The BUSINESS LICENSE CLASS SCHEDULE BY NAICS CODE is the table the City of North Charleston, South Carolina, uses to place each type of business in a license class, and it is one of the resources the city lists for a North Charleston business license. It comes from Ordinance #2025-048, which restated Classes 1 through 8 of Appendix B to the city's business license ordinance. Use it to find the class that goes with your business's NAICS code. On this page you can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it; the document itself is published by the City of North Charleston at the official URL.
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What is BUSINESS LICENSE CLASS SCHEDULE BY NAICS CODE – North Charleston, SC?
The BUSINESS LICENSE CLASS SCHEDULE BY NAICS CODE is the table adopted by the City of North Charleston, South Carolina, that assigns each industry sector or subsector, identified by its NAICS code, to a business license class from 1 to 8.
The PDF contains Ordinance #2025-048, "An Ordinance Amending the Business License Ordinance of the City of North Charleston to Update the Class Schedule as Required by Act 176 of 2020," the City Council agenda item for it, and Exhibit A, the schedule itself. Exhibit A amends and restates Classes 1 through 8 of Appendix B, the "Business License Class Schedule," of the Current Business License Ordinance. Class 9 is not restated: it stays in force as written in the Current Business License Ordinance.
The ordinance was passed under the South Carolina Business License Tax Standardization Act (Act No. 176 of 2020, S.C. Code Sections 6-1-400 to -420). That act requires each municipality that levies a business license tax to adopt the latest Standardized Business License Class Schedule by December 31 of every odd year. The schedule notes that it is based on a three-year average (2019 - 2021) of IRS statistical data.
Exhibit A has two parts: a list of sectors and subsectors with one class each (for example, 44-45 Retail trade is Class 1 and 54 Professional, scientific, and technical services is Class 4), and the Class 8 subclasses, from 8.1 for Construction (NAICS 23) to 8.6 for All Other Amusement and Recreational Industries. It is a classification table, not an application.
Who needs to file BUSINESS LICENSE CLASS SCHEDULE BY NAICS CODE – North Charleston, SC?
Businesses that need to know their class under the City of North Charleston business license ordinance use this schedule. The city's ordinance requires every person engaged or intending to engage in any calling, business, occupation or profession, in whole or in part, within the corporate limits of the city to pay an annual license fee and obtain a business license. The schedule is where the class for a given NAICS code is found.
- Owners of established businesses within the city who are renewing a license.
- People starting a new business, which must have a business license before it operates in the city.
- Businesses whose NAICS code appears among the Class 8 subclasses, such as Construction (23), Rail Transportation (482), wired and wireless telecommunications carriers (517111, 517112, 517122), Insurance Carriers (5241), Insurance Brokers for non-admitted Insurance Carriers (5242) and the amusement codes 713120, 713290 and 713990.
Exclusions: Exhibit A restates Classes 1 through 8 only. Class 9 remains as set out in the Current Business License Ordinance, so a business in Class 9 cannot find its class here. The schedule does not name who may sign or act for a business; questions go to the city's Business License office.
When to file BUSINESS LICENSE CLASS SCHEDULE BY NAICS CODE – North Charleston, SC
The schedule applies to the business license year beginning on May 1, 2026, which is the effective date stated in Section 2 of Ordinance #2025-048. City Council ordained the ordinance on December 11, 2025. It was adopted because the Standardization Act requires a new class schedule by December 31 of every odd year.
The schedule has no deadline of its own, since nothing is filed on it. It matters whenever you apply for or renew a North Charleston business license. The city's page says a new business must have a business license before it begins operating in the city.
How to fill out BUSINESS LICENSE CLASS SCHEDULE BY NAICS CODE – North Charleston, SC
Find your business's NAICS code
Have the NAICS code for your business ready, since the schedule is organized by NAICS sector or subsector number, such as 44-45, 54 or 722.
Locate your sector in Exhibit A
In the first table of Exhibit A, find the row for your sector or subsector number and read the industry name beside it.
Read the class for that sector
The last column gives the class: for example, 22 Utilities is Class 1, 48-49 Transportation and warehousing is Class 2 and 31-33 Manufacturing is Class 3.
Check the Class 8 subclasses
If your code is 23, 482, 517111, 517112, 517122, 5241, 5242, 713120, 713290 or 713990, use the Class 8 Subclasses list, which gives classes 8.1 through 8.6 (including 8.51 and 8.52).
Note that Class 9 is separate
Class 9 is not part of Exhibit A. It remains as set out in the Current Business License Ordinance, so refer to that ordinance for it.
