NA Biz Startup Guide

GETTING
STARTED
A Guide to Business
Start-Up
and Operation
in North Augusta
GETTING STARTED
A Guide to Business Start-Up and Operation
in North Augusta
Welcome to the North Augusta Business Community!

Thank you for your interest in starting a business in the City of North Augusta. Like
most communities, North Augusta has certain rules and regulations that govern the
start-up and operation of businesses within its city limits.
This document is intended to provide basic information and guide you through the
process of getting started. The procedures listed are designed to protect the health,
safety and general welfare of the public and guide development in an orderly fashion to ensure the quality of life of the community. We hope youll find it helpful.
If you have any questions, dont hesitate to call the numbers listed. Were here to
help.
Produced by the
City of North Augusta Department of Economic & Community Development
and the Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce.
City of North Augusta
Department of Economic & Community Development
Municipal Building
400 East Buena Vista Avenue
P.O. Box 6400
North Augusta, South Carolina 29861-6400
803-441-4221
www.northaugusta.net
Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce
302 Georgia Avenue
P.O. Box 6246
803-279-2323
Fax 803-279-0003
www.northaugustachamber.net
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ..........................................................................................................i
Determination of Zoning Compliance................................................................1
Certificate of Occupancy ....................................................................................1
Building & Site Improvements ...........................................................................2
Stormwater Management....................................................................................3
Sign Permit ..........................................................................................................4
Business License ................................................................................................4
Utilities .................................................................................................................5
Water, Sewer, Sanitation, Stormwater, Electricity, Gas, Phone and Cable
Where to Apply ....................................................................................................6
Taxes ....................................................................................................................8
Sales Taxes
Hospitality & Accommodations Taxes
Corporate Income Taxes
Property Taxes
Tax Credits & Incentives...................................................................................10
Financial Institutions ........................................................................................11
Additional Helpful Information.........................................................................12
This document is printed as a guide to assist those wishing to learn

more about starting and operating a business within the City of North
Augusta. While this document addresses the important details of the
processes involved, it is not intended to be comprehensive. Application
forms and checklists for permits and approvals discussed herein are
available through the Department of Economic and Community Development, Municipal Building, 400 East Buena Vista Avenue or through our website at www.northaugusta.net. The citys Zoning and Development Standards
Ordinance, which regulates the use of buildings, structures and land is also
available for review on-line or for purchase. For additional information,
please call the applicable numbers listed in this document.
DETERMINATION OF ZONING COMPLIANCE

Before filing an application for a Business License, individuals
and corporations wishing to operate a business within the city
limits of North Augusta must first request a Determination of
Zoning Compliance from the Department of Economic and
Community Development. A Determination of Zoning Compliance verifies that the type of business is allowable in the
proposed business location. Once the request is filed, a determination of compliance will generally be made within 24 hours.
There is no fee for a Determination of Zoning Compliance.
Those wishing to operate a Home Occupation must also file a Determination of Zoning
Compliance. A Home Occupation, also known as a home-based business, is defined as an
occupation, profession, activity or use carried on by any member of the immediate family
residing on the premises. The occupation must be incidental to, and a secondary use of a
residential dwelling unit.
For your convenience, Home Occupation regulations and an application form for a Determination of Zoning
Compliance are included in the back of this document.
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
At the time a request for a Determination of Zoning Compliance
is filed, a request should also be made for a Certificate of
Occupancy from the Department of Building Standards. A Certificate of Occupancy can be issued after the building housing the
proposed business is inspected by a City official to determine
Building Code compliance. Building Code compliance is often
based on the type of business proposed. A Certificate of Occupancy is not required for a Home Occupation.
If an inspection by a Building Code Official determines that repairs are needed to bring a
building into code compliance, or if renovations or improvements to the building are planned,
a Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued until the repairs have been made and all inspections conducted. Repairs to commercial locations must be made by a contractor licensed by
the City and a Building Permit must be issued. Building Permit fees are based on the total
value of construction. After the building passes a final inspection, a Certificate of Occupancy
can be issued.
1
BUILDING & SITE IMPROVEMENTS

