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JOB OPENINGS South Congaree Town Hall 119 West Berry Rd. West Columbia, SC 29170 (803) 755-2760 Emergencies Dial 911 The Town of South Congaree currently has the following employment opportunities open: Employment Application Town Hall

PERMIT INFORMATION BUILDING PERMITS All contractors performing work in the Town of South Congaree must obtain a business license. If you are building, remodeling, repairing, moving, or tearing down a building in South Congaree, or working on electrical, gas, plumbing, or mechanical systems, the required steps include: Obtain Zoning approval from the Town of South Congaree. Apply for building or mechanical permits from Lexington County. Property owners performing the work on their property must: Obtain Zoning Approval from the Town of South Congaree. Contact Lexington County Building Inspections and Permits Division Fill out a Lexington County Disclosure Statement. Complete a Public Record Notice, agreeing to follow all zoning and building rules. Contact: Lexington County Building Inspections & Permits Division Community Development Department (803) 785-8130 Email: buildinginspections@lexingtoncounty.sc.gov Website: https://lex-co.sc.gov/departments/community-development/building-permits SIGN PERMITS All sign contractors must have a Town of South Congaree Business License before obtaining a sign permit. Zoning Applications are required and must be completed and submitted to South Congaree. Zoning Applications must be approved before the sign permit will be approved. Any electrical work must be performed by a SC-licensed electrician. All electrical contractors are required to have a South Carolina Electrical Contractors License through the SC Dept. of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, and a Town of South Congaree Business License. The electrician must be listed on the sign permit before the permit can be issued. Signs may not be constructed within 12 feet of electric lines or facilities. Call PUPS at 888-721-7877 to locate underground utilities 72 hours before digging. GARAGE SALE PERMITS The following regulations are hereby declared essential in order to regulate garage sales in all zones: Before the Sale Obtain a permit from Town Hall for each sale. Post the permit at the sale site. Pay the permit fee: $5 per day. Ensure the permit does not exceed 4 consecutive days. Confirm you have not exceeded 4 permits per calendar year per family/location. During the Sale Use only family-owned merchandise (no purchased or brought-in items). Remove all tables, merchandise, and items at the end of the permitted time. Display no more than two (2) on-site signs, each ≤ 6 sq. ft. If using off-site signs: Limit to two (2) signs, each ≤ 6 sq. ft. Do not encroach on public rights-of-way. Obtain written permission for signs on private property. Do not attach signs to utility poles, street signs, trees, rocks, or natural objects. Remove all signs at the end of the sale. Do not use a public address system. Do not serve or give alcoholic beverages. Operate only during daylight hours Special Cases Non-profit organizations: Obtain a permit (fee waived). Enforcement & Penalties Violations are subject to S.C. Code § 14-25-65. Documents & Forms BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION HOW TO CALCULATE BIS. LIC. FEE SOUTH CONGAREE ZONING PERMIT LEX. CTY. BUILDING PERMIT LEX. CTY DISCLOSURE STATEMENT LEX. CTY PUBLIC RECORD NOTICE SOUTH CONGAREE SIGN PERMIT Contact Us Business License: Kelli Ricard, Town Clerk kricard@southcongaree.org (803) 755-2760 ext. 109 Zoning and Sign Permits: Crystal Bouknight, Town Administrator cbouknight@southcongaree.org (803) 755-2760 ext. 101

Christmas Parade Registration Sign-up Link

Zoning Board of Appeals Joe Gilchrist Vicki Wooten James Galluzzo Larry Estes Andrea McHugh Planning C ommission Wally Shangle, Chair John Beerman, Vice Chair Mike Gordon , Secretary Lorine S. Anderson Josh McCormick Deborah Pelosi Wendy Wundruck Zoning Board of Appeals Meetings 6:00 p.m. Fourth Tuesday of every month based on need. Note: Meeting schedules are subject to change under the S.C. FOIA. All meetings are open to the public. Members Currently 5 members Terms: 3 years staggered Overview The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) reviews land use issues, including proposed variations from the Town's zoning ordinance; special uses that require review to determine compatibility with adjacent properties and appeals of decisions made by the zoning administrator. Planning Commission Meetings 6:00 p.m. First Tuesday of every month based on need. Note: Meeting schedules are subject to change under the S.C. FOIA. All meetings are open to the public. Members Currently 7 members Terms: 3 years staggered Overview Municipalities that regulate land development must establish a Planning Commission. The Commission is charged with continuous planning efforts for physical, social, and economic development in its jurisdiction. The Commission makes recommendations to Town Council on zoning and annexation issues; reviews and approves all new subdivisions and is involved in comprehensive planning to improve the health and welfare of the public.

