The City Council of Rock Hill, SC convened on January 13, 2025, to discuss proposed regulations aimed at addressing issues related to hotels, self-storage facilities, and camping activities within the city. The meeting highlighted concerns over the negative impacts associated with long-term stays in hotels, including increased calls for service, drug overdoses, and other criminal activities.

The proposed regulations primarily target hotels, which have been identified as problematic due to the presence of individuals using them as permanent housing. Currently, guests are not permitted to stay longer than 30 days, with exceptions for specific circumstances such as relocation due to employment or emergencies. The new regulations would maintain this 30-day limit but introduce a provision allowing homeless individuals accepted into housing programs to stay for up to 90 nights.

City officials noted that many issues arise from hotels with exterior room access, which facilitate easier access for non-guests. To combat this, the proposed regulations would require all future hotels to have interior rooms and install security cameras. Additionally, hotels would be mandated to keep detailed guest registers available for city inspection and to post information regarding addiction and human trafficking resources in public areas.

The council also discussed incentives for hotel redevelopment, suggesting that hotels in designated overlay districts could bypass certain architectural standards in exchange for compliance with new regulations. Violations could lead to penalties, including potential condemnation of properties that fail to address ongoing issues.

In addressing self-storage facilities and camping, the regulations would prohibit individuals from living in these spaces and restrict camping on private property to two days per month, aimed at preventing long-term residency in unsuitable locations.

Public input was gathered prior to the meeting, including feedback from hotel owners and local developers. Concerns were raised about the potential exacerbation of homelessness due to the new regulations, as well as the impact on business travelers and real estate investments. Suggestions included creating a universal "do not rent" list among hotels and enhancing communication tools to monitor guest activities.

The council plans to continue refining the proposed regulations, with further discussions anticipated before the first reading of the ordinance. The meeting underscored the city's commitment to balancing community safety and the needs of local businesses while addressing the complexities of homelessness and transient living situations.