Charleston County
Explore Charleston County government, elected officials, county departments, public services, and helpful resources for residents and businesses.
A Brief History of Charleston County
Charleston County's history stretches back to colonial South Carolina, when the Charleston area became an important center of settlement, trade, and government. Early communities developed around coastal waterways, plantations, and the growing port of Charleston.
The organization of local government changed repeatedly over the centuries. Charleston District was established in 1769, county government was reorganized in subsequent decades, and the state adopted a new county framework in 1868. Berkeley County separated in 1882, reshaping Charleston County's boundaries.
Today, Charleston County serves a diverse collection of historic neighborhoods, coastal communities, incorporated municipalities, and growing residential and commercial areas. County government provides essential public services, infrastructure, emergency response, and administrative support throughout the region.
Charleston District is established as part of South Carolina’s judicial organization.
South Carolina divides its districts into counties, including Charleston County.
South Carolina reorganizes local administration around districts, including Charleston District.
The state constitution redesignates judicial districts as counties and establishes county governing boards.
Berkeley County is reestablished from territory that had formed part of Charleston County.
South Carolina’s Home Rule Act expands the authority and responsibilities of county government.
Historical context: Charleston County Government and South Carolina Department of Archives & History .
Charleston County Council
Charleston County Council consists of nine district representatives. The Council Chair and Vice Chair are selected from among its members.
Council District Representatives
Charleston County Council — Official Website
Other Elected Officials
County Departments & Services
Find county offices, contact information, services, and official Charleston County resources.
Charleston County Assessor
4050 Bridge View Drive, Suite 100, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
Real property valuation, assessment appeals, legal residence applications, and agricultural property assessments.
Services & Responsibilities
The Assessor values real estate and eligible mobile homes for property tax purposes. Property owners can apply for the 4% legal residence assessment, agricultural use assessment, and other qualifying property tax classifications. The office also handles real property valuation appeals, reassessments, property records, and mobile home valuation matters. Vehicle and boat tax bills are handled by the Auditor.
Helpful Links
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Assessor Office
Property assessment services and applications.
Phone
843-958-4100
Charleston County Auditor
101 Meeting Street, Room 105, Charleston, SC, 29401
More Information
About This Department
Property tax bills, vehicle and boat taxes, homestead exemptions, high-mileage appeals, and tax estimates.
Services & Responsibilities
The Auditor calculates and issues tax bills for real estate, motor vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, mobile homes, and business personal property. Residents can request vehicle or boat tax bills, apply for homestead exemptions, review high-mileage vehicle appeals, obtain tax estimates, and request certain tax refunds. The Assessor handles real-property valuation, while the Treasurer collects tax payments.
Helpful Links
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Auditor Office
Tax billing, exemptions, and contact information.
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High-Mileage Calculator
Estimate vehicle high-mileage tax adjustments.
Phone
843-958-4200
Charleston County Board of Voter Registration & Elections
4340 Corporate Road, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
Voter registration, election information, absentee voting, precincts and official polling-place lookup.
Services & Responsibilities
The Board of Voter Registration & Elections administers voter registration and county election services. Residents can update voter registration, obtain information about absentee voting and election procedures, and access official precinct and polling-place lookup resources. Election Day polling places and early-voting locations are different services and must be checked for the relevant election.
Helpful Links
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Official Election Information
Charleston County election administration
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South Carolina Official Voter Lookup
Verify registration and access official voter lookup resources
Phone
843-744-8683
Charleston County Building Inspection Services
4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
Building permits, construction inspections, contractor licensing information, and code compliance.
Services & Responsibilities
Building Inspection Services administers building permitting and inspection processes within its jurisdiction. Applicants can access county permit resources and arrange inspections through the approved online system or inspection request email. The department states that inspection requests are not accepted by telephone.
Helpful Links
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Charleston County Building Inspection Services — Official Website
Official county department information and services.
Phone
843-202-6930
Charleston County Capital Projects
4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
County capital improvement projects, public construction, and infrastructure planning.
Services & Responsibilities
Capital Projects supports the planning and delivery of county capital improvements and public construction. For specific construction projects, residents should consult current project information and confirm the responsible county department.
Helpful Links
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Charleston County Capital Projects — Official Website
Official Charleston County service information.
Phone
843-202-6146
Charleston County Clerk of Court
100 Broad Street, Suite 106, Charleston, SC, 29401
More Information
About This Department
Court records, civil and criminal case filings, Family Court records, court fees, and related judicial services.
Services & Responsibilities
The Clerk of Court maintains records and administers filings for applicable Circuit and Family Court proceedings. Common Pleas and General Sessions services are at 100 Broad Street, Suite 106, phone 843-958-5000. Family Court services are at 100 Broad Street, Suite 143, phone 843-958-4400. Confirm the correct division and any record restrictions before visiting.
