Lexington County, South Carolina
West Columbia websites for Lexington County pros
West Columbia routes every new license through zoning review and Building and Fire inspections before you pay.
Zoning, then inspections
West Columbia is in Lexington County, across the river from Columbia, and every new business in the city needs a license first. Apply in person, by mail, email or fax at the Business Licensing office, 200 N. 12th Street, 803-791-1880, ext. 285. The city also accepts the state's standardized application.
The process has four steps. Submit the Zoning Compliance Application with the business license application, and staff tell you if a hospitality tax form is needed. The Zoning Administrator reviews it, and after Planning and Zoning approval you schedule Building Official and Fire Marshal inspections. Once those pass, you're called to pick up and pay for the license.
Vehicle sales and service, tire sales and service, food trucks, peddlers and short-term rentals also file a Certification of Compliance. Food trucks add proof of liability insurance and SC Department of Agriculture approval, and short-term rentals may need a state retail license and accommodations tax license.
Program updates took effect January 1, 2026. For 2026-2027, Class 1 started at $25 for the first $2,000 plus $0.85 per $1,000 up to $1 million. Renewals were due April 30, 2026, through the state renewal center, with 5% added May 1 and 5% more each month to 50% by February 2027.
West Columbia trades we build for
- Auto repair Brakes, tires and diagnostics.
- Electrical Rewiring older homes.
- Remodeling Mill village renovations.
- Junk removal Cleanouts and hauling.
West Columbia design picks
Templates for mechanics, electricians, remodelers and haulers.
Precision Auto DetailingShop services
Circuit ElectricalElectrician proof
Form & Finish RemodelingRemodel gallery
Emergency ServiceSame-day haulingExample companies; yours uses your West Columbia details.
West Columbia and Lexington County
Show us the West Columbia neighborhoods and Lexington County areas you serve; only those appear.
River and storm calls
Midlands thunderstorms and river flooding bring cleanup and repair calls. Share your emergency schedule to post.
West Columbia business license
From the City of West Columbia business licensing page and the state renewal center.
- New license
- Zoning review, then Building and Fire inspections. City of West Columbia
- Extra forms
- Certification of Compliance for vehicle, tire, food truck and rental uses. City of West Columbia
West Columbia questions
How can I apply in West Columbia?
In person, by mail, email or fax.
Are inspections required?
Yes. The Building Official and Fire Marshal inspect after zoning approval.
Do tire shops need extra paperwork?
Yes, a Certification of Compliance.
When do I pay?
When you pick up the license after inspections pass.
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].