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General FAQs

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1. What are the hours at Town Hall?

Chapin Town Hall is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, except when closed in observance of national or state holidays.

2. Which school district serves the Chapin community?

Lexington-Richland School District 5 serves the Chapin community. There are two elementary schools, one intermediate, one middle school and three high schools in the Chapin cluster. For more information, visit the district's website at http://www.lexrich5.org/.

3. If I have a water or sewer emergency after hours, what number do I call?

Chapin Sewer customers should call 803-605-9711 after regular business hours to reach our on-call personnel to report a problem.

4. If I plan to make modifications to my home or business, do I need a Zoning Permit?

Yes, the Chapin Zoning ordinance requires that residents or businesses making modifications to an existing structure to submit a zoning permit for site review and the appropriate referrals to Lexington County officials for building permits, Fire Marshall and storm water review. New signage will require a permit, and based on size of expansion and projected use, additional sewer capacity may be required. Contact our Zoning department for more information.

5. Is garbage pick-up required in Chapin?

Curbside garbage collection is optional within town limits. The Town of Chapin has a multi-year contract with Advance Disposal to provide residential curbside trash and recycling collection. Otherwise, residents may take their trash and recycling to the Lexington County Convenience Center located at 103 Distant Lane in Chapin.

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Municipal Court

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1. Do I have to appear in court?

You must appear on your designated court date and time for all criminal cases and applicable traffic cases. On your designated court date, you will need to either:
- Appear and plea, or
- Appear and ask for a continuance/jury trial, or
- Pay the fine prior to court (ONLY fines of non-mandatory court appearance traffic violations may be made prior to court).

Traffic violations - Most traffic violations do not require a mandatory court appearance. Please contact the court if you are unsure whether you are required to appear. If you do not appear for court on your designated court date and your fine is unpaid, you may be subject to having your driver's license suspended.

Criminal offenses - ALL CRIMINAL OFFENSES REQUIRE A MANDATORY COURT APPEARANCE. If you do not appear for court on your designated court date, you may be subject to having a bench warrant issued for your arrest.

2. What happens if I fail to appear for my court date?

Traffic violations - If you fail to appear for court or pay the traffic fine by the court date, you will be tried in your absence, found guilty of the offense, and sentenced according to the law. You will be mailed a Non-Resident Violator's Compact Notice. If you choose not to pay the fine amount, we will notify the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) to suspend your driver's license until the fine is paid. You may be required to pay reinstatement fees with the SCDMV.

Criminal offenses - If you fail to appear for court, you will be tried in your absence, found guilty of the offense, and sentenced according to the law. You may be subject to having a bench warrant issued for your arrest.

3. If someone is proven guilty, who decides the sentence?

The judge imposes sentences. Court staff cannot suggest possible sentences, as different facts and laws may apply to each case. However, certain offenses have mandatory sentences, meaning a judge cannot order a lesser sentence than is required. Other offenses allow a judge to use discretion. If a charge has a mandatory sentence, the judge will inform you at time of sentencing.

4. I was told I could speak to the officer before court. Do I need to make an appointment?

This statement refers to speaking with the officer prior to the judge entering the courtroom on your court date. If you wish to discuss your case with the officer, you will need to check in at 5:00 PM with the clerk in the courtroom on your designated court date. The officer will be notified that you are present in the courtroom. You will be asked to stay seated in the courtroom and must wait for the officer to call your name.

5. Can I speak to the judge, regarding my case?

The judge does not discuss or address any pending cases outside of open court and without all case parties present.

6. What if I don't have an attorney?

You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, you may request a court-appointed attorney if you are financially unable to employ counsel (you must meet federal poverty guidelines). Requests can be made with the Chapin Municipal Clerk of Court on your assigned court date.

7. How can I get referrals for an attorney?

Court staff are not permitted nor will they recommend specific attorneys or law firms. You should contact the South Carolina Bar Association's free attorney referral service at 800-868-2284. You may also check phone listings or ask friends and family for recommendations.

8. How do I know if my license is suspended?

You will need to call the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) at (803) 896-5000 with any questions regarding your license.

9. If my driver's license is suspended for failing to pay a traffic ticket, how do I get it back?

If your driver's license is suspended for failing to pay a traffic ticket fine, you will need to pay the outstanding fine with the particular court you were scheduled to appear before. Once the fine is paid, you will be given a Suspension Withdrawal notice, which you MUST take to the SCDMV as proof the fine has been paid. The court does not fax or e-mail this notice to the defendant or to the SCDMV.

10. Can I pay a higher fine to have my points reduced or taken off?

Points are written into the state statute by the Legislature and cannot be reduced/removed in exchange for a higher paid fine.

11. How can I pay my fine?

Fines may be paid in person, by mail, or online.

Payments made in person - Chapin Municipal Court is located inside of the Chapin Town Hall. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, money orders, cashier's checks, debit cards, or credit cards. If you pay using a debit or credit card, you will be charged an additional small fee to use this service. No personal or business checks will be accepted.

Payments made by mail - Include a copy of your ticket along with a money order or cashier's check for the total fine amount and made payable to "Chapin Municipal Court". DO NOT SEND CASH IN THE MAIL, as it will not be accepted. No personal or business checks will be accepted.