Do your part to make your community a better place, be a volunteer! The Town of South Congaree is looking for people that are willing to serve on our Planning Commission & Finance Committees. These important committees have a great deal to do with the direction of our town. The Planning Commission is responsible for drafting ordinances that govern the town. These are then presented to the town council which either passes them as drafted, ask the Planning Commission to make some changes, or votes the ordinances down completely. They also help develop and update a Master Plan under the direction of the mayor and town council. Planning now determines what South Congaree may be like for years to come. The Finance Committee helps to keep track of the town's money. It develops an annual budget which is then presented to the town's council for changes or approval. This committee watches closely throughout the year to make sure departments are spending within the limits of their budgets. The Finance Committee also has to make suggestions about where the town's reserve funds are kept so that they best benefit the citizens of the town. You do NOT have to be a resident of South Congaree to serve on boards, committees, or commissions. All that you must do is apply at the town hall, be able to pass a background check, and have a willingness to serve. Experience in Planning is helpful if you would like to serve on that committee. Perhaps you've been a developer, and architect, or held some other position that had to do with this field. In order to serve on the Finance Committee, a background in accounting, bookkeeping, or banking would help. You should be able to understand a balance sheet, read profit and loss statements, and in general be good with numbers. For more information about either of these positions, contact the town hall and ask for Municipal Clerk Sharon Williams.

HOSPITALITY TAX INFORMATION Hospitality Tax A Hospitality Tax is a 2% tax imposed on the purchase of prepared or modified food and/or beverages intended for consumption from a restaurant, hotel, motel, caterer, or other food service facility located within the Town. In addition, the tax applies to food and beverages prepared or modified by convenience stores or grocery stores that have designated areas where items are prepared for immediate consumption or carryout. Who Is Responsible for Collecting and Remitting the Hospitality Tax? Any business that prepares food and/or beverages within the Town is responsible for collecting and remitting the Hospitality Tax. Similar to the State Sales Tax, the Hospitality Tax is assessed at the point of sale, collected by the business from the customer, and then remitted directly to the Town. Remittance Schedule Hospitality Tax payments must be submitted according to the following schedule: Monthly – when average tax collections exceed $50 per month Quarterly – when average tax collections are between $25 and $50 per month Annually – when average tax collections are less than $25 per month Catering Orders and Sales Delivered Outside the Town Yes, the Hospitality Tax applies to all orders and sales, whether generated inside or outside the Town, when the food is prepared within the Town. If a business is required to remit Hospitality Tax to another jurisdiction, the amount remitted must be disclosed to the Town on the monthly reporting form. How Is the Hospitality Tax Remitted? Taxes must be submitted to the Hospitality Tax Clerk by the 20th of each month for the prior month’s collections. Each remittance must include: A completed Local Hospitality Tax Reporting Form A copy of the State Sales Tax Return (ST-3) What If My Payment Is Delinquent? A penalty of 5% per month must be added to all delinquent remittances. Failure to remit taxes and/or penalties may result in fines, as provided under the Town of South Congaree Ordinances. Why Was the Hospitality Tax Implemented? The Hospitality Tax was implemented to support: The operation and maintenance of current and future tourism-related facilities Capital improvements that enhance quality of life, tourism, and recreation Infrastructure and promotional efforts without relying solely on property taxes or business license taxes Funds May Be Used For: Revitalization and beautification of the Town of South Congaree Improvements to Town-owned parks Marketing and promotion of Town-sponsored events General Questions: 2% Local Hospitality Fee Restaurants and Bars What sales are affected? All food, beverage, and alcohol sales Convenience Stores, Grocery Stores, and Similar Retailers - What Sales Are Affected? All prepared or modified food and/or beverage items intended for immediate consumption Examples of Taxable Prepared or Modified Items: Heated foods (pizza, nachos, hot dogs, sandwiches, chicken, vegetables, etc.) Prepared sandwiches, salads, doughnuts, and cakes Fountain drinks, frozen drinks, coffee, and cappuccino Examples of Non-Taxable Items: Packaged foods Bulk or packaged cold deli items Canned or bottled beverages Accessory Use Food Service Facilities (Arcades, theaters, amusements, and similar businesses) Taxable Sales Include: Prepared or modified food and beverage items such as fountain drinks, popcorn, nachos, and similar items Why Was the Hospitality Fee Implemented? To fund necessary tourism-related buildings and improvements, including: Beautification projects Advertising and promotional efforts Tourism-related facilities Tourism-related water and sewer infrastructure Contact Us Susan Battles, Deputy Town Clerk sbattles@southcongaree.org (803) 755-2760 ext. 113 Documents & Forms HOSPITALITY TAX REPORTING FORM HOSPITALITY TAX ORDINANCE

