Business Compliance
City Compliance
Zoning & Permitting –
Inside City Limits
In the City of Simpsonville, there is a city wide zoning ordinance and a requirement that all businesses secure the following items from the City:
• A Zoning Permit
• A Business License
• A Sign Permit
• A Certificate of Occupancy
• Other special permits are required if one is developing or redeveloping a property. (See “Guide to Non-Residential Development” brochure on www.simpsonvillechamber.com)
An advisable way to navigate this process is to follow the steps in the Suggested Timeline found at the end of this section. Taking time for this due diligence on the front end can save an entrepreneur time (and money) in the long run.
Local Heritage Districts
The Simpsonville downtown area has a rich history and sense of charm which are important to preserve as the community continues to grow. In order to maintain this important part of the community’s identity, “design overlay districts,” with moderate design standards are identified in the City’s zoning ordinance: “Town Center” (downtown) and “Village Commerce” (the mixed use area immediately surrounding downtown).
For more information, see the City Zoning Ordinance found at the city’s website or by calling city planning.
County Compliance
Zoning & Permitting – Outside of City Limits
For Simpsonville area businesses outside of the city limits, there are a few compliance steps one must take with Greenville County. Please see the GADC “New Business Checklist” found at the Chamber’s website.
State Compliance
Whether filing with South Carolina’s Secretary of State, Department of Revenue, Employment Security Commission, Department of Health and Environmental Control, or Department of Consumer Affairs, there are areas of State compliance which all businesses must satisfy. Fortunately, there is a single website for completing most of the paper work and paying the fees: South Carolina Business One Stop (www.scbos.sc.gov).
Below are some of the tasks one can accomplish on SC BOS:
• Reserve/Register/Adopt Names with the Secretary of State
• Establish Business Entity with Secretary of State
• Submit filings to inform Secretary of State about changes to your business
• Register as an employer with the SC Department of Employment and Workforce
• Obtain a Sales Tax Registration
• Register for Corporate Taxes
• Apply for or Renew an Alcohol Beverage License
• Obtain DHEC Environmental Permits
• Department of Consumer Affairs Consumer Credit Grantor filings
• Learn from SCBOS tutorials, checklists, and FAQs
Another good resource for South Carolina business compliance is the official website of the state government: www.SC.gov. Clicking on the “Business” tab of this website opens the door to a strong reference section.
Federal Compliance
Federal business compliance includes actions such as applying to the IRS for a Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN), paying federal taxes, and incorporating as a legal structure (“LLC”, “Sole Proprietorship”, “C Corp”, etc.). Below are a few helpful steps for navigating this process:
• Review the SC SBDC Checklist for Starting a New Business (see Chamber website)
• Visit the SC SBDC website for other similarly helpful brochures (www.scsbdc.com)
• Consult with a certified public accountant (CPA) and attorney in order to set up the most appropriate legal structure for your particular business
Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure. Taking time to understand local, state, and federal compliance measures during the planning of your business or project can prevent long-term mistakes.
