Hilton Head Island Enhances Fire Safety for Rentals

News Summary

In response to a rising number of fire incidents linked to short-term rentals, Hilton Head Island’s Town Council is considering new safety regulations. Proposed changes include requiring automatic shut-off switches for outdoor gas grills and monitored fire alarms for larger rentals. With over 577 short-term rentals impacted, these measures aim to prevent tragedies like the fatal fire in Palmetto Dunes in 2022. Additionally, regulations addressing parking and occupancy are being evaluated to ensure better compliance and safety for residents and visitors.

Hilton Head Island Tackles Fire Safety in Short-Term Rentals

In a spirited meeting held by the Hilton Head Island Town Council, local leaders gathered to ponder some important amendments to the short-term rental ordinance that was established back in 2022. With fire safety becoming a growing concern, especially with multiple fire-related incidents stemming from short-term rentals, there’s a sense of urgency in the air as these discussions unfold.

Rising Fire Calls Demand Attention

The statistics certainly paint a concerning picture. Between September 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, the town received a staggering 117 fire calls along with 47 EMS calls from short-term rentals. To put that into perspective, it means that a whopping 71% of these calls were fire-related. For the island’s average, that’s significantly higher than the usual 24% rate.

Particularly haunting was a tragic incident in Palmetto Dunes back in 2022, where a fire at a short-term rental claimed one life and left another person critically injured. This heart-wrenching event has now led to a lawsuit against the rental company Inspirato, highlighting just how crucial it is to implement solid fire safety measures.

Proposed Safety Regulations

In an effort to enhance safety, the council is considering a range of proposed regulations. Among these is a mandate for automatic shut-off switches for outdoor gas grills, which would kick in an hour after use—helping to prevent potential fire hazards. Furthermore, all rentals exceeding 3,600 square feet would need to install monitored fire alarm systems that connect directly to a 911 monitoring service, giving an extra layer of safety for guests and property owners alike.

Though there are approximately 577 short-term rentals on the island larger than 3,600 square feet, it’s reassuring to note that most of these already have monitored fire systems in place. Still, some council members have underscored the necessity of conducting physical inspections instead of merely relying on property owners’ affidavits for safety compliance. They’re looking to ensure that safety isn’t just assumed, but genuinely enforced.

Parking & Occupancy Rules Get a Makeover

Beyond fire safety, the proposed amendments also aim to tackle other pressing complaints related to short-term rentals, including parking issues and noise disturbances. The council is looking to limit the number of vehicles per property to six and clarify the rules surrounding visitor parking. Additionally, new occupancy limits based on the number of bedrooms are suggested—for example, a studio would be limited to three tenants, whereas a two-bedroom property could house up to six people.

To ensure compliance with these regulations, the council is recommending that fines for violations ramp up from $500 for the first offense to $1,000 for repeat offenders. This tiered fine structure is intended to encourage responsible property management across the board.

Next Steps and Third-Party Inspections

As discussions continue, there’s talk of potentially revising the current permit fee structure, possibly leading to increased fees based on the number of bedrooms in the rentals. Council members are also exploring the idea of third-party inspections to lighten the load on the local fire department, all while ensuring that safety standards are met.

The town currently holds around 7,112 short-term rental permits, predominantly located near the beach. With ongoing meetings set to discuss these amendments further, it looks like Hilton Head Island is taking solid steps to bolster the safety and comfort of both residents and visitors in the years to come.

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Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Short-Term Rentals Safety
• Wikipedia: Fire Safety
• Post and Courier: Hilton Head Short-Term Rentals
• Google Search: Short-Term Rentals Fire Safety
• Island Packet: Latest News
• Google Scholar: Fire Safety Regulations
• WTOC: House Fire in Hilton Head Island
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Safety