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- Government
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- Revenue Collections Division
- Business License Information
Business License Information
All businesses operating or generating income in the City of Charleston are required to pay an annual business license fee for the privilege of doing business in the City. Click on the drop-down bars below to find more information on the City's business license process and requirements.
Customer Self-Service (CSS) Portal
Create a Customer Self-Service (CSS) account to apply for permits, schedule inspections, renew business licenses, search public records, and more!
- Complete the CSS online account authorization form.
- Create your CSS Account. Please note, this can take up to 3 business days to process.
If you have trouble creating an account, contact our Digital Services Specialist.
Local Fees & Renewals
Review business license fees, local taxes such as the Hospitality Tax, and how to annually renew a business license.
Permit Center
2 George Street - Suite 3700, First Floor, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 724-3711
Email: Businesslicense@charleston-sc.gov
Visit the Permit Center webpage for more information.
Business License Fee
Annual license fees are based on the gross income for the business or projected gross for new businesses and the rate class based on NAICS code. Once your business license application is approved, you will receive an invoice to pay your business license fee.
You can find more information in the Business License Ordinance and Rate Schedule.
Hospitality Taxes
The hospitality tax is a uniform tax of 2% on the gross proceeds derived from the sales of prepared meals, food, and beverages sold in or by establishments, or those licensed for on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages, beer, or wine.
The 2% hospitality tax is due on the 20th day of each month. Payments submitted after the 20th are subject to a 25% late fee.
Hospitality Taxes can be paid online with a Customer Self Service (CSS) Account. Visit the Hospitality Tax page for more information.
Accommodations Tax
Visit the Accommodations Tax page for more information.
Tour Tax
The tour tax is a $0.50 fee on every ticket of admission to a tour conducted on the public streets and sidewalks of the City of Charleston.
Tourism fees and required reports are due to the Director of Revenue Collections on the 15th day of each month. Visit the Tour Tax page for more information.
All business licenses expire on April 30th of each year. Business License Renewal Forms are typically mailed to business owners during March.
Business license renewals are based on the previous year’s income (businesses open less than a year annualize the previous year's income).
How to Renew a Business License:
- Online through our Customer Self-Service Portal
- In person at the Permit Center - 2 George Street, Charleston SC 29401.
- Mail (only checks or money orders)
- City of Charleston - Revenue Collections Division, PO Box 22009 Charleston, SC 29413
If you have any questions or if your contact information has changed, please contact Revenue Collections by phone, at 843-724-3711, or email, at businesslicense@charleston-sc.gov.
For more information, visit the Business License Renewals webpage.
Business Licenses
If you are opening a new business, doing business in the City, buying an existing business, or transferring a business to your ownership, you will need a new business license under your name.
A Business License is required for any business operating or generating income within the City of Charleston limits. Additionally, a business with a physical commercial location within the city will need a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). Please see below for more information.
If you are operating the business out of your home, you are also required to complete a Home Occupation Application. See below for more information about Home Occupations.
Contractors
Contractors doing business in the City of Charleston limits are required to complete a Business License application.
Special Event Vendors
All Special Event Vendors are required to obtain a Business License for events within the City of Charleston limits. A Special Event Vendor is defined as a vendor who sets up a booth or occupies a specific area at a special event, such as, but not limited to, a festival, parade, or exposition for the purposes of selling goods and services at that special event.
Businesses Located Outside of City Limits
Businesses without a physical location in the City of Charleston are still required to obtain a Business License before doing business within the City limits. The annual business license fee is based on gross income that was collected inside the City of Charleston during the previous year.
- We also accept the SC Standard Business License Application provided by the MASC.
A Business License and Certificate of Occupancy application is required for any business with a physical location within the city limits. These are two different application processes.
The Certificate of Occupancy Application includes:
- Certificate of Occupancy (CO) - apply through our online Charleston Self-Service portal (CSS)
- Fire Inspection Self-Survey
- Attach Floor plan(s)
Submit a completed Certificate of Occupancy application through the City's Customer Self-Service (CSS) Portal | email to permits@charleston-sc.gov | by mail or drop off at the Permit Center | 2 George Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Zoning
The Zoning Department will confirm that the property you are planning to occupy is zoned for your business's particular use. Contact Zoning at (843) 724-3765 before signing a lease or purchasing property to ensure you can operate your type of business at that particular location.
Zoning regulations address a wide range of issues, including the type of commercial use, allowed hours of business use, parking, and signage.
You can also view which properties are located within the City limits and their zoning designations using the City's Interactive Zoning Map.
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Building Inspections
The Building Inspections Division ensures that the physical structure complies with all building codes/requirements for the Certificate of Occupancy.
