Get ready

Required document

Sketch plan showing the location of the proposed storage container.

• For residential uses, show the container in relationship to the driveway and residence.
• For non-residential uses, include fire lanes, driveways, screening, and other details.

Required licenses

Businesses placing the storage container must have a City of Rock Hill business license before the permit can be issued.

•   Business license webpage

Apply

1. Apply Online using the button below.
   •  Click on “New Applications"
   • Type "Temporary" into the search box
   • Select "Temporary Storage Containers" and follow the prompts from there
2. City staff will review your plan and send comments back to the designated contact person on the application within approximately 3 business days.
   • If the plan must be revised, use the Plan Resubmittal Instructions (PDF).
3. At this time, we will email you an invoice for the application fee of $50, which will be paid through our online portal. Beware of scammers trying to obtain false payment through wire transfer or other mechanisms. 
4. After the above has been completed, we will process your permit, which may take another couple of days.

Requirements

Portable moving containers

• One container is allowed per property, whether the property is used residentially or non-residentially.
• Time limits:
  • 6 months per calendar year if the property has an open building permit for remodeling or similar
  • 30 days per calendar year otherwise

Shipping containers and similar

Shipping containers used for storage collection, trailer sections of tractor-trailers, donation collection trailers, and similar temporary storage structures are allowed for non-residential uses if the following standards can be met:

• They may not block fire lanes or other circulation on the site.
• Any number may be placed on site permanently if located out of public view and screened with landscaping.
• For uses developed after September 11, 2017, two at a time may be placed on more visible areas of the site, such as in public parking lot areas, for up to 60 days per year, if they do not take up required parking spaces.
• For uses developed prior to September 11, 2017, any number may be placed perpetually on more visible areas of the site, such as in public parking lot areas, provided that the user can demonstrate that the containers were in continual use prior to 2014.
• Donation collection trailers may not be placed on undeveloped parcels or in parking lots except on a site where the primary use is the collection of donations.

Use this process to request approval to have an event on private property, such as a carnival or the sale of fireworks or seasonal produce. 

Similar processes:

1. Events that take place in public areas or rights-of-way, such as streets and cul-de-sacs, may require an events permit from the Parks, Recreation & Tourism department.   
2. Yard sales permit application
3. Food trucks need to apply for a business license, and we will review the use for compliance with the regulations as part of that process.

Get ready

Required documents

1. Sketch plan showing the location of the proposed use, and any relevant information according to the use type, such as parking area, display area, location of fire extinguishers, portable restrooms, etc.
2. If the temporary use is a produce stand, submit a drawing or photograph of the proposed stand, along with its dimensions.

Required licenses

Businesses conducting the proposed temporary use must have a City of Rock Hill business license before the temporary use permit can be issued.

•   Business license webpage

Apply

1. Apply Online using the button below.
   •  Click on “New Applications"
   • Type "Temporary" into the search box
   • Select "Temporary Uses Private Property" and follow the prompts from there
2. City staff will review your plan and send comments back to the designated contact person on the application within approximately 3 business days.
   • If the plan must be revised, use the Plan Resubmittal Instructions (PDF).
3. At this time, we will email you an invoice for the application fee of $50, which will be paid through our online portal. Beware of scammers trying to obtain false payment through wire transfer or other mechanisms. 
4. After the above has been completed, we will process your permit, which may take another couple of days.

Separate submittals

These reviews also may be required before the temporary use permit is approved. These will be applied for and permitted separately.

1. If you would like to use a tent that is larger than 200 square feet or a tent for cooking, refer to the section below regarding tent permits. 
2. If the proposed use is a produce stand larger than 120 square feet, also submit a building permit application.
3. Submit a temporary sign permit application using the process in the next section if you are requesting to have temporary signs for a temporary use other than a special event.

After you have a permit

If the proposed use is for a fireworks’ stand or produce stand, call us at 803-329-5590 for a final inspection.

Temporary use requirements

Special Events on Private Property

1. Each location is allowed up to two events per site per calendar year. Each event is limited to 14 days or less.
2. A special event permit is not needed if:
   • The event will be held on public property (the City has a separate process for that); or
   • The event will be held entirely indoors; or
   • The event will be held on the grounds of a private residence, or on the common areas of a single-family attached or multi-family residential development for a resident; or
   • The event is sponsored in whole or in part by the City or state; or
   • The event is held at a site or facility where the primary use has an inherent special event component. Examples include but are not limited to sporting events conducted on courses or fields intended and used for such activities; wedding services conducted at event venues; funeral services conducted at funeral homes or cemeteries, and community events held in the buildings of religious institutions.
3. All cooking and food sales must meet South Carolina Department of Agriculture regulations (PDF). 
4. Special events are allowed one banner per street frontage during the event period with a maximum size of 32 square feet for each sign.