IF improvements are planned or required for the site of the business location (parking improvements, building addition, etc.) or a new building is planned, a Site Plan application must be
submitted to the citys Department of Economic and Community Development. A Site Plan
approval is generally required when there is a change in the use of a building, the building will
be enlarged, the building has been vacant for three months or more, or a new building is
planned.
A Site Plan must follow the guidelines and provisions set forth in the citys Zoning & Development Standards Ordinance which addresses, among other things, parking, landscaping and
drainage requirements. Parking requirements are based on the business type or building
square footage. A retail establishment located outside of a shopping center generally requires
one parking space for every three hundred (300) square feet of gross floor area. The parking
ratio may vary depending on the specific use of the building. Landscaping requirements set
forth the number and type of plantings, walls or fences required in and around parking lots and
buildings. Drainage and stormwater management requirements vary
and are addressed on the following page.
There are two types of Site Plans Minor and Major. Characteristics of
a Minor Site Plan include property of less than two acres, a building of
less than 3,000 square feet and parking requirements of less than 10
spaces. Most Minor Site Plans address minor building renovations and
minor site improvements rather than new construction. Most Minor Site
Plans can be approved administratively. With certain exceptions, most
small businesses fall under this category. New businesses locating in
existing shopping centers usually do not require a Site Plan.
Major Site Plans must be approved by the City of North Augusta Planning Commission before site work or construction may begin. The
Planning Commission meets monthly to review Site Plans and other
proposed developments. The application fee for a Site Plan ranges
from $25 to $1,000, based on the size of the project. After a Site Plan
is approved, a Building Permit can be issued. Construction must meet current Building Codes
and pass a final inspection before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
For your convenience, general submission requirements and an application for Development Approval are
included in the back of this document. Depending on the complexity of the proposed project, additional materials
and information may be required. For additional information, please contact the Department of Economic and
Community Development at 441-4221.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
(SCDHEC) recently imposed new regulations, under the Clean Water
Act, that require states and local governments to manage stormwater
in an effort to reduce pollutants entering streams, rivers and lakes.
In compliance with these regulations, the City of North Augusta has
implemented a Stormwater Management Program. The program
includes guidelines for construction site stormwater runoff.
As a component of the development process and the Stormwater Management Program, any
public or private, industrial, commercial, and/or residential subdivision project that will be
engaging in any land disturbing activity is required to submit a Stormwater Management Permit
application, a Sediment and Erosion Control Plan and a Stormwater Management Permit application fee to the city. The application fee ranges from $100 to $2,000, based on the size of the
project.
Redevelopment and property enhancements to existing commercial and residential sites may
be exempt from this requirement.
Detailed information about the citys Stormwater Management Program and a copy of the
Stormwater Management Permit Application are available online at www.northaugusta.net or
by calling 441-4246.
SIGN PERMIT
Signs within the city limits are regulated by the citys Zoning and
Development Standards Ordinance, which specifies the size, height,
number and type of sign(s) that may be used to advertise a business. The maximum total square footage of sign area is based on
the amount of street frontage, a percentage of the area of the storefront or a specified maximum square footage whichever is least.
Allowable sign size and height vary by zoning district.
An application for a Sign Permit must be filed with the Department of Economic and Community Development. Sign Permits are usually issued within 72-hours and there is a $15 application fee.
Once a sign permit is approved, a Building Permit is required in order to erect the approved
sign. Building Permit fees are based on the cost of the sign and range from $12 to $208.
For your convenience, an application for a Sign Permit is included in the back of this document.
BUSINESS LICENSE
Any business that is located within the City of North Augusta or that performs work within the
city limits is required to obtain a business license each year.
Once a Determination of Zoning Compliance and Certificate of
Occupancy (if applicable) have been issued, an application for a
Business License may be filed with the citys Finance Department.
Businesses are categorized and licenses issued based on the
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). License
fees are based on NAICS categories and annual gross receipts.
Business Licenses are issued immediately upon receipt of payment and expire on December 31 of each year.
Contractors and subcontractors wishing to operate within the city must provide proof of a
current South Carolina State Contractors License and a Surety or Contractors Bond in the
amount of $1,000 payable to the City of North Augusta prior to application for a city business
license. Business licenses for contractors and subcontractors are issued by the citys Department of Building Standards.
4
UTILITIES
WATER, SEWER & SANITATION SERVICE
The citys Finance Department requires deposits for all new commercial water, sewer and sanitation service customers. Deposits range
from $100 for a inch-connection to $250 for a 2-inch or larger
connection.
For new connections to the city water system, a tap fee Is assessed.
The tap fee varies according to the meter size, availability of existing
lines and cost of installing a meter, meter box and the appropriate
fittings. Charges for water and sewer service include a flat monthly
rate and a sliding fee scale based on usage.
The city provides commercial garbage collection services both inside and outside the city
limits. Businesses inside the city limits are required to subscribe to the citys sanitation
service. Commercial containers are available in 4, 6 or 8 cubic yard sizes or 100-gallon roll
carts. The commercial customer must provide and maintain adequate facilities to house the
garbage container. Commercial collection is available up to six days per week and rates vary
according to the container size and number of pickups required.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
North Augustas Stormwater Management Program is funded in part by a Stormwater Management fee collected on monthly utility bills.
A business customer's monthly stormwater utility fee is based on property size, percentage of
impervious area (paving, etc.) and land use category. Additional information on the citys
Stormwater Management Program, including fee calculation formulas and information about
credits is available on the citys website at www.northaugusta.net or by calling the Stormwater
Manager at 803-441-4246.
ELECTRICITY, GAS, PHONE & CABLE
Electricity and gas service is provided by South Carolina Electric & Gas
Company and Aiken Electric Cooperative.
Phone service is provided by BellSouth.
Cable television service is provided by Comcast.
5
WHERE TO APPLY
Step 1:
DETERMINATION OF ZONING COMPLIANCE

