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A Guide to BusinessStart-Up

and Operation

in North Augusta

GETT ING

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Welcome to the North Augusta Business Community!

Thank you for your interest in starting a business in the City of North Augusta. Likemost communities, North Augusta has certain rules and regulations that govern thestart-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 fash-ion 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 tohelp.

GETTING STARTEDA Guide to Business Start-Up and Operation

in North Augusta

Produced by theCity of North Augusta Department of Economic & Community Development

and the Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce.

City of North AugustaDepartment of Economic & Community Development

Municipal Building400 East Buena Vista Avenue

P.O. Box 6400North Augusta, South Carolina 29861-6400

803-441-4221www.northaugusta.net

Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce302 Georgia Avenue

P.O. Box 6246North Augusta, South Carolina 29861-6246

803-279-2323Fax 803-279-0003

www.northaugustachamber.net

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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 .................................................................................................................5Water, Sewer, Sanitation, Stormwater, Electricity, Gas, Phone and Cable

Where to Apply....................................................................................................6

Taxes ....................................................................................................................8Sales TaxesHospitality & Accommodations TaxesCorporate Income TaxesProperty Taxes

Tax Credits & Incentives...................................................................................10

Financial Institutions ........................................................................................11

Additional Helpful Information.........................................................................12

TABLE OF CONTENTS

This document is printed as a guide to assist those wishing to learnmore 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. Applicationforms and checklists for permits and approvals discussed herein areavailable through the Department of Economic and Community Develop-ment, Municipal Building, 400 East Buena Vista Avenue or through our web-site at www.northaugusta.net. The citys Zoning and Development StandardsOrdinance, which regulates the use of buildings, structures and land is alsoavailable for review on-line or for purchase. For additional information,please call the applicable numbers listed in this document.

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Before filing an application for a Business License, individualsand corporations wishing to operate a business within the citylimits of North Augusta must first request a Determination ofZoning Compliance from the Department of Economic andCommunity Development. A Determination of Zoning Compli-ance verifies that the type of business is allowable in theproposed business location. Once the request is filed, a determi-nation 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 ZoningCompliance. A Home Occupation, also known as a home-based business, is defined as anoccupation, profession, activity or use carried on by any member of the immediate familyresiding on the premises. The occupation must be incidental to, and a secondary use of aresidential dwelling unit.

For your convenience, Home Occupation regulations and an application form for a Determination of ZoningCompliance are included in the back of this document.

At the time a request for a Determination of Zoning Complianceis filed, a request should also be made for a Certificate ofOccupancy from the Department of Building Standards. A Certifi-cate of Occupancy can be issued after the building housing theproposed business is inspected by a City official to determineBuilding Code compliance. Building Code compliance is oftenbased on the type of business proposed. A Certificate of Occu-pancy 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 inspec-tions conducted. Repairs to commercial locations must be made by a contractor licensed bythe City and a Building Permit must be issued. Building Permit fees are based on the totalvalue of construction. After the building passes a final inspection, a Certificate of Occupancycan be issued.

DETERMINATION OF ZONING COMPLIANCE

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

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IFimprovements are planned or required for the site of the business location (parking improve-ments, building addition, etc.) or a new building is planned, a Site Plan application must besubmitted to the citys Department of Economic and Community Development. A Site Planapproval is generally required when there is a change in the use of a building, the building willbe enlarged, the building has been vacant for three months or more, or a new building isplanned.

A Site Plan must follow the guidelines and provisions set forth in the citys Zoning & Develop-ment Standards Ordinance which addresses, among other things, parking, landscaping anddrainage requirements. Parking requirements are based on the business type or buildingsquare 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 parkingratio may vary depending on the specific use of the building. Landscaping requirements setforth the number and type of plantings, walls or fences required in and around parking lots andbuildings. Drainage and stormwater management requirements varyand are addressed on the following page.

There are two types of Site Plans Minor and Major. Characteristics ofa Minor Site Plan include property of less than two acres, a building ofless than 3,000 square feet and parking requirements of less than 10spaces. Most Minor Site Plans address minor building renovations andminor site improvements rather than new construction. Most Minor Site

Plans can be approved administratively. With certain exceptions, mostsmall businesses fall under this category. New businesses locating inexisting shopping centers usually do not require a Site Plan.

