Every person or entity engaged in (or intending to engage in) any calling, business, occupation, or profession in whole or in part within the town limits of Seabrook Island is required to obtain an annual business license and pay an annual tax for the privilege of doing business within the town. A “business” is defined as any “calling, occupation, profession or activity engaged in with the object of gain, benefit or advantage, either directly or indirectly.”
A license is required for all new businesses (including home occupations, rental properties and non-resident contractors) prior to operating in the Town of Seabrook Island. A new or updated license is also required when there is a change to an existing business’s ownership or principal place of business.
Businesses operating without a required license may be subject to a fine of up to $500.00 per day.
Business License Tax
The annual business license tax is based upon a business’s rate classification (Classes 1 through 9.2) as well as its gross income from the previous year. Anticipated income is acceptable for new businesses and contractors; provided, however, a license must be updated if actual income exceeds the amount upon which the license is based.
License Year and Renewal
The town’s business license year runs from May 1 through April 30. Renewal notices are mailed to all existing businesses on an annual basis.
Business licenses must be renewed by April 30 of each calendar year.
Licenses that are not renewed by April 30 will be subject to a late penalty of five percent (5%) per month. Late penalties are in addition to the standard license tax.
Rental Properties
All owners or agents placing advertisements offering a residential unit in the Town of Seabrook Island for rent or lease shall clearly display the STR Permit number for that residential unit in the text of such advertisement.
All residential dwellings that are rented or leased (or offered for rent or lease) as an overnight accommodation for periods of less than 30 consecutive days will be required to obtain a Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit. Please note that STR Permit applications must be submitted as well as a Business License application. For STR permitting requirements and application forms, please click here.
Contractor Decals
Commercial vehicles are required to display a town business license decal at all times. New decals are issued each year to businesses with a valid town business license. Decals are for identification purposes only and do not provide access behind the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) security gate.
Contractor Insurance Requirements
Effective November 17, 2020, contractors and subcontractors (Class 8.1 businesses) are no longer required to provide insurance documentation in order to obtain or renew a town business license.
SIPOA Gate Access
A town business license does not grant commercial access behind the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) private security gate. For information about obtaining a commercial pass, please contact SIPOA by phone at (843) 768-0061 or by email at commercialaccess@sipoa.org. For more information, please visit SIPOA Commercial Resources.
-Submitted by Town of Seabrook Island