Issued by:
City of North Augusta, Municipal Building,
400 East Buena Vista Avenue, 2nd Floor
Fee:
None
Turnaround:
Within 24 hours
Questions:
803-441-4221
Step 2:
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (if applicable)

Issued By:
Department of Building Standards
City of North Augusta,
Fee:
None
Turnaround:
Within 48 hours
Questions:
803-441-4223
BUILDING PERMIT (if applicable)
Issued by:
Fee:
Based on value of construction
Turnaround:
Within 48 hours
Questions:
803-441-4223
SITE PLAN APPROVAL (if applicable)
Issued by:
Fee:
$25-$1,000
Turnaround:
Minor-Within 5 days; Major-Within 60 days
Questions:
803-441-4221
Step 3:
SIGN PERMIT
Issued by:
Fee:
Turnaround:
Questions:

$15
Within 72 hours
803-441-4221
WHERE TO APPLY
BUILDING PERMIT FOR SIGN
Issued by:
Fee:
$12-$208
Turnaround:
Immediately after approval
Questions:
803-441-4223
Step 4:
BUSINESS LICENSE
Issued by:
Finance Department
400 East Buena Vista Avenue, 1st Floor
Fee:
Based on NAICS categories and annual gross receipts
Turnaround:
Upon receipt of Determination of Zoning Compliance and
Certificate of Occupancy (if required)
Questions:
803-441-4214
Step 5:
UTILITIES
Water, Sewer, & Sanitation
Electricity & Gas
Finance Department
City of North Augusta, Municipal Building
Deposit:
$100-$250
Turnaround: Generally same day
Questions: 803-441-4212
South Carolina Electric & Gas Company

1839 Georgia Avenue
Deposit:
Based on prior service or
square footage
Turnaround: 24 hours
Questions: 803-442-2000
Telephone
Cable Television
BellSouth
Deposit:
None
Turnaround: 5 Business days
Questions: 780-2800 or
1-800-919-2800
Comcast
Deposit:
Varies
Turnaround: 3-5 Business days
Questions: 706-733-7712
TAXES
The major taxes paid by South Carolina businesses are income,
sales and property. Income tax is levied by federal and state governments; sales tax is primarily a state tax with many cities and counties exercising the option to add a local sales tax; property tax is a
local tax levied by both cities, counties and schools.
SALES TAX
The general sales tax in South Carolina is five percent. Aiken and
Edgefield Counties levy a local option one-cent sales tax. The sales
tax applies to all retail sales, leases and rentals of tangible personal property, including the
value of the property purchased at wholesale and then used or consumed by the purchaser.
Sales taxes, including countywide local option sales tax voted in by referendum, are paid directly to the state.
For more information, please contact:
South Carolina Department of Revenue
301 Gervais Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
803-898-5788
www.sctax.org
Before opening a business, South Carolina law requires that it be registered with the Secretary of State. Most businesses must also register with the South Carolina Department of
Revenue. Every person who engages in business in South Carolina as a retailer must obtain
a retail license before making any sales. If there is more than one business outlet, a separate
retail license must be obtained for each location.
The Business Tax Registration Form SCTC-111 is available at all Department of Revenue
taxpayer service centers. If an outstanding debt exists for state taxes, the retail license will not
be issued until the taxes are paid.
301 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803-898-5872
www.sctax.org
TAXES
HOSPITALITY & ACCOMMODATIONS TAXES
The City of North Augusta levies a 1% hospitality tax on the sale of prepared or modified food
and beverages sold in North Augusta. The city also levies a 3% accommodations tax on motel, bed and breakfast, and similar overnight lodgings in North Augusta. Hospitality and accommodations taxes are paid directly to the city.
City of North Augusta Business License Clerk
803-441-4214
CORPORATE INCOME TAX
Both the federal and state government levy corporate income taxes on the earnings of businesses. South Carolinas state corporate income tax is 5%. Businesses may be required to
file estimated tax returns and pay estimated taxes on a quarterly basis. For more information,
please contact:
Internal Revenue Service
Atlanta, Georgia 39901-0002
800-829-1040
www.irs.gov
301 Gervais Street
803-898-5705
www.sctax.org
PROPERTY TAX
In South Carolina, only local governments levy property taxes. Property taxes are levied in the
city and county on real estate, automobiles, boats, trailers and airplanes. For more information, please contact:
City of North Augusta Tax Clerk
803-441-4215
Aiken County Tax Assessor
828 Richland Avenue W.
Aiken, South Carolina 29801
803-642-1583
www.aikencounty.net
9
TAX CREDITS & INCENTIVES

