Business License

An Horry County Business License is required of every person engaged in any calling, business, occupation or profession within the unincorporated areas (outside the city limits) of Horry County and is required to pay the required annual license fee. The business license year will be from May 1st to April 30th. The required fee shall be paid on each business type in accordance with the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) assigned by the County and the applicable rate class as specified by the Horry County Business License Ordinance # 88-99 (as amended) on or before the First Day of May in each year. A separate application / license shall be required for each place of business and for each classification type of business conducted at one place. New businesses shall be required to have a business license prior to operation in the County. Please see “New Business listed below”. The Horry County Business License shall be displayed on the original form provided by the County in a conspicuous place in the business’ establishment at the location address shown on the license. A transient or nonresident shall carry the license upon his person or in vehicle used in the business readily available for inspection by an authorized agent of the County.

• "Gross Income"
  All revenue received or accrued before any deductions or expense is taken out (such as cost of goods sold, overhead, etc.) New businesses estimate from start date until April 30th. First year renewals (second year license) estimate gross for a whole year of activity. All additional income over the estimated grosses must be reported, and additional fee paid, prior to the expiration of license or late penalties will apply.
• "Exempt Income"
  Revenue that is generated in another county or municipality where a business licenses is obtained.
• Non-Resident Rates
  Nonresident and itinerants having no fixed principle place of business within the County are subject to all minimum fees and rates applicable multiplied by 200 percent.
• Denial of License
  A license may be denied to an applicant when the application filed is incomplete, contains a misrepresentation, has a false or misleading statement, contains evasion or suppression of material fact, or when the activity for which a license is sought is unlawful or constitutes a public nuisance. Businesses will be notified in written form of license denials with reasons stated. For questions regarding denials, contact the department that is listed beside the stated reason on the back of your denial letter. If denial is not resolve within 30 days from date of notice a $100.00 reapplication fee will be due.
• Change of Physical Address 
  A change in physical address requires a new zoning compliance from Planning & Zoning BEFORE the information can be updated on your license. Please provide our office a copy of the compliance within ten (10) days after the business has moved to new location. The current license will be valid until a new license can be issued. Failure to obtain approval of the County shall invalidate the license.
• Business Sold/ Transfer of Ownership
  New owner has 30 days to transfer a license from date of purchase. A $50.00 transfer fee is required along with new owners information. Transfer can be made ONLY if old owner has a current Horry County Business License.
• New Business
  Zoning approval is required prior to the issuance of the business license. Please contact the Horry County Planning and Zoning Department at 843-915-5340 to determine whether or not the use is in compliance with the zoning regulations and to obtain the required approval document prior to submitting the business license application. If the application is not received prior to the start date of the business a 10% monthly penalty will apply with a cap of 30%.
• Amusement Machines (Coin Operated)
  Owner of Machine: $12.50 per machine, PLUS $12.50 flat fee (not calculated on gross income). Business where machines are located: First $50,000.00 of gross income is $50.00 PLUS $1.00 per each additional $1,000.00 (or fraction) over the $50,000.00. Non-Residential rates apply. 
• Billiard or Pool Rooms (all Types)
  Owner of tables only: $5.00 per table PLUS $100.00 for the first $50,000.00 of gross income and $1.00 per each additional $1,000 (or fraction) over the $50,000.00. Non-Resident rates apply.
• Bingo (State license required)
  First $50,000.00 of gross income is $100.00 PLUS $1.00 per each additional $1,000.00 (or fraction) over the $50,000.00. 
• Expiration Date
  License expires April 30 and must be renewed on or before May 1 to avoid late penalty. If not renewed by Sept. 30 a 30% penalty plus $100.00 reapplication fee will apply.
• Business Closed
  Send in written statement of closure to include name of business, when business closed and signature of owner.
• Carnivals and Circuses
  First $50,000.00 of gross income is $100.00 PLUS $1.00 for each additional $1000.00 (or fraction over $50,000).

