New - 30 Mins Ago
$105,000
Active
1
Beds
1
Baths
510
Sqft
--
Acres
2207 S Ocean Blvd #617, MYRTLE BEACH, SC 29577
MLS#: 2626706
Last updated: November 2026
To open a restaurant or retail shop in Myrtle Beach, you typically need zoning approval, a city or county business license, building permits, fire and occupancy approvals, and a state retail license. Restaurants also need a Retail Food Establishment Permit from the SC Department of Agriculture, plus alcohol licensing if you serve it.
Permits are where many openings get delayed. Here's a plain-English list of what to expect, and who to ask, on the Grand Strand.
This guide is part of our guide to buying or leasing commercial property in Myrtle Beach.
In this guide:
- Step one: is your use allowed at the address?
- What business license do you need?
- Do you need building permits?
- What does a restaurant need from the state?
- What about sales tax and other state registrations?
- What about signs?
- What does a typical opening timeline look like?
- What terms should you know?
- How do you keep permits from delaying your opening?
- What else do people ask about this?
- Ready to talk about commercial space on the Grand Strand?
Step one: is your use allowed at the address?
Start with zoning, because everything else depends on it. Find out whether the address is in the City of Myrtle Beach, another city, or unincorporated Horry County or Georgetown County. In the City of Myrtle Beach, the Zoning Administrator reviews every business license application. In unincorporated Horry County, a zoning compliance is required before the county issues a business license.
Read how zoning works for commercial property in Horry County.
What business license do you need?
You'll need a license from the city or county where you operate. The City of Myrtle Beach Business License Division routes applications to the Zoning Administrator, Fire Inspector and other departments as needed, and may require site inspections or a safety plan. It also asks for state regulatory permits where applicable, such as a retail license or alcohol license.
In unincorporated Horry County, the business license year runs May 1 to April 30, and new businesses need the license before operating.
Do you need building permits?
Almost any build-out needs permits. Walls, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, hoods and signs typically require permits and inspections from the city or county building department. If your use is different from the previous tenant's, you may need a change-of-use permit and life safety upgrades.
Ask about plan review times early and build them into your lease start date and TI timeline.
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What does a restaurant need from the state?
Restaurants need a Retail Food Establishment Permit from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. SCDA's guidance says to submit a complete application at least 30 calendar days before your planned opening, with your menu, layout and equipment details, and to request a pre-operational inspection at least 14 days ahead. The permit isn't issued until the facility complies with Regulation 61-25.
If you'll serve beer, wine or liquor, you'll also need alcohol licensing through the South Carolina Department of Revenue, and the city may have its own requirements.
What about sales tax and other state registrations?
Retail sellers generally need a South Carolina retail license to collect sales tax. You register through the SC Department of Revenue. Businesses with employees also register for state withholding and unemployment insurance.
Hospitality and accommodations taxes can apply to restaurants and other businesses in some local jurisdictions. Ask your CPA and the city or county about local tax registrations.
What about signs?
Signs usually need their own permit. Size, height, lighting and placement are controlled by local sign rules, and shopping centers often add their own criteria. See parking, signage and visibility.
Talk to Our Team About Commercial Space
What does a typical opening timeline look like?
Many steps can run in parallel, but some must come first. A common order: confirm zoning, sign the lease with permit contingencies, hire a designer or contractor, submit plans for building permits, complete construction and inspections, get fire and occupancy approval, then finish state permits like the SCDA food permit and pre-operational inspection, and your business license.
We don't quote total timelines because they depend on the jurisdiction, the scope of work and how complete your applications are. Ask each agency for its current review times.
What terms should you know?
- Zoning compliance: In unincorporated Horry County, the approval confirming your business fits the property's zoning, required before a business license.
- Change of use: A new use with a different occupancy classification, which can require a building permit and life safety review.
- Pre-operational inspection: SCDA's inspection of a new food establishment before it issues a permit.
- Retail license: South Carolina's registration for businesses that collect sales tax.
How do you keep permits from delaying your opening?
Ask before you sign the lease. Confirm zoning, ask the building department about likely permit needs, and get a contractor's estimate for the work. Build permit contingencies into the lease, and negotiate a rent start date that allows for permitting.
Requirements change, so check each agency's current rules before you apply.
Related guides:
- How Does Zoning Work for Commercial Property in Horry County and Myrtle Beach?
- What Should I Know About Parking, Signage and Visibility for a Commercial Space in Myrtle Beach?
- What Is Tenant Improvement (TI) Money, and How Do I Get It in a Myrtle Beach Lease?
- How Do I Buy or Lease Commercial Property in Myrtle Beach?
What else do people ask about this?
What permit does a restaurant need in South Carolina?
A Retail Food Establishment Permit from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, plus local zoning, business license and building approvals.
How early should I apply for a food permit?
SCDA asks for a complete application at least 30 calendar days before your planned opening.
Do I need a business license in unincorporated Horry County?
Yes, and you need a zoning compliance from Horry County Planning and Zoning first.
Who handles alcohol licenses in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Department of Revenue, with possible local requirements as well.
Do I need a permit for a sign?
Usually, yes. Check the city or county sign rules and any shopping center criteria.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and requirements change. Talk to a South Carolina attorney, CPA or lender about your situation, and confirm current requirements with the agency involved.
Ready to talk about commercial space on the Grand Strand?
Whether you are leasing your first space, buying a building for your business or adding an investment property, a short call with our team can help you sort out the options and the next steps. No pressure, and no commitment.
