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 Forms page.  You may wish to visit the Business License Requirements page, too.

• 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.

• 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?

• The display of any merchandise outside of any building is generally prohibited. Conducting business outside of any building or on public property is prohibited, except where allowed by code or franchise. Contact Chief Code Inspector Walt Wysk at 918-1173 with questions.

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 Charles Rowe at 918-1179, 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.

• 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 Public Works Department at 918-2000.

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 Hardee at 918-1078. Her office is in the City Services Building.

• 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 Jon Harrah 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?

• To ascertain that your facility complies with fire safety regulations, contact the Chief Fire Inspector at 918-1109. He’s in the City Services Building at 10th Avenue North and Oak Street.

• Building Permits

• Community Appearance Board

• Landscaping

• Tree Protection

• Stormwater Management

• Handicap Access

• Parking

• Signs

• Elevation

• Setbacks

• Business License

• Inspections

• Zoning

• Exterior Lighting

• Flood Plain Management

• Public Utilities

• Solid Waste

*This checklist may not be a complete list of all items that require city permission or involvement.