BUSINESS LICENSING INFORMATION All businesses engaging in, or intending to engage in, any calling, business, occupation, or profession, either in whole or in part, within the limits of the Town of South Congaree are required to obtain a Town Business License. An annual license tax must be paid for the privilege of conducting business within the Town. The license fee is calculated based on the gross income generated during the preceding calendar year from business activity conducted within the Town of South Congaree. No deductions from gross income are permitted except for: Income generated wholly outside the municipality on which a license tax has been paid to another municipality or county Taxes collected on behalf of a government entity Income excluded from taxation under State or Federal law Business License Renewals All Town Business Licenses expire on April 30 each year. The deadline to renew without penalties is April 30. Annual license fees are based on the business’s gross receipts or gross revenue, or projected gross revenue for new businesses. To renew or apply: Print and complete a Business License application. Submit the completed application to Town Hall. Ensure all required documentation is included to avoid processing delays. Payment Information Do not mail cash payments. Payments may be made by company check or cashier’s check. The Town makes every effort to send renewal reminders; however, it is the business owner’s responsibility to renew the license annually, whether or not a reminder is received. Please mark your calendar to avoid penalties. Questions or Assistance If you have questions or need assistance, please visit Town Hall or email: kricard@southcongaree.org Contact Us Kelli Ricard, Town Clerk kricard@southcongaree.org (803) 755-2760 ext. 109 Documents & Forms BL ONLINE RENEWAL LINK BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION HOW TO CALCULATE BIS. LIC. FEE BUS. NAME CHANGE/CLOSURE SAMPLE IRS FORM RENTAL PROPERTY LIST HOME-BASED BUSINESS PERMIT HOSPITALITY TAX REPORTING FORM

Court Room Entrance Proper Attire Required Clerk of Court's Office Entrance sOUTH CONGAREE MUNICIPAL COURT South Congaree Municipal Court conducts bench trials twice a month on Wednesdays, at 8:30 A.M. Court is held at 119 West Berry Road, West Columbia, SC 29172 Clerk of Court: Hallie McGee

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Town of South Congaree Invitation to Bid The Town of South Congaree invites qualified vendors, contractors, and service providers to submit bids for goods, services, and construction projects in accordance with applicable laws and Town policies. This page provides information on current Invitations to Bid, including project descriptions, bid documents, submission requirements, deadlines, and contact information. All bids must be submitted by the specified date and time to be considered. The Town is committed to a fair, open, and competitive procurement process. Interested parties are encouraged to review all bid materials carefully and ensure compliance with the stated requirements. Questions regarding an Invitation to Bid should be directed to the contact listed in the bid documents.