Fireworks Sales

1. Fireworks sales are limited to two sales per year per location of up to 14 days each.
2. Fireworks’ stands require a temporary retailer permit from the South Carolina Board of Pyrotechnic Safety, which requires certain documents as well as inspection by a Deputy State Fire Marshal. The permit application is available online at SCLLR.

Seasonal Sale of Agricultural Products (Christmas trees, pumpkins, seasonal produce, etc.)

1. Each property in the City may have a seasonal sale of agricultural products for up to 90 days per year if a produce stand is not used, or for up to 180 days if a produce stand is used.
2. Produce stands have the following zoning rules:
   • Must be of sound construction quality.
   • Maximum of 750 square feet and 15 feet tall.
   • Must exclusively be used for the retail sale of agricultural and related products.
   • Must comply with the signage standards in Chapter 8: Development Standards.
   • Must meet the City’s design standards in terms of colors and materials used.
   • In lieu of a paved parking lot, a well-maintained gravel parking area of sufficient size to meet expected or actual customer demand must be provided to give customers reasonable access to the site.
   • If a dumpster is used, it must be screened.
   • Only one produce stand is allowed per site.
   • Produce stands are not required to be moved off site during their non-sales period provided that they are secured to limit the ability of trespassers to access them; are maintained in good repair; and are removed immediately when the use ceases for a period of 12 months.

When to use this process

Use this process to request a permit for:

• Grand opening signage
• Temporary signage at times besides grand openings
• To have a temporary sign in lieu of permanent signage (such as when a business is changing names and the new signs are being fabricated).

These types of signs do not require a temporary sign permit:

• A sidewalk “sandwich board” sign is allowed during business hours. It may be up to 6 square feet and 4 feet tall. It must be placed within 30 feet of the entrance to the business in a location that does not pose any hazards.
• One “Now Hiring” sign up to 4 square feet, located on the property where the employer has a job vacancy.
• A one-square-foot wall sign for a home-based business.
• Religious institutions, schools, and community service facilities may have one temporary sign or banner up to 60 days per year, plus two additional temporary signs or banners 14 days before events and 7 days during events. Each temporary sign or banner may be up to 32 square feet and 6 feet tall.

Use this process to request a permit for a permanent sign.

Get ready

Required documents

1. For wall signs, a drawing/picture showing the location of the sign on the wall and how the sign will be anchored.
2.  For freestanding signs, a site plan that shows the location of the sign on the property.
   • The sign cannot obstruct the view of motorists or otherwise harm public safety, so show all nearby power lines, driveways and buildings.
   • The sign must be at least 5 feet from all property lines.
   • The sign must be located outside the road right-of-way.

Have utility lines marked

Request that all utility providers come mark the location of utilities at least 3 full business days before you dig. This is required by state law and is a free service.

•  SC811 website

Helpful regulation references

The Zoning Ordinance (PDF) regulates temporary signs in section 8.10. Key regulations include the following.

Prohibited signs

• Signs placed in the right-of-way
• Signs placed on utility poles or traffic signs
• Too many window signs: Window signs that cover more than 50% of the window area, or the amount allowed for wall signs on that side of the building, whichever is less
• Signs that move or flash
• Digital message boards that change more than every 5 minutes 
• Signs on vehicles at sales lots with letters taller than 6 inches or a message area larger than 10 square feet
• Vehicles with signs that are parked so as to serve as a sign—those that are not used in the ordinary course of business and are parked closer than 50 feet to the street during business hours
• Signs placed on other people’s property
• Streamers/pennants, feather flags, and balloons, except during a grand opening. 

Grand opening displays for new businesses

New businesses are allowed to have one temporary sign and up to five other types of displays for 45 days. That period may run between 30 days before opening day and 90 days after opening day. There is no cost for these displays.

The following count as one display:

• Every 20 feet of streamers or pennants
• Every feather flag
• Every 64 cubic feet of balloons (for example, 4 feet x 4 feet x 4 feet)  
• Every inflatable 

Temporary signs for existing businesses

Existing businesses may have a 32-square-foot temporary sign for up to 90 days per calendar year if requested prior to July 1 for $100, or for up to 45 days per calendar year if requested after July 1 for $50. The sign can be displayed for up to 30 days at a time, with at least a one-week break between periods. 

After your permit has been issued for the year, each time you would like to use some of your allowed days, you must email the following information to nsinspections@cityofrockhill.com before posting the sign. Failure to do this could result in a loss of up to seven days each time.

1. Permit number
2. Name and address of the business
3. Your name, title, and contact information
4. Beginning and ending dates 

Temporary Use of Banners in lieu of Permanent Signage

Banners may be used while awaiting installation of permanent signage, to temporarily cover an existing permanent sign in the event of a business name or logo change, or similar circumstance. They may be installed for up to 60 days. There is no cost for this type of sign permit.