Confirm the effective license year
The restated Classes 1 through 8 apply to the business license year beginning on May 1, 2026.
Review and download the completed PDF
Check that the class you noted matches your NAICS code, then download or print the PDF from FillingPDF and use it when you obtain or renew your license through the city's channels described under How to submit.
How to submit BUSINESS LICENSE CLASS SCHEDULE BY NAICS CODE – North Charleston, SC
The schedule itself is not submitted to the city. It is a reference used when you obtain or renew a business license, which the City of North Charleston handles through these channels:
- Online portal: online business license renewal is at https://revenuecollectionsportal.charlestoncounty.gov/. Register as a "New Customer" and wait for a confirmation email; approval may take up to 5 business days. For portal questions call 843-202-6080.
- In person: the Business License Office, One Stop Shop, 3rd floor of City Hall, 2500 City Hall Lane, North Charleston, SC 29406. Payment there may be by check, cash, Visa, MasterCard or American Express. A second location is 4045 Bridgeview Dr, North Charleston, SC 29405, where payment is by check or cash only.
- Phone: (843) 740-5818 for general questions, or (843) 740-2634 or (843) 740-2632 for the Business License Office.
A new license can be applied for or bought online, but the city says it will not be issued until the applicant submits the documents that show compliance with the City Zoning Ordinance, Building Code, Fire Code and other regulatory codes. Businesses in commercial structures need a Fire Inspection to receive a license. After payment is processed, in about two or three days, the license is mailed to the address on your account. Ask the city for the fee that applies to your class. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; any license application follows the city's channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Looking for a Class 9 business here: Exhibit A restates Classes 1 through 8 only, and Class 9 stays as written in the Current Business License Ordinance.
- Using the general sector class for a NAICS code that is listed separately under the Class 8 subclasses, such as 23 Construction (8.1) or 5241 Insurance Carriers (8.4).
- Applying this schedule to a license year before May 1, 2026; the ordinance takes effect with the business license year beginning on that date.
- Opening a new business before holding a business license; the city says a new business must have one before operating in the city.
- Expecting an online license purchase to be issued immediately; the city says it is not issued until compliance documents for the zoning, building and fire codes are submitted.
- Paying by credit card at 4045 Bridgeview Drive; the city lists only check or cash there, while cards are accepted at the One Stop Shop in City Hall.
- Starting a portal renewal without allowing for registration approval, which the city says may take up to 5 business days after you register as a "New Customer".
- Treating this schedule as the license application; it only assigns classes, and the license is obtained through the city's portal or office.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Business License Class Schedule by NAICS Code?
It is the City of North Charleston table that assigns NAICS sectors and subsectors to business license Classes 1 through 8. It is Exhibit A to Ordinance #2025-048, which restated those classes in Appendix B of the city's business license ordinance.
Do I need a North Charleston business license?
Yes, if you engage or intend to engage in any calling, business, occupation or profession, in whole or in part, within the city limits. The ordinance requires an annual license fee and a license, and a new business must have its license before it operates.
Where do I find my business license class in North Charleston?
Find your NAICS code in Exhibit A of the schedule and read the class beside it. Codes such as 23 Construction or 5241 Insurance Carriers are in the Class 8 subclasses (8.1 to 8.6). Class 9 is not in this schedule.
When does the new class schedule take effect?
It applies to the business license year beginning on May 1, 2026, per Section 2 of Ordinance #2025-048. City Council ordained it on December 11, 2025, to meet the requirement of adopting a new schedule by December 31 of every odd year.
Where do I get or renew a North Charleston business license?
At the Business License Office in the One Stop Shop on the 3rd floor of City Hall, 2500 City Hall Lane, North Charleston, SC 29406, or online through https://revenuecollectionsportal.charlestoncounty.gov/. Call (843) 740-5818 with questions.
Can I buy a North Charleston business license online?
You can apply for or purchase a new license online, but the city will not issue it until you submit the documents showing compliance with the Zoning Ordinance, Building Code, Fire Code and other regulatory codes. Register as a New Customer first.
How can I pay for a North Charleston business license?
At the City Hall One Stop Shop you can pay by check, cash, Visa, MasterCard or American Express. At 4045 Bridgeview Drive the city accepts check or cash only. For the amount for your class, contact the city.
How long until my business license arrives?
After your payment is processed, about two or three days, the license is forwarded to the mailing address on your account. Check that the address is correct on the portal account.
Can I fill out the class schedule on FillingPDF?
You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is an independent service, is not connected to the City of North Charleston and does not file, issue or renew business licenses.
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