Anderson County, SC Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- Buffer distance
- 2,000 feet from schools, churches, parks, homes
- Annual permit fee
- $250.00
- Application fee
- $100.00 nonrefundable
- Permit term
- 1 year, renew 30 days before expiry
- Hours restricted
- closed 1:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- Penalty
- $500.00 fine or 30 days jail
Summary
Anderson County requires a sexually oriented business permit from the development standards department before any adult business can open, and bars locating within 2,000 feet of a school, church, park, day care, nursing home, or residential property. Permits cost $250.00 a year, and operating without one is a misdemeanor.
No person shall cause or permit the establishment of any sexually oriented businesses, as defined above, within 2,000 feet of another such business, a church, or other religious institution; a public or private elementary or secondary school, including home education facilities; a public or private park and/or playground; a licensed or certified day care center; a group day care home; a preschool; a boys club, girls club, or similar existing youth organization; a public building; property of any county school district; a licensed nursing home; or any properties used for residential purposes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2).
Full Breakdown
Section 10-64 prohibits establishing a sexually oriented business within 2,000 feet of another such business, a church or religious institution, a public or private school, a park or playground, a licensed day care or preschool, a youth club, a public building, county school district property, a licensed nursing home, or any residentially used property, with distance measured property-line to property-line under section 10-65. 00 nonrefundable fee, a sworn form with the applicant's identity, criminal history, and a surveyor's certificate of nearby uses within 2,000 feet.
Section 10-71 sets a 30-day window for the county to grant or deny the permit, after which the applicant may begin operating unless denied. daily (§ 10-83). Section 10-75 authorizes suspension for violations, with a seven-day cure period, and section 10-76 authorizes revocation, which bars a new permit for one year.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a valid permit, or in violation of the locational restrictions of section 10-64, is a misdemeanor under section 10-68, punishable by a fine of $500.00 or 30 days' imprisonment, plus injunctive relief and attorney fees and costs the court may assess against the business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must an adult business be from a school or church in Anderson County?
Who issues the sexually oriented business permit?
What are the penalties for operating without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anderson County
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