Apply

1. Apply Online using the button below.
   • Click on “New Applications"
   • For grand opening signage, type "Grand" into the search box and follow the prompts from there.
   • For other types of temporary signs, type "Sign" into the search box. Select the type of application that fits your circumstances and follow the prompts from there:
     • Temporary Before July 1 (90 days)
     • Temporary After July 1 (45 days)
     • Sign - Temporary in Lieu of Permanent Sign 
2. City staff will review your application and will email you an invoice if payment is required, which will be paid through our online portal. Beware of scammers trying to obtain false payment through wire transfer or other mechanisms. 
3. After the above has been completed, we will process your permit, which may take another couple of days.

Separate submittals

1. Events that take place on private property are required to submit a temporary use permit application. See section above.
2. Events that take place in public areas or rights-of-way, such as streets and cul-de-sacs, may also require an events permit from the Parks, Recreation & Tourism department.   

When to use this process

Use this process to request to use a tent that is:

1. Larger than 200 square feet; and/or
2. Used for cooking.

Get ready

Required documents

1. Sketch plan that shows:
   • Dimensions of tent
   • The tent's location on the property in relationship to other tents, buildings, or structures. Tents must be at least 20 feet away from other tenants and buildings, and they must be located where they will not interfere with the egress paths or exits of any other tents or structures.
   • Location of public restrooms or any required portable toilet facilities.
2. Flame retardant or resistant certificate for tent material and related components (side walls, drops, canopies, floor coverings, etc.) in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association code section 701.

Required licenses

Tent installers and electricians must have a City of Rock Hill business license before the tent permit can be issued.

•   Business license webpage

Apply

1. Apply Online using the button below.
   •  Click on “New Applications"
   • Type "Tent" into the search box and follow the prompts from there
2. City staff will review your plan and send comments back to the designated contact person on the application within approximately 3 business days.
   • If the plan must be revised, use the Plan Resubmittal Instructions (PDF).
3. At this time, we will email you an invoice for the tent permit fee, which will be paid through our online portal. Beware of scammers trying to obtain false payment through wire transfer or other mechanisms. 
   • $35 for a tent permit alone
   • $50 for a tent permit if a temporary use permit also is required due to the event taking place entirely on private property 
4. After the above has been completed, we will process your permit, which may take another couple of days.

Separate submittals

1. Events that take place on private property are required to submit a temporary use permit application. See section above.
2. Events that take place in public areas or rights-of-way, such as streets and cul-de-sacs, may also require an events permit from the Parks, Recreation & Tourism department.   

After you have a permit

Building and fire inspections are required before the tent can be used. When the tent is installed, call us at 803-329-5590 to schedule an inspection at least 24 hours before you would like to use the tent.

Tent requirements

To comply with State fire and building code requirements, tents must meet the following requirements:

1. Tents must be anchored to the ground and secured to prevent collapse and/or rollover during high winds.
2. With rare exceptions for a public performance or exhibit, combustible materials such as hay, straw, shavings, and trash cannot be kept in the tent.
3. Smoking is not permitted in tents or under canopies. Approved “No Smoking” signs must be conspicuously posted within the tent.
4. If the tent or canopy is open to the public, open flames, fire, heat sources, flammable liquids, combustible liquids, gas, charcoal, and cooking devices are not allowed inside the tent nor within 20 feet of the tent or its canopy.
5. Cooking tents may be permitted when the public does not have access to the tent.
   • Cooking tents must be separated from other tents and canopies by at least 20 feet.
   • Cooking and heating equipment cannot be located within 10 feet of exits or combustible materials.
   • Flammable liquid-fueled equipment cannot be used in tents or canopies.
     • Flammable and combustible liquids must be stored outside in an approved manner at least 50 feet away from tents.
     • Flammable fuel containers must be located outside the tent with safety release valves pointed away from the tent.
     • Portable gas containers with a capacity of 500 gallons or less must be placed at least 10 feet away from the tent.
     • Gas containers with a capacity of more than 500 gallons must be placed at least 25 feet away from the tent.
6. Generators and other internal combustion power sources must be placed at least 20 feet away from tents, and they must be isolated from contact with the public by fencing, enclosure or other approved means.
7. All electrical equipment, lighting, outlets, wiring, etc., must bear a U.L. label or a label from an approved testing laboratory and be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code. All combustible construction located within 6 feet of such equipment must be protected with approved noncombustible insulation that is at least 9.25 inches thick.
8. Portable fire extinguishers must be provided, with fire extinguisher stations clearly marked. The Fire Department will help determine the required location and size of the extinguishers.
9. The number and size of exits is based on the occupant load of the tent as determined by the tent’s use. All paths of egress to tent exits must be maintained clear of obstructions at all times. Exit signs must be clearly posted at each exit.
10. Portable toilet facilities, including handicap accessible facilities, may be required if existing restroom facilities are insufficient for the event.