When opening a NEW business within the Town of Lexington, the owner or an authorized representative must complete an application for a new business license. However, before a business license can be issued, the following town departments must be contacted and grant approval:
Building & Zoning Department :
- Reviews and approves the business type for legal and zoning issues (For example, whether the property is properly zoned for business, and whether business is considered a sexually oriented business).
- Reviews and approves all plans for any type of construction.
- All buildings must meet building code and fire safety requirements.
- Building/grading permits are required for all new construction as well as for renovations.
Note: All businesses must at minimum comply with the following codes and ordinances:
A checklist is available from Building and Zoning to help guide you through the process for obtaining all necessary approvals.
Utilities:
All projects must be reviewed to determine:
New Construction:
- Water/sewer availability
- Storm drainage & erosion mitigation requirements
- Capital Contribution Fees* (CCFs) required
- Tap fees, meter size, hydrants, etc.
Existing Structures:
- Whether additional CCFs are required
* Capital Contribution Fee: a fee to defray the cost of providing infrastructure and other facilities for the benefit of new customers connecting to the town's water and wastewater systems. Such fees reflect the Town's past and future spending on utility infrastructure to the extent that it is available for use by new customers.
Finance:
The completed Business License Application Form and appropriate fees are processed through customer service in the Finance Department.
Renewal:
Renewing a business license on an existing business within the town limits requires both a Business License Application to be completed and fees paid. Applications are mailed annually in early January and are due by April 15 th. Applications may also be obtained at customer service at Town Hall - 111 Maiden Lane.
ANNEXATION REQUIREMENTS
PLEASE NOTE :
For a new business outside of the town being developed on property that is contiguous (touching) the existing town limits, annexation will be required before the town will agree to provide water and/or sewer service. In order to expedite the approval process, annexation procedures should begin as soon as possible. For more information, contact the Town Attorney in the Administration Department at (803) 951-2232.
INFORMATION FOR CONTRACTORS
All out-of-town contractors are required to obtain/update a Business License for each job performed within the town.
Also, contractors wanting to operate within the town limits will be required to provide a copy of their SC State Contractors or Home Builder's License prior to approval for a town business license. You may contact the State Contractor Board for more information on the State requirements. |