Floor Plans: All CO applications require a detailed floor plan of the space the business is planning to occupy.
Building Permits: Any building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or fuel-gas work requires additional permits. Visit the Permit Center - Applications & Guidelines page for more information.
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Fire Marshal - Fire Inspection
The Fire Marshal Division conducts a fire safety inspection by reviewing the business activity and facility to help ensure that minimum fire safety requirements have been achieved. The applicant must complete the Fire Inspection Self Survey as part of their CO application and provide it to the Fire Marshal at the time of inspection.
Once all internal reviews are complete, the applicant will receive an email notification to schedule an in-person Fire Inspection through the City's Customer Self-Service (CSS) Portal. Please note: This can take up to 3 business days to schedule.
If you have questions about scheduling your Fire Inspection, please contact (843) 973-7230. You can also find your designated Fire Marshal through the City's Fire Marshal Assignment Map.
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Revenue Collections - Business License Fees
Business license fees are based on the type of business (NAICS Code) and the projected gross income of the business for the balance of the calendar year. An invoice will be sent to the applicant's CSS Account and email.
You can find more information in the Business License Ordinance and Rate Schedule.
How to Pay Business License Fees:
- Online via Customer Self-Service (CSS) Portal
- In person at the Permit Center via cash, check, or credit card.
Once all fees are paid, a Certificate of Occupancy will be sent to the applicant via email, and a hard copy of the Business License will be mailed.
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Placement of Certificate of Occupancy
The Certificate of Occupancy must be framed and posted within 10 feet of the primary entry door, or approved alternate location, with the top of the frame measuring no higher than 6 feet above the floor and an immediate view of the public.
A home occupation is an occupation, profession, or trade that is conducted within a dwelling by the resident of that dwelling.
Any home occupation within the City of Charleston limits requires a Home Occupation Application & Business License.
Incidental & Subordinate to the Residential Use
Home occupations must be incidental and subordinate to the residential use, cannot constitute a nuisance or adversely affect adjoining properties, and must meet requirements listed on the application.
Approval of a Home Occupation
Approval of a home occupation remains in effect as long as you remain at the same location and meet all of the conditions set forth in the City's Zoning Ordinance, Section 54-211. Should you move and relocate within the City of Charleston, you will be required to reapply for home occupation approval.
Revoking of Home Occupation
Home Occupation approval can be revoked if it is found that any of the conditions of the Home Occupation requirements are being violated.
Submit completed application to businesslicense@charleston-sc.gov | by mail at ATTN: Revenue Collections Business License P.O. Box 22009 Charleston, SC 29413-2009 | or drop-off at the Permit Center.
For additional information, contact the Revenue Collections Division at (843) 724-3711.
Non-profit organizations may be exempt from the City’s business license fee.
In order to determine if your organization is exempt, you must submit a copy of your organization's 501(c)(3) status and complete Business License Application or a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) Application if it's a commercial location located within City of Charleston limits.
Submit completed application to businesslicense@charleston-sc.gov | by mail at ATTN: Revenue Collections Business License P.O. Box 22009 Charleston, SC 29413-2009 | or drop-off at the Permit Center.
To cancel a Business License, complete the Cancellation of Business License form.
Submit completed application to businesslicense@charleston-sc.gov | by mail at ATTN: Revenue Collections Business License P.O. Box 22009 Charleston, SC 29413-2009 | or drop-off at the Permit Center.
Whether you are starting a new business or relocating a business to Charleston, the Business Services Division is here to assist you!
Business License Assistance
If you need assistance navigating the city's licensing and permitting processes, please contact the Business Services Division at bizservices@charleston-sc.gov .
Small Business Resources
Business Services works to promote and maintain a strong business climate through the City and to foster a healthy and sustainable economy. Some of our services include:
- Free Small Business Workshops & Events
- Central Business District Resources (King Street, The Market area, & sections of Broad, East Bay, and Meeting Street).
- CHS Small Biz Resource Guide for entrepreneurs and small businesses to find and connect with local organizations to help start your business off on the right foot!
Stay up to date with what's happening in your city! Sign up for the City of Charleston Official Newsletter to receive updates on policy changes, announcements, events and more.
Additional Permits & Certifications
Certain business activities require additional permits to operate. For example, any signage promoting your business requires a sign permit.
Visit the Permit Center to meet with a Development Coordinator and discuss your commercial project or email permits@charleston-sc.gov . Development Coordinators also answer questions relating to most permitting processes and other City related inquiries.
Permit applications, construction documents, and plans can be submitted through the City’s Customer Self Service (CSS) Portal.
Inspections
Visit the Building Inspections Division for building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fuel-gas inspection information. Inspections can also be scheduled through CSS.
