Business Licensing & Operations in Charleston, SC (2026)
4 verified business licensing & operations rules for Charleston, South Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Massage Establishments
Charleston Chapter 11 regulates massage parlors and therapists with city licensing, background checks, and operating-hour restrictions, layered on SC's state massage therapist licensure under Title 40.
Massage Establishment Licensing
Heavy RestrictionsTattoo & Body Modification
Charleston tattoo and piercing studios need a city business license and must comply with SC DHEC tattoo facility regulations under SC §44-34, with strict sterilization, age, and inspection requirements.
Tattoo and Body Piercing Studios
Some RestrictionsTobacco Retail License
Charleston requires a city business license under Chapter 8 to sell tobacco, vapor, and nicotine products, with sales restricted to customers age 21 or older under SC §16-17-501.
Tobacco Retail License Requirements
Some RestrictionsSecondhand Dealers
Charleston secondhand goods dealers and pawnbrokers must obtain a city business license, register with police, hold purchases for set retention periods, and report transactions to law enforcement.
Secondhand Dealer Reporting Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Charleston County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Charleston city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Charleston County →