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1. Can I vend food from a truck on City streets?

Food vending on streets in the downtown area is restricted to designated vending locations and requires the vending to be within the parameters of those locations. The locations are limited in size and most often will not accommodate a vehicle. Section 17-121 of the Code of the City of Charleston more specifically addresses vending of food and reading material.

2. Can I rent a city-owned facility for a private function?

Any citizen has the opportunity to rent a City-owned building for a public or private event based on availability.

Listed below are contact numbers for each City facility:

- Gaillard Auditorium (843) 577-7400
- Dock Street Theatre (843) 720-3968
- Visitor Center (843) 724-7174
- Old Slave Mart Museum (843) 958-6467
- Angel Oak Park (843) 559-3496
- Maritime Center (843) 853-3625
- Old Exchange Building (843) 727-2165

3. What are franchise fees on my electric and cable bills?

Franchise fees are fees paid by utility and cable companies for their use of City of Charleston public right-of-ways. It is similar to paying rent for the use of the right-of-way. Utility and cable companies are allowed to "pass the fee through" to customers. Most, if not all, cities in SC have franchise fees that are paid to the cities by these types of companies. The fees go into the general fund for use in operating the City.

Contact the Revenue Collections Division at (843) 724-7311 with questions or for more information.

4. Do I need a business license to conduct business in the City of Charleston?

Yes. A business license is required for all businesses that are located within City limits and businesses that come into the City to conduct business. Applications can be obtained online or from the Business License Office which is located in the Permit Center at 2 George Street. Questions regarding your business license may also be answered between 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday by calling (843) 724-3711.
Business License Information

5. How do I determine if my business is allowed at the location I selected?

The City's Zoning Ordinance permits certain types of businesses in specific areas of the City. Zoning staff will assist you in determining whether a specific location is appropriately zoned for your business.

To determine the zoning of a particular property you can visit the Zoning Office at 75 Calhoun St. on the Third Floor Monday through Friday from 8:30am until 5:00pm or call them at 843-724-3781. Zoning Division Website

6. What permits or approvals are required to open a restaurant?

A Business License Certificate of Occupancy is required for all restaurants that are located within City limits. Applications can be obtained online or from the Revenue Collections – Business License Office, which is located in the Permit Center at 2 George Street. 

External approvals that may be required to open a restaurant include: 

• Any business serving food requires a Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) permit and inspection. Contact the SCDHEC Food Protection Division at (803) 896-0640 or online. 
• A license from the state of South Carolina is required if you intend to sell or serve alcoholic beverages. Contact South Carolina Department of Revenue’s Alcohol Beverage Licensing Division at (803)898-5864. 
• Charleston Water Systems (CWS) requires the installation of a grease trap for all businesses that prepare food. CWS will determine the size needed for your establishment. Click here to learn more.
• CWS also requires payment of impact fees. Fees are assessed based on the number of patron seating. Please contact CWS at WasteWaterInspectors@charlestoncpw.com. 

New Business License Forms

7. What permits or approvals, other than a business license certificate of occupancy, do I need to sell alcoholic beverages for on-site or off-site consumption?

Please be sure the Zoning of your property allows for the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises or off-premises consumption. City Zoning staff will assist you with the determination. Contact Zoning at (843) 724-3781 or visit us at Permit Center at 2 George Street for more information.

A license from the State of South Carolina is also required to sell alcoholic beverages for either on-premises (restaurant) or off-premises (liquor store) consumption.

Contact South Carolina Department of Revenue – Alcohol Beverage Licensing Division at (803) 898-5864 or online.

8. What city regulations apply to operating a business within my home?

A Home Occupation is an occupation, profession or trade that is conducted within a dwelling by the resident of that dwelling. 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 attached Home Occupation Application Form.

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. Home Occupation approval can be revoked if it is found that any of the conditions of the Home Occupation requirements are being violated.

Approval Process for a Home Occupation

Step 1: Complete and submit to the Revenue Collections – Business License Division an original Home Occupation Application. Forms may be submitted via hand delivery or by mail.

Step 2: The Revenue Collections – Business License Division will process the application and verify zoning, fire, and building code approvals.

Step 3: Once all approvals have been received, the Revenue Collections – Business License Division will complete the general information on a Business License Application and return the application to the applicant.

Step 4: Applicant must sign the Business License Application and submit the original application and the appropriate business license fees to the Revenue Collections - Business License Division.
Home Occupation Form

9. Can I vend food from a truck on private property?

To vend food from a truck on private property you must first obtain written approval from the owner of the property. You will then apply for a new Business License CO and include the written approval of the property owner with your submittal. A Business License CO is required for all businesses and non-profits that are located within City limits. Applications can be obtained online or from the Revenue Collections – Business License Office which is located in the Permit Center at 2 George Street. A Business License CO application process is an opportunity for the City to confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the property’s zoning district and that the structure meets applicable building and fire code requirements. Please submit your application to Revenue Collections – Business License Office. The office will then forward the application to Zoning, Fire Marshal, and Building Inspections Divisions for review. These Divisions may contact you with questions regarding your application and to schedule necessary inspections. Note: Any business serving food requires a SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) permit and inspection. Contact the SCDHEC Food Protection Division at (803) 896-0640 or www.scdhec.gov.

New Business License Process

10. Is a permit or license required by the City for a garage or yard sale?

A permit or license is NOT required to hold a garage or yard sale as long as no more than one sale occurs each quarter per calendar year by any one individual, household group, family, multi-unit property or subdivision. This is a standard set forth by the State of South Carolina.

Please confirm that garage or yard sales do not violate your neighborhood covenants. This only applies if you are located in a neighborhood with covenants or deed restrictions.

Do not block the public Right-Of-Way, such as streets or sidewalks with merchandise.

Do not negatively impact the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on public Right-Of-Ways.

No signs may be posted off-premises.

Do not nail or place signs on trees, utility poles, sign posts, parkway or other city property. It is permissible to place a sign in your own vehicle, but it must be properly parked on the street to advertise your sale. Advertising in a newspaper is a good alternative.

One single-face sign, not larger than 2-feet by 3-feet, may be posted on the premises where a sale is being conducted for the duration of the sale and must be removed immediately thereafter.