Dorchester County, Berkeley County and Charleston County, South Carolina
Summerville websites for Dorchester, Berkeley and Charleston County pros
Summerville won't issue a business license until zoning review and building or fire inspections are finished.
Inspections come first
Summerville spans Dorchester County, Berkeley County and Charleston County. Anyone doing business in town limits pays an annual fee based on gross receipts, and a new business must be licensed before it opens. That covers storefronts, home offices in town, and outside companies that sell goods or services inside the limits.
Apply, renew or update a license in the town's CitizenServe self-service portal after registering. A new in-town commercial business submits the license application, a zoning permit application and an emergency contact form, plus a lease or rental agreement and ID. Planning and Economic Development checks the zoning, and you book an inspection with the Building Department or Fire Marshal.
Tenant upfits or new construction may need building permits; the Building Department is at 843-851-5200. The license isn't issued until Planning, Building and the Fire Marshal sign off. Buying a business means a new license and maybe a bill of sale.
Fees use your NAICS code, class rate and gross receipts, with declining rates above $2 million. Licenses run May 1 to April 30. Event vendors may get a special license for up to two days. The office is at 200 S. Main Street, 843-851-4215.
Summerville trades we build for
- Landscaping Weekly mowing and spring cleanups.
- Roofing Inspections and storm repairs.
- HVAC Fast A/C repair in humid summers.
- Pest control Termite and mosquito plans.
Summerville design picks
Templates for landscapers, roofers, HVAC techs and pest pros.
Canopy LandscapeLawn photos first
Ridgeline RoofingRoof credentials
Air & ComfortCooling calls
Trust & ReviewsPest reviewsMade-up businesses; yours uses your Summerville details.
Summerville and three counties
Name the Summerville neighborhoods and Dorchester, Berkeley or Charleston County areas you serve; only those get listed.
Lowcountry storms
Tropical storms bring roof leaks and downed trees across the Summerville area. We'll post your after-storm hours.
Summerville business license
From the Town of Summerville business license pages.
- Business license
- Apply in CitizenServe; NAICS class rate and gross receipts. City of Sumter
- New commercial business
- Zoning permit, emergency contact form, lease and inspections before issue. Town of Summerville
Summerville questions
How do I apply in Summerville?
Online in the CitizenServe self-service portal; register first.
What does a new storefront submit?
The license and zoning permit applications, an emergency contact form, a lease and ID.
When is the license issued?
After Planning, Building and the Fire Marshal approve reviews and inspections.
Do outside businesses need one?
Yes, if they provide goods or services inside town limits.
Nearby South Carolina pages
Pick a design and tell us about your business
We build it, host it and keep it running. Questions first? Email [email protected].