Major Site Plans must be approved by the City of North Augusta Plan-ning Commission before site work or construction may begin. ThePlanning Commission meets monthly to review Site Plans and otherproposed developments. The application fee for a Site Plan rangesfrom $25 to $1,000, based on the size of the project. After a Site Planis approved, a Building Permit can be issued. Construction must meet current Building Codesand pass a final inspection before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.

For your convenience, general submission requirements and an application for Development Approval areincluded in the back of this document. Depending on the complexity of the proposed project, additional materialsand information may be required. For additional information, please contact the Department of Economic andCommunity Development at 441-4221.

BUILDING & SITE IMPROVEMENTS

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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 stormwaterin an effort to reduce pollutants entering streams, rivers and lakes.

In compliance with these regulations, the City of North Augusta hasimplemented a Stormwater Management Program. The programincludes guidelines for construction site stormwater runoff.

As a component of the development process and the Stormwater Management Program, anypublic 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 Permitapplication, a Sediment and Erosion Control Plan and a Stormwater Management Permit appli-cation fee to the city. The application fee ranges from $100 to $2,000, based on the size of theproject.

Redevelopment and property enhancements to existing commercial and residential sites maybe exempt from this requirement.

Detailed information about the citys Stormwater Management Program and a copy of theStormwater Management Permit Application are available online at www.northaugusta.net orby calling 441-4246.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

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Any business that is located within the City of North Augusta or that performs work within thecity limits is required to obtain a business license each year.

Once a Determination of Zoning Compliance and Certificate ofOccupancy (if applicable) have been issued, an application for aBusiness License may be filed with the citys Finance Department.Businesses are categorized and licenses issued based on theNorth American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Licensefees are based on NAICS categories and annual gross receipts.Business Licenses are issued immediately upon receipt of pay-ment and expire on December 31 of each year.

Contractors and subcontractors wishing to operate within the city must provide proof of acurrent South Carolina State Contractors License and a Surety or Contractors Bond in theamount of $1,000 payable to the City of North Augusta prior to application for a city businesslicense. Business licenses for contractors and subcontractors are issued by the citys Depart-ment of Building Standards.

SIGN PERMIT

BUSINESS LICENSE

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 busi-ness. The maximum total square footage of sign area is based onthe amount of street frontage, a percentage of the area of the store-front 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 Commu-nity Development. Sign Permits are usually issued within 72-hours and there is a $15 applica-tion fee.

Once a sign permit is approved, a Building Permit is required in order to erect the approvedsign. 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.

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WATER, SEWER & SANITATION SERVICE

The citys Finance Department requires deposits for all new commer-cial water, sewer and sanitation service customers. Deposits rangefrom $100 for a inch-connection to $250 for a 2-inch or largerconnection.

For new connections to the city water system, a tap fee Is assessed.The tap fee varies according to the meter size, availability of existinglines and cost of installing a meter, meter box and the appropriatefittings. 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 citylimits. Businesses inside the city limits are required to subscribe to the citys sanitationservice. Commercial containers are available in 4, 6 or 8 cubic yard sizes or 100-gallon rollcarts. The commercial customer must provide and maintain adequate facilities to house thegarbage container. Commercial collection is available up to six days per week and rates varyaccording to the container size and number of pickups required.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

North Augustas Stormwater Management Program is funded in part by a Stormwater Man-agement fee collected on monthly utility bills.

A business customer's monthly stormwater utility fee is based on property size, percentage ofimpervious area (paving, etc.) and land use category. Additional information on the citysStormwater Management Program, including fee calculation formulas and information aboutcredits is available on the citys website at www.northaugusta.net or by calling the StormwaterManager at 803-441-4246.

ELECTRICITY, GAS, PHONE & CABLE

Electricity and gas service is provided by South Carolina Electric & GasCompany and Aiken Electric Cooperative.

Phone service is provided by BellSouth.

Cable television service is provided by Comcast.

