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The people listed below
are ready to provide information about starting, expanding or relocating
a business within the City of Myrtle Beach. Our staff will walk you
through the process and see that your project proceeds quickly and
efficiently.
The answers to some
questions will vary depending on zoning, size, use and other factors, so
please check with the city before taking action, whether
you’re building a new structure or moving into an existing one. You’ll
save time, energy and money by calling as soon as possible.
Will I
need a building permit?
-
When you construct a new
building, add to an existing building, alter the interior, make
repairs, or otherwise rehabilitate a structure, you will need permits.
Before starting, discuss commercial permit requirements with
Plans Expeditor Heidi Soos
at 918-1165 and residential permit requirements with
Plans Expeditor Eileen Flynn at
918-1195. They are in the City Services Building, 10th Avenue North
and Oak Street.
How do I
get a business license, and what does one cost?
-
A business license is
required to operate a business in Myrtle Beach. To obtain a business
license or inquire about license fees, contact the
Business License Office at 918-1200. It’s in the City
Services Building at 10th Avenue North and Oak Street. A downloadable
Business License Application, in Word format, is available on the
On-Line Forms page. You may
wish to visit the Business License
Requirements page, too.
Why are
zoning and land use so important in the city?
-
It’s important that the
type of business you wish to establish is allowed in the area of the
city where you want to place it. Zoning
Administrator Kenneth May,
at 918-1167, can help determine the zone or zones that are
compatible with your intended business. His office is in the City Services Building at 10th Avenue
North and Oak Street.
What can you
tell me about parking requirements, height restrictions
and other
regulations?
-
Depending on the type of
business and the zone, a variety of parking requirements, height
restrictions, density limitations, landscaping regulations and other
items may apply. Again, be sure to arrange a meeting with
Zoning Administrator Kenneth May
in the City Services Building, 10th Avenue North and Oak Street, to
determine what is necessary for your type of enterprise. His number is
918-1167.
Who does
building inspections, and why do I need them?
-
If you need building
permits, please remember that our Business License Division is not
allowed to issue a business license until your building passes all
inspections and permission to occupy your structure has been granted.
Inspections may be required at various stages of a project, depending
on its complexity. Please call the
Construction Services staff at 918-1111. They are in the City
Services Building at 10th Avenue North and Oak Street.
What do I
need to know about signs and exterior lighting?
-
The city’s sign ordinance
regulates the type, number, size, height, placement and area for
signage, as well as permitting requirements. Only permanently
constructed signs are allowed. Wind-driven, portable and animated
signs are prohibited. Similarly, a light and glare ordinance regulates
the type, height, placement, foot candle level and permitting
requirements for all exterior illumination devices.
Code Inspector Audie Smith, in the
City Services Building at 10th Avenue North and Oak Street, is
responsible for these areas. You may reach him at 918-1181.
Can I show
or sell
merchandise outside?
What are my
requirements
for tree
protection and landscaping?
-
As a "Tree City USA,"
Myrtle Beach has specific landscaping and tree protection ordinances
in effect. To find out your property’s landscaping requirements,
contact Code Inspector Jimmy Brown
at 918-1170, in the City Services Building, 10th Avenue North and Oak
Street. He also is responsible for the tree protection ordinance that
identifies which trees must be preserved and protected.
Who do I ask
about stormwater
management and
public utilities?
-
New construction projects
and renovations may involve stormwater control requirements, as well
as impact fees and tap fees. To find out what your business will
require, contact Engineering at
918-2000. The office is in the Public Works Department on Mr. Joe
White Avenue Extension.
What if I’m
going to serve food?
-
For regulations regarding
food preparation and service, contact Keith
McKinney at DHEC, which stands for the South Carolina
Department of Health and Environmental Control. You may reach his
office at 449-5248. To determine if you need to install a grease trap,
contact the city’s Chief Building Inspector,
John Prochaska, at 918-1178. He’s in the City Services
Building at 10th Avenue North and Oak Street.
What is
floodplain management?
-
Whether you build or
remodel, floodplain management regulations may apply to your
business. To determine your obligations under these regulations,
contact Flood Plain Coordinator Emily Jacobs
at 918-1078. Her office is in the City Services Building.
Are there
ADA requirements?
-
Your business is likely to
be affected by the federal "Americans With Disabilities Act" and
barrier-free requirements in the building code. To find out what your
responsibilities are under these laws, contact
Plans Reviewer Jimmy Woolbright at
918-1193. He’s in the City Services Building at 10th Avenue North and
Oak Street.
What must I
know about
solid waste management?
-
Disposing of solid waste
is a fact of life. To discuss the solid waste management requirements
for your business project, contact Jimmy
Parker, Solid Waste Management Superintendent, at 918-2163.
His office is in the Public Works Department on 10th Avenue North
Extension.
Are
utility hook-ups inspected?
-
Absolutely. For
inspections of power, gas, water and sewer connections, call
Construction
Services
at
918-1111. Construction Services is in the City Services Building, 10th Avenue North and Oak
Street.
Who does
fire inspections?
Checklist*
*This
checklist may not be a complete list of all items that require city
permission or involvement.
© Copyright 2004, The City of Myrtle Beach. All rights
reserved.
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