Yoga Studio Permit Requirements in Charleston, SC

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. South Carolina Department of Revenue — Retail License

   Every person who engages in business in South Carolina as a retailer must obtain a Retail License from the SC Department of Revenue before making any retail sales subject to sales and use tax, including internet sales and infrequent sales. A separate licence is required for each retail outlet. The licence does not have to be renewed while the same taxpayer keeps operating at the same location, but a new application is required after a change of ownership or after 24 months with no sales.

   Official government source

   $50 per location, non-refundable, and it is a one-time fee rather than an annual charge (S.C. Code Section 12-36-510(A)(1)). The statewide sales and use tax rate is 6%; SCDOR states counties may impose an additional 1% local sales tax where voters approve it, and the applicable local rates are published in forms ST-500 and ST-575.·Not published by SCDOR. Applying through MyDORWAY is the fastest route — confirm current issuance time when you apply.

   $50 per location, non-refundable, and it is a one-time fee rather than an annual charge (S.C. Code Section 12-36-510(A)(1)). The statewide sales and use tax rate is 6%; SCDOR states counties may impose an additional 1% local sales tax where voters approve it, and the applicable local rates are published in forms ST-500 and ST-575.

   Not published by SCDOR. Applying through MyDORWAY is the fastest route — confirm current issuance time when you apply.

1. City of Charleston Revenue Collections Division — Business License

   Charleston requires an annual Business License for any business operating or generating income within city limits. It is issued by the Revenue Collections Division, must be renewed annually, and must be displayed at your place of business. Annual fees are based on the business's gross income and the rate class assigned to its NAICS code.

   Official government source

   Based on gross income and the NAICS rate class, per the SC Business License Tax Standardization Act (SC Code 6-1-400 et seq.) — no flat fee; use the city's business license calculator·Licenses expire April 30 annually; the city publishes no standard processing time (fire inspection scheduling alone can take up to 3 business days)

   Based on gross income and the NAICS rate class, per the SC Business License Tax Standardization Act (SC Code 6-1-400 et seq.) — no flat fee; use the city's business license calculator

   Licenses expire April 30 annually; the city publishes no standard processing time (fire inspection scheduling alone can take up to 3 business days)

2. Charleston Certificate of Occupancy

   A yoga studio in a commercial space inside Charleston city limits must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy — required for any business with a physical location in the city — through the Permit Center's Customer Self Service portal. The CO application includes a fire inspection self-survey and floor plans; Zoning confirms the space is approved for the intended assembly/fitness use, and the business license is issued in conjunction with the CO.

   Official government source

   The city does not publish a flat CO fee; permit and inspection fees follow the Building and Trade Permit Fee Schedule, and the accompanying business license fee is based on gross income and NAICS rate class·The city targets a response to initial applications within 2 business days and a 10 business day review turnaround; incomplete applications, missing attachments, failed inspections, or unpaid fees extend this

   The city does not publish a flat CO fee; permit and inspection fees follow the Building and Trade Permit Fee Schedule, and the accompanying business license fee is based on gross income and NAICS rate class

   The city targets a response to initial applications within 2 business days and a 10 business day review turnaround; incomplete applications, missing attachments, failed inspections, or unpaid fees extend this

Official Sources

• City of Charleston Revenue Collections Division
• South Carolina Department of Revenue — Retail License

Related Guides