Licenses

Business Licenses

Every person engaged or intending to engage in any calling, business, occupation or profession within the city limits of Dillon is required to pay an annual license fee and obtain a Business License from the City. This includes businesses or professionals located elsewhere who conduct business within the corporate limits of Dillon.

Before doing business in Dillon, it is always a good idea to call the Department of Code Enforcement to discuss your license requirements. We are quite eager to assist you with the application process at (843)774-0040 extension 1012.

How to obtain a business license

We recognize that business owners have time, effort, money and dreams invested in their business. In order to better serve the needs of all business owners, resident and non-resident, The City of Dillon Building, Zoning and Business License offices is all located within the Department of Code Enforcement on the 1st floor of the Dillon City\County Complex Building at 401 West Main Street, Dillon, South Carolina in order to help streamline the process of meeting the requirements for obtaining a business license, permit, etc…making it as simple and convenient as possible for businesses coming into our City.

Business license applications and rate sheets may be obtained at the Department of Code Enforcement, P.O. Drawer 431 – 401 West Main Street, Dillon, S.C. 29536. All businesses must meet:

  • Building Codes
  • Zoning Codes
  • Fire & Safety Codes
  • Sign Ordinances
  • State and Local Laws
  • Business License Ordinance/Code

Retail Licenses

 These are required by some businesses and are issued by the S.C. Department of Revenue. There is a branch office in Florence and they may be contacted at (843)661-4850 for information on these and other State required licenses and permits.

Restaurant, grocery stores, or other businesses that handle food must obtain approval from the health department prior to operation. There is a branch office in Dillon and they may be contacted at (843)774-0648 for information. If any alcohol is served, an Alcoholic Beverage License is required by Law and they may be contacted at (803)898-5864.

Permits

Building Permit Application Forms

It is very important that a permit be obtained from the City of Dillon Department of Code Enforcement on the 1st floor of the Dillon City\County Complex Building located at 401 West Main Street prior to any work being done in the City of Dillon. Your first step in obtaining a permit will depend on the type of construction proposed. We will be happy to assist you with the application process at 843-774-0040 ext. 1012

Obtaining a permit is NOT the responsibility of the homeowner, but that of the contractor. The purpose is for the contractor to be held responsible for his work and that work is checked by the City Building Inspector. Zoning Regulations within the corporate limits may prohibit some new construction, additions and enclosures.

Before any contractor can purchase a permit, he shall be bonded, licensed and qualified to do work in the City of Dillon. Please, as a homeowner, insist that all contractors obtain a City of Dillon business license and permit prior to working on your property. This will help you and the City be assured of getting the best job possible and installation in accordance with the latest adopted edition of the International Codes and National Electrical Codes.

Who needs a building permit?

Any person, firm or corporation shall not erect, construct, enlarge, alter, move, convert or demolish any building or structure in the city limits of Dillon or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a building permit for such building or structure from the Department of Code Enforcement. (Click here to see permit fees for Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical and other types of construction.)

What are the Necessary Requirements to do work in the City of Dillon?

1. General Contractor (Commercial):

(a) A South Carolina General Contractor’s License
(b) A $5000 License\ Permit Bond with City of Dillon as obligee
(c) A City of Dillon Business License and Building Permit

2. Electrical, Plumbing, Gas and Mechanical Contractors (Commercial):

(a) A South Carolina Mechanical Contractor’s License
(b) A $5000 License\Permit Bond with City of Dillon as obligee
(c) A City of Dillon Business License and Permit

Department of Code Enforcement and Planning

South Carolina Business One Stop
The SCBOS allows for an electronic “one-stop shop” for South Carolina businesses (especially smaller businesses with fewer hours and less travel time and manpower to spare) to register and obtain permits and licensing. The SCBOS site helps bring South Carolina into the electronic age.

South Carolina Information Highway
SCIway is the largest and most comprehensive directory of South Carolina information on the Internet.

United States Small Business Administration
Maintaining and strengthening the nation’s economy by aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interests of small businesses and by helping families and businesses recover from national disasters.