UTILITIES

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Step 1: DETERMINATION OF ZONING COMPLIANCE

Issued by: Department of Economic & Community DevelopmentCity of North Augusta, Municipal Building,400 East Buena Vista Avenue, 2nd Floor

Fee: NoneTurnaround: Within 24 hoursQuestions: 803-441-4221

Step 2: CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (if applicable)

Issued By: Department of Building StandardsCity of North Augusta,403 East Buena Vista Avenue

Fee: NoneTurnaround: Within 48 hoursQuestions: 803-441-4223

BUILDING PERMIT (if applicable)Issued by: Department of Building Standards

City of North Augusta403 East Buena Vista Avenue

Fee: Based on value of constructionTurnaround: Within 48 hoursQuestions: 803-441-4223

SITE PLAN APPROVAL (if applicable)Issued by: Department of Economic & Community Development

City of North Augusta, Municipal Building,400 East Buena Vista Avenue, 2nd Floor

Fee: $25-$1,000Turnaround: Minor-Within 5 days; Major-Within 60 daysQuestions: 803-441-4221

Step 3: SIGN PERMIT

Issued by: Department of Economic & Community DevelopmentCity of North Augusta, Municipal Building,400 East Buena Vista Avenue, 2nd Floor

Fee: $15Turnaround: Within 72 hoursQuestions: 803-441-4221

WHERE TO APPLY

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BUILDING PERMIT FOR SIGN

Issued by: Department of Building StandardsCity of North Augusta403 East Buena Vista Avenue

Fee: $12-$208Turnaround: Immediately after approvalQuestions: 803-441-4223

Step 4: BUSINESS LICENSE

Issued by: Finance DepartmentCity of North Augusta, Municipal Building,

400 East Buena Vista Avenue, 1st FloorFee: Based on NAICS categories and annual gross receiptsTurnaround: Upon receipt of Determination of Zoning Compliance and

Certificate of Occupancy (if required)Questions: 803-441-4214

Step 5: UTILITIES

WHERE TO APPLY

Water, Sewer, & Sanitation

Finance DepartmentCity of North Augusta, Municipal Building400 East Buena Vista Avenue, 1st FloorDeposit: $100-$250Turnaround: Generally same dayQuestions: 803-441-4212

Electricity & Gas

South Carolina Electric & Gas Company1839 Georgia AvenueDeposit: Based on prior service or

square footageTurnaround: 24 hoursQuestions: 803-442-2000

Telephone

BellSouthDeposit: None

Turnaround: 5 Business daysQuestions: 780-2800 or

1-800-919-2800

Cable Television

ComcastDeposit: Varies

Turnaround: 3-5 Business daysQuestions: 706-733-7712

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The major taxes paid by South Carolina businesses are income,

sales and property. Income tax is levied by federal and state govern-ments; sales tax is primarily a state tax with many cities and coun-ties exercising the option to add a local sales tax; property tax is alocal tax levied by both cities, counties and schools.

SALES TAXThe general sales tax in South Carolina is five percent. Aiken andEdgefield Counties levy a local option one-cent sales tax. The salestax applies to all retail sales, leases and rentals of tangible personal property, including thevalue 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 di-

rectly to the state.

For more information, please contact:

South Carolina Department of Revenue301 Gervais Street

Columbia, South Carolina 29201803-898-5788www.sctax.org

Before opening a business, South Carolina law requires that it be registered with the Secre-

tary of State. Most businesses must also register with the South Carolina Department ofRevenue. Every person who engages in business in South Carolina as a retailer must obtaina retail license before making any sales. If there is more than one business outlet, a separateretail license must be obtained for each location.

The Business Tax Registration Form SCTC-111 is available at all Department of Revenuetaxpayer service centers. If an outstanding debt exists for state taxes, the retail license will notbe issued until the taxes are paid.

For more information, please contact:

South Carolina Department of Revenue301 Gervais StreetColumbia, SC 29201

803-898-5872www.sctax.org

TAXES

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TAXES

HOSPITALITY & ACCOMMODATIONS TAXES

The City of North Augusta levies a 1% hospitality tax on the sale of prepared or modified foodand beverages sold in North Augusta. The city also levies a 3% accommodations tax on mo-tel, bed and breakfast, and similar overnight lodgings in North Augusta. Hospitality and ac-commodations taxes are paid directly to the city.For more information, please contact:

City of North Augusta Business License ClerkCity of North Augusta, Municipal Building,400 East Buena Vista Avenue, 1st Floor

803-441-4214

CORPORATE INCOME TAX

Both the federal and state government levy corporate income taxes on the earnings of busi-nesses. South Carolinas state corporate income tax is 5%. Businesses may be required tofile estimated tax returns and pay estimated taxes on a quarterly basis. For more information,please contact:

Internal Revenue ServiceAtlanta, Georgia 39901-0002

800-829-1040www.irs.gov

South Carolina Department of Revenue301 Gervais Street

Columbia, South Carolina 29201803-898-5705www.sctax.org

PROPERTY TAXIn South Carolina, only local governments levy property taxes. Property taxes are levied in thecity and county on real estate, automobiles, boats, trailers and airplanes. For more informa-tion, please contact:

City of North Augusta Tax ClerkCity of North Augusta, Municipal Building,400 East Buena Vista Avenue, 1st Floor

803-441-4215

Aiken County Tax Assessor828 Richland Avenue W.