Commercial Zoning Compliance

This application is required for any business that needs a Business License. In order to assure the site can safely support the proposed commercial business, Planning & Zoning may require additional information. The following businesses have descriptions of additional  information required:

• Sales, Leasing and Rentals of Auto/Vehicle, Equipment & Manufactured Homes
• Beauty Salons / Barber Shops / Dog groomers
• Christmas Tree Sales
• Massage Therapy Spas
• Medical Offices
• Mobile Food Vending
• Produce Stands
• Restaurants/Bars and Late-night establishments
• Storage Yards
• Tow Yards

**A signed lease agreement is required for all commercial businesses

Please contact the Code Enforcement Department at 843-915-5090 for information regarding building construction or any change of use to an existing commercial building. 

All commercial site plan reviews require a fee. Please contact the Planning and Zoning Department for procedures.

Additional Information required for the following Businesses

• Sales, leasing & rental of Auto/Vehicle, equipment & Manufactured homes
  • New locations will need to submit for a commercial plan review. Please include a site plan drawn to scale showing location of the office, display area of vehicles for sale, parking, and landscaping.
  • Existing approved locations may submit your application for review. We will verify if there is an approved plan on file. If we don’t have an approved plan, the new location requirements will apply.
• Beauty Salons/ Barber Shops
  • Please provide a floor plan labeling the rooms, chairs, beds and/or tables as this use may require additional parking.
• Christmas Trees Sales (Temporary)
  • Open lot sale of Christmas trees for a period not to exceed forty-five (45) days. (Art. X Section 1002).
  • Please submit Christmas Trees sales application along with a Building permit application and detailed site plan to the Code Enforcement Dept. for review and approval.
• Massage Therapy/Spas
  • Submit your application including a floor plan of the inside of the building labeling the purpose of each room.
  • Please provide a list of the number of massage therapists that are working at this business with a copy of each of their SC Massage Therapy License.
  • Conditional requirements are:
    • All massage therapists shall be licensed by the State of South Carolina;
    • Services offered and advertised shall not include any type of bathing services performed by an employee or
      agent of the spa;
    • Hours of operation are limited to 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • A Zoning Inspector will do an on-site inspection before the zoning compliance is issued.
• Medical Offices
  • Please provide a floor plan labeling the treatment rooms, waiting areas, offices and restrooms, as this use may require additional parking.
• Mobile Food Vending
  • Commercial site plan review is required. Please submit the site plan, Mobile Food Vending application and the Commercial Zoning Compliance Application to Planning & Zoning for review.
• Overlay Districts (Corridors)
  • Any parcel located within an overlay district may have additional requirements. Please refer to Article VIII of the Horry County Zoning Ordinance.
• Produce Stands (Temporary)
  • Please submit the Produce/Shrimp Stand application along with a Building permit application and detailed site plan to the Code Enforcement Dept. for review and approval. Site plan should indicate where the produce stand will be located, all required parking spaces and other documentation as required.
• Restaurants/Bars and Late-night establishments (open after midnight)
  • Properties within five hundred (500) feet of a residential district or use may need to apply for a Special Exception from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Planning & Zoning will verify if this is required and let you know the procedure.
  • If you are planning on being open after 12:00 midnight, Horry County Police Dept. requires that you obtain a Pre-clearance letter before we can issue a zoning compliance or apply for a Special Exception.
• Storage Yards
  • Any business that has open yard storage areas will be required to submit a commercial site plan showing the site will meet the requirements of Section 411.

