We Want Your Business!

I enjoyed the recent article in the JIM about starting a new business on James Island.    We at the Town want to encourage the entrepreneurial initiatives of our residents.   I was troubled to hear that one aspiring businesswoman felt that she received poor service from the Town, apparently in contrast to a resident of the City of Charleston who was able to open for business the next day.   However, researching our records show that at least in this case, the home occupancy permit was provided the very same day the application was submitted.   As explained by Town Administrator Ashley Kellahan, we always want to do better, but a zoning permit was not the hold up this time.   Planning Director Kristen Crane gave some pointers for obtaining a zoning permit for a business as well.  Her focus was not a home occupancy permit but rather the process for opening a new "bricks and mortar" business.   That can be more time consuming.   I am very committed to encouraging a thriving business community, especially in the Town's central commercial district on Folly Road.   While we will continue to work to streamline the process, it takes some time when a business proposal involves the construction of a new building or even extensive renovation.   Parking, curb cuts, traffic and building safety are important considerations for any municipality.   If a new business is going into a vacant commercial site with few modifications, the process is usually faster, but if there is a significant change in the type of business more review is needed.    Currently, the Town takes applications for business licenses and collects the fees and the actual license is sent in the mail.  While there is no need to wait until the actual license arrives,  we hope that soon we will be able to print business licenses on site and provide them to new businesses immediately.   Want to start a home business?   Want a great business location on Folly Road?   Come on by.   The Town is ready to help.   We Want Your Business.