in North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach — At a council workshop on short‑term rentals, staff and local real‑estate representatives outlined a draft “responsible local agent” ordinance that would require every short‑term rental within city limits to list a local contact available 24 hours a day by phone and able to be on site within one hour if needed.

The discussion came during a workshop, which City staff member Ryan emphasized is for “study” rather than immediate action: “The whole purpose of a work session is to study issues. It's not to take action. There's no action gonna be taken today.”

Brandon Cox of Elliott Realty, who presented the draft on behalf of local property managers and real estate stakeholders, said the proposal aims to focus on operational problems the city has identified — primarily parking, noise and trash — while preserving owners’ rights. “Short term rentals are an incredible part of the North Myrtle Beach economy,” Cox said, and many second homeowners support the tax base, he added.

Under the draft described to council, every short‑term rental would designate a responsible local agent who meets minimum professional standards. That agent could be the owner if the owner’s primary residence is within a specified radius of the city and the owner can meet the response requirement. Other compliance paths in the draft include designation of (1) a real estate brokerage whose principal place of business is within the prescribed radius or (2) an individual holding a valid South Carolina property…