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1. Where is the Zoning Department located?

Our department is located at 129 Screven Street on the second floor of the historic Georgetown County Courthouse.

2. Does Georgetown County require business licenses?

No, Georgetown County does not issue or require business licenses. However, for businesses operating within incorporated areas of the county (the City of Georgetown and the Towns of Andrews and Pawleys Island), those municipalities may have their own requirements. Please contact the city hall or town hall of the appropriate municipality for details as to their requirements.

3. What do I need to know to vend on someone else's property?

You will need to fill out a vending permit application. Vendors are allowed in the FA, NC, GC, LI and HI Zoning districts. All vending operations must be conducted a minimum of 20 feet outside of any right-of-way and provide space to park at least two cars. A vendor’s sign may not exceed 10 square feet in area and only one per vendor is allowed.

4. What do I need to know to run a business out of my home?

Any use conducted entirely within a dwelling and carried on by the occupants thereof, which is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of a dwelling for residential purposes and does not change the character thereof, and no person, not a resident on the premises is employed specifically in connection with the activity is considered a home occupation. The following home occupations may employ no more than one assistant: 

• Chiropractor
• Dentist
• Family day care homes
• Lawyer
• Physician

No mechanical equipment may be installed and used except such as normally used for domestic or professional purposes. No more than 25% of the total floor space of any structure may be used for the home occupation. Home occupations are allowed in any zoning district. Contact the Zoning Department for more information and further requirements.

5. How do I obtain a tree removal/pruning permit?

You may fill out an application on this website and send it to our e-mail or you may come in to our office. A Zoning Department staff member will have to conduct a site visit to assess the work that you want to have done. A tree plan shall be submitted for all new construction projects.

6. What are the requirements for installing a fence on my property? Do I need a building permit for a fence?

Permits are not required for fences. Fences shall not exceed an overall height of six feet and must not obstruct the vision of auto or pedestrian traffic using the street. Fences are classified as open or closed. Open fences may be constructed in any area of the property. Closed fences are permitted in any area of the property with the exception of the front yard setback. Closed fences may be used in the front setback area only with the approval of the Planning Commission. For commercial uses in the Waccamaw Neck Commercial Corridor Overlay District, bare galvanized chain link fencing shall be used only when not visible from adjoining properties or public thoroughfares.

7. What zoning districts are mobile homes allowed in?

• FA
• R 1 Ac
• R-1/2 Ac
• MR-10
• RG
• NC
• GC
• VR-10
• RVC
• MHP

8. What do I need to do to move a mobile home on to a lot in Georgetown County?

You need to fill out a mobile home moving permit in the Building and Zoning Office at:
129 Screven Street
Georgetown, SC 29440

9. What do I do if I cannot afford impact fees?

You may fill out an impact fee waiver. You can get this application from the Planning Department located at 129 Screven Street on the second floor. You must submit proof of household income, i.e. copies of the past year’s W-2 forms, when you submit this application.