Richland County Planning & Development Services – Zoning Division

Business Clearance Form and Zoning Review Fee (unincorporated Richland County)

The county's Clearance Form (Revised 10.1.2024), linked as the "Business Clearance Form" from the current Business License page, documents that a business has received all approvals needed to operate each type of business activity, and states: "A $26.33 Zoning fee is required for each Clearance Form, along with any other applicable fees/taxes." The $26.33 figure is as printed on that county form. One form is completed for each business activity, and reasons for filing include a new or existing business, a change in physical location, a change in or addition of business activity or use, a change in ownership and an out-of-county contractor; the form notes that booth renters do not need to use it. The New Business License Application says a business located outside any city or town limits but within Richland County must submit a Clearance Form before a license can be issued. At Step 3 the Zoning Division reviews the location and activity (for an existing commercial site, against the prior use), and the form also carries sign-offs from Building Inspections, the Fire Marshal and the Sheriff's Department. A home-based business also completes the Home Occupation application. A business in a new commercial structure supplies a copy of its certificate of occupancy. At Step 4 the business returns the completed form to the Business Service Center and is told to "Be prepared to pay the Zoning Review Fee plus the business license fee."