STORM WATER "WE ALL LIVE DOWNSTREAM" S tormwater pollution is the runoff that occurs from rain, irrigation and snow melt and everything that is picked up along the way as it travels downhill to the nearest stream, river lake and beach. This runoff does not get treated, but goes straight to the waterways that we use for fishing, bathing and even drinking. What is picked up by stormwater runoff is “people pollution” – fertilizers and pesticides, motor oil, sand and dirt, pet waste, trash and so on. All of this can amount to one dirty waterway. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actually considers stormwater the greatest threat to our water quality. Here is what you, as a homeowner, pet owner, or car owner can do to reduce stormwater pollution: Test Your Soil before applying fertilizer to your lawn – your lawn may already have enough nutrients. Excess nutrients from excess fertilizer ends up in our lakes and rivers leading to algae blooms and fish kills. Pick Up Pet Waste to keep it from contaminating water supplies. You can flush the waste, bag it for trash or build a doggie-loo (pet waste septic system). Wash Your Car On The Lawn instead of the driveway to minimize runoff into the storm drain and use low-phosphorus, biodegradable soaps. Remember to check your car for leaks – these chemicals wash off road surfaces into the waterway. Bag Grass Clippings And Leaves Or Use Them As Compost. Don’t sweep them into the street or down storm drains as that leads to nutrient issues and potential clogging and flooding. Don’t Over-Water Your Lawn, doing so sends more pollutants into nearby drains. Plus, your lawn only requires little more than an inch of rain per week. A rain gauge will help you keep track of how much rain your lawn is receiving. To report illicit discharge, please complete the online Illicit Discharge Reporting Form . For more information, please see Lexington County Stormwater. Storm Water Details To learn more about storm water including car washing, rain barrels, rain gardens, South Congaree's storm water ordinances, and important links on storm water, click the above link. Car Washing Washing your car at home can use 80-140 gallons of water – In comparison, a commercial car wash facility uses 40-45 gallons of water per wash. Many commercial car washes recycle and reuse the wash water that is generated. Most professional car washes save water by using high pressure pumps to clean the car thoroughly while conserving water. The presence of soap in waterways at low concentrations can kill fish eggs and at higher concentrations lead to fish kills. There are 214,023 personal vehicles registered in Lexington County. If 40% of those vehicles are washed at home once a month, then well over 82 million gallons of polluted water could potentially enter local waterways. "What is a Rain barrel?" Save rain, save water, save money! Did you know that half of a typical household’s water use is outside of the home? That’s half of your water bill! Rain barrels, or similar rain catchment systems (cisterns), have been used throughout history in many different cultures. Rainwater collection systems offer many benefits to individuals who use them, ranging from lower water bills to a better quality water for plants (no chlorine, which some plants dislike). Rainwater collection systems also benefit the environment. The obvious advantages are less withdrawal of groundwater and conserved use of treated municipal water. The less obvious advantage of rainwater collection is that it helps reduce stormwater runoff, lessening the amount of runoff that may lead to flooding. Click on Rain Barrel Construction Instructions to build your own rain barrel. "What Is A Rain Garden?" A rain garden is a landscape depression that intercepts runoff, and allows the water to slowly infiltrate into the groundwater table. As well as intercepting runoff that could possibly add to flooding and stream erosion problems, the rain garden allows nature to play a role in removing pollutants from stormwater runoff that could otherwise affect the water quality of nearby lakes, rivers, and streams. Plants use excess nutrients for growth, sediment gets trapped in the rain garden, and the rain garden becomes a landscaped feature in your yard that is also habitat for bees, butterflies, and birds. Plus, a rain garden uses water from your rooftop and driveway for irrigation, saving you money on your water bill. For more information on upcoming Rain Barrel or Rain Garden Workshops, please click on Lexington County Workshops. “GO GREEN” Lexington County Car Wash Fundraiser Program The Lexington Countywide Stormwater Consortium (LCSC) has partnered with local commercial car wash operators to launch the Car Wash Fundraiser Program. Community groups can purchase discounted car wash coupons from participating facilities that they can then re-sell. It’s quick, easy and safe for the environment. Car wash fundraisers are an important means for an organization to raise money, but if the wash water isn’t handled properly, it can be harmful to the environment. Car wash fundraisers are usually held in parking lots of local businesses where the water enters the storm drain. The water that enters a storm drain doesn’t go to a wastewater treatment facility where it is cleaned. Instead the water empties directly into local creeks, rivers and streams. All of the pollutants that are in wash water go down the storm drain and are deposited in local waterways as well. If you think about all the pollutants that are in car wash water, soaps, oils & grease, heavy metals, you realize that a lot of pollutants can be transported to local waterways. Commercial car washing facilities direct their wash water to the sanitary sewer where the wash water is treated. Most commercial car wash facilities use special equipment to conserve water and recycle the wash water at their facility. Using a commercial facility is the best choice when washing a car. This partnership allows local organizations to meet their fundraising goals without holding the traditional (time consuming and labor intensive) car wash. Through this partnership groups can not only raise funds year-round they can also ensure that their fundraisers will not be harmful to the environment. We urge local groups to contact the participating car washes and get started selling tickets instead of holding car washes in a parking lot somewhere. More Resources LEX. CO. WIDE STORM WATER CONSORTIUM LEXINGTON COUNTY STORM WATER ENVIROMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY S. CONGAREE STORM WATER KEEP THE MIDLANDS BEAUTIFUL

WELCOME TO SOUTH CONGAREE Welcome to the official website of the Town of South Congaree, South Carolina. Located near the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, South Congaree is home to just over 2,300 residents. Established in 1957, our town continues to grow and evolve while honoring the history that shaped us. We are proud of our past and enthusiastic about the future. As a suburb of Columbia, South Congaree is a welcoming and inclusive community. Our town is home to families with young children, longtime residents, and those approaching or enjoying retirement. This blend of generations helps create a friendly, close‑knit atmosphere where neighbors truly know one another. Congaree Elementary School, part of Lexington School District Two, is located within our town. Visitors often enjoy walking along nearby sidewalks and hearing the joyful sounds of children at play. Adjacent to Town Hall, our community park is a gathering place where teens play pickup basketball, younger children enjoy playground features, and families relax with picnics. South Congaree is also home to many churches that serve as important centers for fellowship and community activities. Organizations such as the United Neighbors Club reflect the value we place on strong neighborly connections. Our town also features a local library and an equestrian arena that host a variety of events throughout the year. We are proud of our local businesses and encourage residents and visitors alike to shop, dine, and support them. We hope this website helps you get to know us. Perhaps one day you’ll decide to become part of our community. We are South Congaree, and we’re glad you’re here. Come visit us in person and say hello!