South Carolina supports new and expanding industries that create new manufacturing jobs
with a wide range of valuable incentives including tax credits, exemptions and abatements.
The type of business, location, total capital investment and jobs created are all factors that
determine the eligibility and amount of these tax incentives.
P.O. Box 6400
803-441-4221
www.northaugusta.net
Economic Development Partnership
P.O. Box 1708
803-641-3300
www.edpsc.org
South Carolina Economic Developers Association
P.O. Box 11937
803-929-0305
www.sceda.org
South Carolina Department of Commerce
P.O. Box 927
803-737-0400
www.callsouthcarolina.com
10
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
The following local banks are members of the Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce.
First Citizens Bank
1289 Knox Avenue
North Augusta, South Carolina 29841
803-279-3240
www.firstcitizens.com
Bank of America
441 W. Martintown Road
315 Edgefield Road
803-278-1750
www.bankofamerica.com
Peoples Community Bank
518 Georgia Avenue
803-819-3030
www.pcbonline.net
Regions Bank
432 West Avenue
803-442-3300
www.regions.com
Security Federal Bank
315 E. Martintown Road
803-442-2104
www.securityfederalbank.com
SouthTrust Bank
1 10th Street
Augusta, Georgia 30901
706-849-3600
www.southtrust.com
11
SRP Federal Credit Union

403 W. Martintown Road
802 E. Martintown Road (4th Floor)
Express Facility605 E. Martintown Road
803-278-4851
www.srpfcu.org
Wachovia Bank
402 Georgia Avenue
803-279-5222
www.wachovia.com
ADDITIONAL HELPFUL INFORMATION

Internal Revenue Service
Workshops, forms and publications for business owners/operators.
800-829-4933
www.irs.gov
Small Business Development Center
Assistance with starting and expanding, advertising and marketing, bookkeeping, importing
and exporting, technology transfer, financial planning and management and more.
University of South Carolina Aiken
School of Business
171 University Parkway, Suite 100
803-641-3646
Social Security Administration
Information and forms for employers and employees.
800-772-6270 or 864-562-1091
www.ssa.gov
South Carolina Business One Stop
Links to forms and information on licenses and other requirements for operating a business in
South Carolina.
www.myscgov.com
South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
1201 Main Street, Ste. 1700
803-799-4601
www.scchamber.net
South Carolina Employment Security Commission
Information and assistance with unemployment insurance and employment services.
1572 Richland Avenue, E.
803-641-7640 or 803-737-2499
www.sces.org
12
ADDITIONAL HELPFUL INFORMATION

South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation
Information on labor laws, work force, prevailing wages, unionization and benefits packages.
P.O. Box 11329
Columbia, South Carolina 29211-1329
803-896-4300
State Contractors and Subcontractors Licensing
803-896-4686
www.llr.state.sc.us
Alcohol Licensing and Regulation
P.O. Box 125
803-898-5743
www.sctax.org
South Carolina Secretary of State Division of Business Filings
Trade Name Registration Articles of Incorporation
1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525
803-734-2158
www.scsos.com
South Carolina Department of Social Services
Division of Child Care Licensing and Regulatory Services
2638 Two Notch Road, Ste. 200
803-253-4049
www.state.sc.us/dss
United States Small Business Administration
Information to small businesses for start-up, financing, expansion and development.
1835 Assembly Street, Room 358
803-765-5377
www.sba.gov
13

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GETTING

Welcome to the North Augusta Business Community!

This document is printed as a guide to assist those wishing to learn

DETERMINATION OF ZONING COMPLIANCE

BUILDING & SITE IMPROVEMENTS

DETERMINATION OF ZONING COMPLIANCE

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (if applicable)

Department of Economic & Community Development

Water, Sewer, & Sanitation

Electricity & Gas

South Carolina Electric & Gas Company

TAX CREDITS & INCENTIVES

SRP Federal Credit Union

ADDITIONAL HELPFUL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL HELPFUL INFORMATION

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