The Legal Side of Running a Beachside Business
Running a beachside business along the Grand Strand offers more than just salty air and a lot of foot traffic. It also comes with a complex web of regulations that every beachside entrepreneur or business needs to navigate. From local permits to zoning issues, and noise ordinances to business structure, setting up shop by the water requires more than ambition and a great idea. From business formation to making your first sale, it’s important to make sure you have all your ducks in a row for the tourist season in Myrtle Beach.
Permits and Licensing
Before you open your doors, you’ll need to make sure your business is legally authorized to operate. This process begins with securing a business license through both the State of South Carolina and the local city or county where your business is located. In Myrtle Beach, businesses must apply for a local license annually. This process includes zoning verification and approval. However, requirements vary depending on your type of business, location, and services offered. Some common requirements include:
- SCDHEC Approvals: If your business handles food, drink, or health-related services, you’ll need to meet South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) requirements.
- Business License: Required by both the state of South Carolina (registration through the Secretary of State) and local municipalities, including the City of Myrtle Beach.
- Hospitality Tax Registration: If you’re selling food, beverages, or accommodations, you may need to register for local hospitality taxes.
- Zoning Approval: Your business must comply with local zoning laws—especially important for beachside properties and seasonal pop-ups.
- Signage Permits: Even your storefront signs may need approval from the city or county.
Even seemingly simple additions like outdoor signage or sidewalk displays can require permits, depending on where your business is located. Even seemingly simple additions like outdoor signage or sidewalk displays can require permits, depending on where your business is located. Failing to meet these requirements can result in delays, fines, or even being forced to shut down after opening.
Understanding Zoning and Coastal Restrictions
Beachside properties can be tricky when it comes to zoning compliance. What’s permitted in one section of the coast may be prohibited just a few blocks away. Zoning ordinances regulate everything from the types of businesses allowed in a given area to how late you can operate. It can even interfere with how many people you can serve outdoors and what types of renovations you can make to a building. Businesses located directly on or near the beach often face extra layers of regulation aimed at preserving public beach access, managing traffic, and protecting the environment.
Before signing a lease or building out, you need to confirm that your intended use of the space aligns with local zoning codes. Our attorneys at Grand Strand Law Group can help interpret these regulations and assist with applications or variance requests if needed.
Noise Ordinances and Operating Hour Limitations
For many beachside businesses, the atmosphere is part of the draw. Many local restaurants and shops offer live music and open-air service. However, Myrtle Beach and surrounding municipalities enforce strict noise ordinances that vary based on the time of day and proximity to residential areas. The amendment states that “between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., music from a radio, stereo, instruments or other devices coming from private property cannot be heard over an an average conversation happening 100 feet away” (WMBF). Even if your business is popular with tourists, excessive noise can prompt complaints from neighbors or trigger citations from local authorities.
Similarly, there are often limits on how late you can operate, especially if you’re serving alcohol or hosting entertainment. Following these rules helps keep your license in good standing and builds a positive relationship with your community.
Forming Your Beachside Business the Right Way
How you set up your business matters just as much as where you open it. Choosing the right legal structure will determine your tax obligations, liability protections, and how you handle internal disputes. These options include, but are not limited to:
- A sole proprietorship
- Partnership
- LLC
- Corporation
Many small business owners in coastal South Carolina choose to form an LLC for its balance of flexibility and personal asset protection. The right choice depends on your goals and industry.
At Grand Strand Law Group, we help clients choose the best legal structure, draft operating agreements, review contracts, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Get Started On Your Beachside Business with Grand Strand Law Group
The beachside business world is full of opportunity, but also full of nuance. Coastal regulations, tourism-driven fluctuations, and a competitive market make legal preparedness more important than ever. Whether you’re just getting started or already operating, Grand Strand Law Group offers comprehensive legal services for business owners across the Grand Strand.
We work to make the process of starting your beachside business as smooth as possible. Give us a call at 843.492.5422. Learn about how we can help with your business now or in the future.