Article IV, Section 411
To prevent unsightly views from adjacent roadways and land uses, all outdoor storage, junk, salvage, dump yards and high bulk merchandise storage yard areas in commercially zoned districts (unless otherwise defined or directed) shall be screened by a completely opaque fence, or wall not less than six (6) feet in height and shall not be stacked higher than the maximum height allowed for a fence or wall in such commercially zoned district. Completely opaque screening of all outdoor storage, junk, salvage, dump yards, stock yards and high bulk merchandise areas in industrial and manufacturing districts shall be required if abutting a public roadway (unless otherwise defined) and/or unlike zoning districts. Businesses that are adjacent to like industrial and/or manufacturing are exempt from the screening requirement along the shared property boundaries. Stacking shall also be limited to the maximum allowed fence height. See § 412 [of this Zoning Ordinance]. Items such as recreation vehicles which are not stacked only need be screened to a height of six (6) feet. Junk Cars and salvage yards are required to be screened to a height of eight (8) feet. See section 10-35 of the general code. Industrial and manufacturing businesses within an industrial park shall be exempt from opaque screening and stacking of stored product.

• Tow Yards
  • Any business with a tow yard will be required to submit a commercial site plan showing the site will meet the requirements of Article IX Section 906.
  • Once a final Inspection is approved a zoning compliance can be issued.
  • Re-Inspection may be required yearly.

Article IX, Section 906 
Each wrecker business which stores towed vehicles shall have a storage lot in close proximity to its principal place of business and located within Horry County. Adequate storage shall be no less than fifty (50) feet by one hundred (100) feet, either under cover or fenced with six-foot high privacy fencing (including chain link with vinyl slats or opaque mesh; metal or wood). Fencing shall incorporate three (3) strands of barbed wire at the top. Each wrecker business shall have posted at its storage lot and at its principal place of business signs clearly indicating the procedure for release of vehicles, including the on-call number for release of vehicles, such posted signs shall be clearly visible and legible to any driver approaching the storage lot or place of business.

LI & MA1 ZONING DISTRICTS 
Allow auto/boat/motorcycle/recreation vehicle storage of licensed vehicles only.

HC, HI, MA2 & MA3 ZONING DISTRICTS
Allow auto/boat/motorcycle/recreation vehicle storage of licensed or unlicensed vehicles.

If you are doing con-consensual towing from private property, please contact the Horry County Police Dept. at 843-915-5350 for requirements.

Home Occupation

IT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS SECTION TO

1. Recognize the home as a viable location for certain types of occupations.
2. To ensure the compatibility of home occupation with the principal residential uses in order to protect the integrity and character of neighborhoods.
3. Minimize noise, traffic nuisances, hazardous material usage, and other possible impact to residential areas.
4. Prohibit certain types of businesses that would be incompatible with residential uses.
5. Prohibit certain types of businesses that would ordinarily be a use (permitted or conditional) in a commercial or industrial zoning district.

THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS APPLY TO ALL HOME OCCUPATIONS

1. The home occupation is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes.
2. The home occupation does not change the character of the residential dwelling when conducted within the dwelling.
3. The owner/operator of the home occupation must either own the property and/or building in which the home occupation is operated or have notarized permission from the property owner.
4. All parking and maneuvering areas required to support the home occupation shall be located on site to the residence. 
5. No home occupation shall create excessive noise, dust vibrations, smells, smoke, glare, electrical interference, fire hazard or nuisance to any greater or more frequent extent than that usually experienced in the district on residentially used zoning lots where no home occupation exists.
6. One (1) home occupation sign, provided it is nonilluminated and no larger than two (2) square feet in area and it is mounted against a wall of the principal structure unless otherwise prohibited by deed restrictions.
7. Any home occupation lawfully permitted prior to the adoption of this ordinance will be considered "legal non-conforming". Any legal non-conforming home occupation that ceases to exist for a period of twelve (12) months after the business license expires shall lose its non-conforming status.