Aiken, South Carolina 29801803-642-1583

www.aikencounty.net

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South Carolina supports new and expanding industries that create new manufacturing jobswith 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 thatdetermine the eligibility and amount of these tax incentives.

For more information, please contact:

City of North AugustaDepartment of Economic & Community Development

P.O. Box 6400North Augusta, South Carolina 29861-6400

803-441-4221www.northaugusta.net

Economic Development PartnershipP.O. Box 1708

Aiken, South Carolina 29802803-641-3300

www.edpsc.org

South Carolina Economic Developers AssociationP.O. Box 11937

Columbia, South Carolina 29211

803-929-0305www.sceda.org

South Carolina Department of CommerceP.O. Box 927

Columbia, South Carolina 29802803-737-0400

www.callsouthcarolina.com

TAX CREDITS & INCENTIVES

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FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

The following local banks are members of the Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce.

First Citizens Bank1289 Knox AvenueNorth Augusta, South Carolina 29841803-279-3240www.firstcitizens.com

Bank of America441 W. Martintown Road315 Edgefield Road803-278-1750

www.bankofamerica.com

Peoples Community Bank518 Georgia AvenueNorth Augusta, South Carolina 29841803-819-3030www.pcbonline.net

Regions Bank432 West AvenueNorth Augusta, South Carolina 29841

803-442-3300www.regions.com

Security Federal Bank315 E. Martintown RoadNorth Augusta, South Carolina 29841803-442-2104www.securityfederalbank.com

SouthTrust Bank1 10th Street

Augusta, Georgia 30901706-849-3600www.southtrust.com

SRP Federal Credit Union403 W. Martintown Road802 E. Martintown Road (4th Floor)Express Facility605 E. Martintown Road803-278-4851www.srpfcu.org

Wachovia Bank402 Georgia Avenue

North Augusta, South Carolina 29841803-279-5222www.wachovia.com

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Internal Revenue Service

Workshops, forms and publications for business owners/operators.800-829-4933www.irs.gov

Small Business Development CenterAssistance with starting and expanding, advertising and marketing, bookkeeping, importingand exporting, technology transfer, financial planning and management and more.

University of South Carolina AikenSchool of Business171 University Parkway, Suite 100

Aiken, South Carolina 29801

803-641-3646

Social Security AdministrationInformation and forms for employers and employees.

800-772-6270 or 864-562-1091www.ssa.gov

South Carolina Business One StopLinks to forms and information on licenses and other requirements for operating a business inSouth Carolina.

www.myscgov.com

South Carolina Chamber of Commerce1201 Main Street, Ste. 1700Columbia, South Carolina 29201803-799-4601www.scchamber.net

South Carolina Employment Security CommissionInformation and assistance with unemployment insurance and employment services.

1572 Richland Avenue, E.Aiken, South Carolina 29802

803-641-7640 or 803-737-2499www.sces.org

ADDITIONAL HELPFUL INFORMATION

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South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing & RegulationInformation on labor laws, work force, prevailing wages, unionization and benefits packages.

P.O. Box 11329Columbia, South Carolina 29211-1329803-896-4300

State Contractors and Subcontractors Licensing803-896-4686www.llr.state.sc.us

South Carolina Department of RevenueAlcohol Licensing and Regulation

P.O. Box 125Columbia, South Carolina 29214803-898-5743www.sctax.org

South Carolina Secretary of State Division of Business FilingsTrade Name Registration Articles of Incorporation

1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525Columbia, South Carolina 29201803-734-2158www.scsos.com

South Carolina Department of Social ServicesDivision of Child Care Licensing and Regulatory Services

2638 Two Notch Road, Ste. 200Columbia, South Carolina 29204803-253-4049www.state.sc.us/dss

United States Small Business AdministrationInformation to small businesses for start-up, financing, expansion and development.

1835 Assembly Street, Room 358Columbia, South Carolina 29201

803-765-5377www.sba.gov

ADDITIONAL HELPFUL INFORMATION

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