Payments made online - Click the link below. You will be redirected to the Lexington County homepage. Select "Online Services", select "Traffic Ticket Payment" from the drop-down box, and follow the instructions. Your case number is your ticket number, which can be located in the lower right-hand corner of your ticket.
Pay Fines Online

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Utilities Department

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1. Where is your office located, and what are your hours?

The Utilities Office is located at:
Chapin Town Hall
157 NW Columbia Avenue
Chapin, SC 29036

Our office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2. Why is my bill higher for water and sewer service?

Please note that a $5 increase for sewer service went into effect March 1, 2016, and an 8% increase on water service went into effect April 1, 2016. If you have automatic bank draft you will need to adjust your draft to reflect the new rate increase. Thank you!

3. If I have a question regarding my bill or a problem with my water or sewer service, who do I call?

Call Customer Service at 803-345-0416 during normal business hours (Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.), or for after-hours service call 803-605-9711.

4. If I have an emergency with my water/sewer service after hours, who do I call?

Call 803-605-9711, and our on-call utility staff member will contact you as soon as possible following receipt of a maintenance call.

5. Is there a drop box for after hours?

Yes, it is located at Town Hall in the drive-through window area, located at the left side of the building.

6. How do I apply for water/sewer service and what do I need to bring?

All customers are required to come to our office, complete the appropriate paperwork, and pay the required fee. We do require copies of your lease or closing statement as well as your driver's license. The applications for service and sewer service agreement can be found on our Apply for Utilities Service Page.

7. How long will it take to get my service on at an existing location?

If you are in our office by 2:30 p.m., we can get your service on for you that day.

8. When will I receive my bill?

The bill will be mailed before the 15th of each month. Payment is due by the 30th of each month.

9. How are my bills calculated?

Water meters are read monthly and usage is billed at a flat rate. The base rates and cost per gallon is determined by several factors. Sewer service is billed as a flat fee and is not based on the amount of water you use. For more information, view our Schedule of Utility Rates and Fees.

10. If you provide me with sewer service only, how is the bill calculated?

Your sewer rate is a flat fee and is not based on the amount of water you use.

11. What are my payment options?

You may pay by mail, in person at Town Hall, by phone at 1-800-830-9058, or online. You may also sign up for an automatic bank draft service. For more information, view our Pay Bills Page.

12. Are my payments posted daily?

Payments are posted the day that we receive them in the mail. If payment is placed in the drop box after 9 a.m., it will be posted the next business day. Online payments are posted when received; however, there can be a delay of 12 - 36 hours before payment is received in our office.

13. When are payments due and do you have penalties?

Payments are due by the 30th of each month. Non-payment within three days from the due date will be subject to a $5 penalty. If any bills remain unpaid 60 days from the due date, all service will be disconnected, and will remain disconnected until all bills have been paid in full, along with a re-connection fee. When service has been disconnected, a personal check will not be accepted.

14. If I have a water leak, do you give adjustments?

Yes, we do give leak adjustments after receiving the request in writing from the customer. The request may be a copy of a plumber's bill or a copy of the receipt for materials used. We do request that the customer keep the account current until any adjustment is made. We generally make adjustments after usage comes back to a normal range to help ensure that the leak has been corrected.

For more information, view our document on Water Costs and Leakages.

15. Do you give adjustments for filling a pool?

No, but if you can calculate an approximate cost for filling the pool by using our Schedule of Rates and Fees below. The sewer portion of your bill is not affected by filling a pool.

Schedule of Utility Rates and Fees

16. Why do I have to pay Chapin for sewer and City of Columbia for water?

Chapin only owns and operates the water lines in the Amick’s Ferry Road area, starting at Bear Creek Road and on Columbia Avenue from Interstate 26 to the Chapin Chamber of Commerce. The City of Columbia owns and operates the remainder of the water lines serving Chapin customers. The entire sewer system is owned and operated by the Town.

17. What are the different types of sewer systems in Chapin?

- Gravity - All sewage flows from house into gravity sewer line.

- Letts Tank - Sewage flows from house into 2-compartment tank. Solids stay in tank and liquids flow into gravity sewer line. Solids should be pumped out every 3 to 5 years.

- Step or Letts with Pump - In this 2-tank system, sewage flows from house into 2-compartment tank. Solids stay in first tank, and liquids gravity into second tank which contains an effluent pump. Liquids are pumped into a sewer force main. Solids should be pumped out every 3 to 5 years.

- Grinder - In this 1-tank system, sewage flows from the house into a tank which has a grinder pump. All sewage is ground up and pumped into a sewer force main.

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Zoning

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1. When do I need a sign permit?

A sign permit is required for any sign ....

2. Is my property in the Town of Chapin corporate limits?

Go to the Lexington County Parcel Viewer and enter the address using the "Find" tab (magnifying glass icon) in the top right. Once the property is selected located the tax district. Any property within Chapin town limits will be listed as "5C". Lexington County Parcel Viewer

3. If I plan to make modifications to my home or business, do I need a Zoning Permit?

Yes, the Chapin Zoning ordinance requires that residents or businesses making modifications to an existing structure to submit a zoning permit for site review and the appropriate referrals to Lexington County officials for building permits, Fire Marshall and storm water review. New signage will require a permit, and based on size of expansion and projected use, additional sewer capacity may be required. Contact our Zoning department for more information.