THE FOLLOWING ARE PROHIBITED HOME OCCUPATION USES

• Ambulance Service
• Taxi Service
• Limousine Service
• Trucking Companies
• Retail Sales On-site
• Trade Shop Uses
• Auto Repair Services
• Kennels
• Welding Service
• Medical, Dental, Chiropractic or Veterinary Offices/Clinics
• Health Salons, Gyms, Dance Studios, Aerobic Exercise Studios
• Restaurants or Taverns
• Firearms (Those occupations that entail the manufacturing, sale, lease or rental of firearms/and or ammunition)
• Escort Services
• Adult Oriented Businesses (examples: private modeling, uncertified massage services)
• Drug/Alcohol Counseling Services
• Tattoo & Body Piercing
• Swimming Pool Companies

HOME OCCUPATIONS – ONE ACRE OR LESS

Home occupations on one (1) acre or less shall be permitted as an accessory use to a residential dwelling in any zoning district excluding AG1, AG2, FA, LFA and CFA provided that all the following conditions are met:

1. The home occupation is conducted entirely within a residential dwelling and/or a fully enclosed attached or detached structure on the same property.
2. No more than thirty-five (35) percent of the floor space of the residential dwelling shall be used for the home occupation and no more than one thousand (1,000) square feet of a detached structure may be used for a permitted home occupation. The home occupation can be located in either the home or detached structure or both.
3. No more than two (2) home occupations per residence will be permitted and no more than two (2) on-residents per business may be employed in the home or detached structure.
4. No more than two (2) service vehicles per acre will be permitted.
5. No outside storage of equipment, supplies, or over-stock shall be permitted with any home occupation.
6. Bulk deliveries to a home occupation shall be limited to one (1) per day.

HOME OCCUPATIONS—MORE THAN AN ACRE (INCLUDING MULTI-FAMILY TRACTS)

Home occupations on more than one (1) acre shall be permitted as an accessory use to a residential dwelling in any zoning district excluding AG1, AG2, FA, LFA and CFA provided that all the following conditions are met:

1. The home occupation is conducted entirely within a residential dwelling and/or a fully enclosed attached or detached structure on the same property. 
2. No more than thirty-five (35) percent of the floor space of the residential dwelling shall be used for the home occupation and no more than one thousand (1,000) square feet of a detached structure may be used for a permitted home occupation. The home occupation can be located in either the home or detached structure or both. 
3. No more than two (2) home occupations per residence will be permitted and no more than two (2) on-residents per business may be employed in the home or detached structure. 
4. No more than two (2) service vehicles per acre will be permitted.
5. Outside storage of equipment, supplies, or over-stock must be screened with no less than a six (6) feet high and no more than an eight (8) foot high privacy fence or suitable vegetation. No storage may exceed the height of the screening.
6. Bulk deliveries to a home occupation shall be limited to one (1) per day.

HOME OCCUPATIONS—LESS THAN ONE AND ONE-HALF ACRE TRACTS

Home occupations on less than one and one-half (1½) acre tracts shall be permitted as an accessory use to a residential dwelling in any AG1, AG2, FA, LFA and CFA zoning district.

1. The home occupation is conducted entirely within a residential dwelling and/or a fully enclosed structure or detached unenclosed structure for storage of products (such as pine straw, plants, etc.) and machinery on the same property.
2. No more than thirty-five (35) percent of the floor space of the residential dwelling shall be used for the home occupation and no more than one thousand five hundred (1,500) square feet of a detached structure may be used for a permitted home occupation. The home occupation can be located in either the home or a detached structure or both.
3. No more than three (3) home occupation per residence will be permitted and no more than two (2) on-residents per business may be employed in the home or detached structure. Does not apply to off-site employees.
4. No more than three (3) service vehicles per residence will be permitted.
5. Outside storage of equipment, supplies, or over-stock must be screened with no less than six (6) feet high and no more than an eight (8) feet high privacy fence and or planted or existing suitable vegetation. No storage may exceed the height of the screening. No storage shall be forward of the principle residence. 
6. These prohibited uses are allowed provided the applicant meets the exceptions:
   • Trucking Companies - Exceptions: Companies with no more than three (3) service vehicles parked in the side or rear yard and not forward of the house and screened with no less than an eight (8) feet high privacy fence or natural vegetation.
   • Auto/Body Repair Services – Exception: All work is done off site and no storage of automobiles is allowed on-site.

