Doing Business in Chapin

Chapin has a diverse and growing business community, and we appreciate your interest in locating a business in the Town of Chapin.

For helpful steps on starting your business, check out our Starting a New Business in Chapin Checklist (PDF).

Here are a few helpful tips to get you started:

1. Check with our Zoning Administrator to ensure the location(s) you are considering are properly zoned for the business you seek to conduct. You may require a Zoning Permit if you are modifying your building.  Updates to signage will require a Sign Permit.
2. Upon receiving zoning approval, please complete our Town of Chapin Business License Application (PDF) and pay the appropriate fee. Business license fees are based upon the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes and the gross income earned. Each annual license shall expire December 31st of the calendar year issued and is renewable from January 1 until April 15 of each calendar year.
3. Chapin's business license ordinance requires that every person engaged or intended to engage in any business calling, occupation, profession, or activity engaged in with the object of gain, benefit, or advantage, in whole or in part within the limits of the Town of Chapin, South Carolina is required to pay an annual license tax for the privilege of doing business and obtain a business license.  License fees are based upon the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes.  The business license year runs from May 1 –April 30 annually. The license tax is based on gross income from January 1 through December 31 of the preceding calendar year.  New businesses should estimate gross income for the first year.  For more information about business licensing, please visit the business license page.
4. If you are a business located outside the town limits and will be performing work within the towns limits, a business license is still required.
5. The Town of Chapin also imposes a 2% Hospitality Tax on the purchase of prepared or modified food and/or beverages intended for the consumption by a restaurant, hotel, motel, caterer, or other food service facility within the Town.  If you are a restaurant or caterer, or you otherwise prepare food or beverages for sales, please click HERE to learn more about our Hospitality Tax.
6. You will need to check with our Utilities Department to ensure water and sewer availability -  You will need an Application for Utility Service and the applicable water or sewer agreements.  Please contact our utilities department for more information.

Please note that the above processes do not cover possible permitting that businesses may need from other government bodies, such as the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, or Lexington County Community Development.  Please contact those agencies directly for information about their permit process.