Certificate of Construction Completion (CCC)
To obtain a Certificate of Construction Completion (CCC) for permitted and completed construction, certain inspections must be completed as applicable for the project. Review the CCC Checklist for a list of requirements. Please send CCC requests to inspections@charleston-sc.gov
Visit the Building Inspections page for more information.
All signage must meet the requirements of Article 4 of the City of Charleston Zoning Ordinance. Visit the prohibited and exempt section of the Zoning Ordinance for a full list of prohibited types of signs.
There are additional Board of Architectural Review (BAR) design requirements for properties located in the following districts: Old & Historic District, Historic Corridor, King Street, Meeting Street, Spring & Cannon Streets, and Market Street. Please see the BAR Sign Policy Statement for more information.
If the sign is lighted, an additional Electrical Permit is required.
How to Apply for Signage:
- Complete the Signage Approval Application
- Attach signage plans (dimensions, design, colors, location)
- Pay signage application fee
- Submit Application:
- Online through Customer Self Services (CSS) Portal.
- Mail/drop-off at the Permit Center.
For questions about signage, contact the Zoning Department at (843) 724-3765 or visit the Permit Center for assistance.
A Mobile Food Vendor (MFV) is a business that sells food from a cart, trailer, tent, vehicle or similar. This includes caterers, canteens or similar who prep food off site and serve at an outdoor special event or gathering.
A Mobile Food Vendor (MFV) operating in the City of Charleston requires:
The Fire Marshal Division oversees the Mobile Food Vendor program and maintains an approved list of vendors.
Visit the Mobile Food Vendor page for more information.
Any bar, restaurant, venue, or commercial establishment, that currently allows on-premises consumption of beer, wine, or alcohol, and remains open after midnight located within the city requires a Late Night Establishment (LNE) Operational Permit and Business License & Certificate of Occupancy (BL&CO).
An LNE Permit will not be granted until a BLCO has been processed. It is recommended that you submit both of these applications at least 30 days before your planned opening for late-night use.
Review the LNE Operational Permit Checklist for a list of all required documentation.
Apply for the LNE Operational Permit through the City's Customer Self Service (CSS) Portal. (Note: LNE Permits must be renewed every 2 years).
Visit the Late Night Entertainment page for more information.
Restaurants can apply for a Sidewalk Café Permit to authorize food and beverage service on a public right-of-way directly adjacent to the establishment.
Visit Sidewalk Café Rules and Regulations for more information.
Application Checklist:
- Measured drawing of sidewalk café and layout plan
- Photographs of sidewalk and all proposed sidewalk café elements
- Signed and notarized affidavit
- Proof of insurance
- Application fee
The Sidewalk Café Permit, along with the required information and fee, must be submitted to the Zoning Desk in the Permit Center. For questions, contact Zoning at (843) 867-7679.
The Public Service Department issues encroachment permits for requests to place items into the City’s public right-of-way (ROW) or City drainage or access easements. The right-of-way includes City-maintained streets and sidewalks, as well as grass strips between the sidewalk and street (which the City does not maintain).
TYPE OF ENCROACHMENTS
Temporary Encroachment - Privately owned items or objects situated on, but not affixed, connected, attached or fastened to, any public right-of-way. Examples of these include non-permanently affixed street furniture, irrigation system, fences, awnings, and signs.
Driveways and sidewalks are treated as temporary encroachments, as they can be removed to make repairs.
Permanent Encroachment - Privately owned items, objects or structures affixed, connected, attached or fastened to any public right-of-way. Examples of these include footings, building cornices and parapets, balconies, portions of a residence, HVAC units, special finish sidewalks, and driveways.
Permanent encroachments are generally parts of buildings that cannot/will not be removed. They are an encumbrance on the property.
Visit the Encroachments page for more information.
A Short Term Rental requires a Business License and a Short Term Rental Permit.
Visit the Short Term Rentals page for more information.
Charleston’s Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise Office (M&WBE) strives to increase participation of minority and women-owned business enterprises in the full array of contracting opportunities available in the City of Charleston. The MWBE office maintains a current listing of certified Minority Business Vendors for referral and distribution.
The MWBE Office offers FREE M&WBE Certification to qualified minority and women-owned businesses.
Who Qualifies:
Minority-Owned Businesses: A business owned and managed by an individual who is Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. This individual must actively oversee the daily operations of the business and control a majority (51% or greater) ownership stake.
Woman-Owned Businesses: A business owned and managed by a woman who actively oversees its daily operations and controls a majority (51% or greater) ownership stake.
Check-out the MWBE Get Certified Brochure to learn more about the city's minority business certification program and it's benefits. Contact mwbe@charleston-sc.gov for more information.