HOME OCCUPATIONS—ONE AND ONE-HALF ACRES AND ABOVE

Home occupations on one and one-half (1½) acres and above shall be permitted as an accessory use to a residential dwelling in any AG1, AG2, FA, LFA and CFA zoning district.

1. The home occupation is conducted entirely within a residential dwelling and/or a structure or detached unenclosed structure for storage of products (such as pine straw, plants, etc.) and machinery on the same property.
2. No more than thirty-five (35) percent of the floor space of the residential dwelling shall be used for the home occupation and no more than three thousand five hundred (3,500) square feet of a detached structure may be used for a permitted home occupation. The home occupation can be located in either the home or a detached structure or both.
3. No more than three (3) home occupations per residence will be permitted and no more than two (2) non-residents per business may be employed in the home or detached structure. Does not apply to off-site employees.
4. No more than five (5) service vehicles per residence will be permitted.
5. No storage shall be forward of the principle residence.
6. These prohibited uses are allowed provided the applicant meets the exceptions:
   • Heavy Equipment Operations – Allowed on parcels five (5) acres or more.
   • Taxi Service – Allowed on parcels five (5) acres or more.
   • Limousine Service – Allowed on parcels five (5) acres or more.
   • Trucking Companies - Exceptions: If less than 5 acres, companies with no more than five (5) service vehicles parked in the side or rear yard and not forward of the house with no less than an eight (8) feet high privacy fence or natural vegetation. Allowed with no privacy fence on parcels five (5) acres or more.
   • Welding Fabrication Shops – Exception: small welding operations for equipment or vehicle repair is allowed.
   • Industrial/Commercial Trade Shops - Exception: off-site service related trades and on-site artisan or craftsman shops such as cabinet maker, furniture repair or hobby shops that do not mass produce or manufacture such product. 
   • Auto/Body Repair Services - Exception: All work is done off site and no storage of automobiles is allowed on-site.

Additional information for certain home occupations

• Beauty/Barber salons and dog grooming
  1. The business owner needs to contact Code Enforcement to see what requirements for any permits that may be required.
  2. Beauty/Barber Salons are allowed only one (1) chair.
  3. Groomers are not allowed to board or kennel animals overnight.
• Dog/Cat Breeding Operations 
  1. Breeder and breeding operations must meet the requirements of Horry County Ordinance Section 4-12 before Planning & Zoning can review. Please contact the Horry County Police Dept. at 843-915-5350 for information. They will inspect the business/site to see if it meet these requirements.
  2. Planning & Zoning will need a copy of the approved Inspection from Horry County Police before we can take an application or approve the zoning compliance.
  3. Breeders will only be allowed in the following Zoning districts with the required acreage:
  • LFA, FA, CFA, AG2, AG6 & AG7 requires 1 ½ acres
  • AG4 & 5 requires 5 acres
  • AG1 requires 20 acres
• Mobile detailing
  1. Business must remain mobile and no vehicles can be brought back to the home.
• Mobile Repair Services 
  1. We will allow an office use only at the home, no vehicles are allowed to be stored on site and all repairs must be performed off site.
• Prepackaged food sales - (Shaved ice, coffee, popcorn, cotton candy, nachos with cheese, peanuts, etc.) 
  1. SCDHEC exempts these types of businesses under the Cottage Law, because they do not involve the preparation of time/temperature control for safety foods.
  2. We will allow an office use only business from the home with the conditions below:
  • a. No retail sales from the home.
  • b. This is not an approved food vending truck and only allowed at private events and approved County special events.
  • c. Temporary vendor permits may be required at certain County special events
• In-Home Daycare 
  1. In home daycares must meet all applicable requirements of Art. IX, Section 911 of the Zoning Ordinance.
  2. Maximum of 5 children are allowed at a home-based daycare.