Charleston websites for Charleston and Berkeley County pros

Online, with one exception

Charleston spans Charleston County and Berkeley County, and every business operating or generating income in the city pays an annual business license fee. Most applicants apply online through the city's Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal, or email [email protected], mail Revenue Collections at PO Box 22009, or drop off at the Permit Center, 2 George Street, Suite 3700. Out-of-town contractors can't use CSS and must use one of the other three routes. The city also accepts the MASC standard application.

Call Zoning at (843) 724-3765 before you sign a lease or buy property, so you know your use is allowed. A commercial location also needs a Certificate of Occupancy, and a home-based business completes a Home Occupation Application. Contractors working in city limits apply too, listing their SC contractor license number, project address and project cost.

Fees come from the NAICS rate class and gross income, projected for a new business. After approval an invoice goes to your Customer Self Service account and email, payable online or at the Permit Center by cash, check or card. Companies based outside the city pay on income earned inside it.

Licenses expire April 30. Renewal forms are mailed in April and due May 1, based on last year's income. The current license year runs May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027. Buying a business means a new license; licenses don't transfer.

Charleston trades we build for

• Roofing Salt air and wind keep roofers busy.
• Pressure washing Mildew-off packages for porches and piazzas.
• Remodeling Kitchen and bath work in older homes.
• Pool service Weekly routes on the islands.

Charleston design picks

Templates for roofers, washers, remodelers and pool techs.

Ridgeline RoofingRoof credentials up topQuote-First LandingWashing quote formForm & Finish RemodelingBefore-and-after galleryCoastal PremiumCoastal pool feel

Made-up businesses; yours uses your Charleston details.

See all 30 designs

Charleston and the Lowcountry

Name the Charleston neighborhoods and the Charleston or Berkeley County areas you cover, and we list only those.

Lowcountry hurricane season

Hurricane season brings tarping, washing and repair calls across the Lowcountry. Give us your storm plan to publish.

Charleston business license

From the City of Charleston Revenue Collections pages and application.

Business license

Online via CSS, or email, mail or the Permit Center (out-of-town contractors can't use CSS); fee by NAICS class and gross income. City of Charleston · City of Charleston

Renewal

Expires April 30; renewals mailed in April, due May 1. City of Charleston

Charleston FAQs

Nearby South Carolina pages

• North Charleston
• Hanahan
• Mount Pleasant

See all South Carolina areas