Helpful Links
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Clerk of Court — Official Website
Court divisions, services and contact information.
Phone
843-958-5000
Charleston County Community Development & Revitalization
4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
Community development, housing-related programs, revitalization, and available assistance initiatives.
Services & Responsibilities
Community Development & Revitalization coordinates county community-development initiatives and provides information about eligible housing, neighborhood improvement, and assistance programs. Program availability, geographic eligibility, funding, and application requirements should be confirmed directly with the department.
Helpful Links
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Charleston County Community Development & Revitalization — Official Website
Official county department information and services.
Phone
843-202-6960
Charleston County Consolidated Emergency Communications
More Information
About This Department
911 emergency communications, public safety dispatch, and selected non-emergency reporting resources.
Services & Responsibilities
The Consolidated Emergency Communications Center provides emergency call-taking and dispatch coordination for participating public safety agencies. For emergencies, call or text 911. The listed telephone number is an administrative contact, not an emergency reporting line. Certain non-emergency issues can be submitted through the official 911HelpMe portal or referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Helpful Links
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Emergency Communications Center
Official emergency communications information.
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911HelpMe — Non-Emergency Requests
Submit eligible non-emergency requests online.
Phone
843-529-3700
Charleston County Contracts & Procurement
4045 Bridge View Drive, Suite B-250, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
County bids, solicitations, purchasing opportunities, vendor information, and small-business procurement programs.
Services & Responsibilities
Contracts & Procurement coordinates competitive purchasing, bid solicitations, purchasing contracts, and vendor participation in county government procurement. Businesses can review current opportunities through the official procurement portal and consult the department about applicable requirements and small-business certification.
Helpful Links
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Contracts & Procurement
Official procurement department information.
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Open Bid Opportunities
County procurement and solicitation portal.
Phone
843-958-4750
Charleston County Coroner’s Office
4000 Salt Pointe Parkway, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
Medicolegal death investigations, death records guidance, and assistance for families.
Services & Responsibilities
The Coroner’s Office investigates deaths within its statutory jurisdiction, determines cause and manner of death when required, and coordinates with other agencies and families. For specific death certificates and vital records, consult the appropriate state records authority. Contact the office for questions about an investigation or its procedures.
Helpful Links
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Coroner’s Office — Official Website
Coroner services, procedures and contact information.
Phone
843-746-4030
Charleston County Emergency Management
8500 Palmetto Commerce Parkway, North Charleston, SC, 29456
More Information
About This Department
Disaster preparedness, emergency planning, evacuation information, and emergency alerts.
Services & Responsibilities
Emergency Management coordinates preparedness, emergency planning, response coordination, and public information related to disasters and other major emergencies. Residents can consult official county resources for preparedness guidance, evacuation information, and alerts. For an immediate emergency, call 911.
Helpful Links
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Charleston County Emergency Management — Official Website
Official county department information and services.
Phone
843-746-3800
Charleston County Emergency Medical Services
4045 Bridge View Drive, Suite C-204, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
Emergency ambulance response, medical transport, EMS billing, employment, and public information.
Services & Responsibilities
Charleston County EMS provides emergency medical care and ambulance transportation to emergency departments. Call 911 for emergencies, not the administrative office number. EMS does not provide routine non-emergency transportation to appointments. Billing questions are handled separately through Digitech.
Helpful Links
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EMS Department
Emergency medical services and administrative contact information.
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EMS Job Openings
County EMS employment opportunities.
Phone
843-202-6700
Charleston County Environmental Management
8099 Palmetto Commerce Parkway, North Charleston, SC, 29456
More Information
About This Department
Residential recycling, recycling schedules, drop-off centers, hazardous materials, and county waste facilities.
Services & Responsibilities
Environmental Management administers recycling and related waste-management programs, including residential recycling, convenience centers, and recycling education. Its facilities include the Bees Ferry Landfill and county recycling locations. Routine household garbage collection is generally handled by municipalities or public service districts rather than the county recycling program.
Helpful Links
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Charleston County Environmental Management — Official Website
Official county department information and services.
Phone
843-720-7111
Charleston County Facilities Management
4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
Maintenance, operation, and management of county government buildings and facilities.
Services & Responsibilities
Facilities Management maintains and supports Charleston County government buildings, including building systems, repairs, and facility operations. It is not the general contact for private residential maintenance or municipal property.
Helpful Links
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Charleston County Facilities Management — Official Website
Official Charleston County service information.
Phone
843-746-4080
Charleston County Finance
4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
County accounting, vendor payments, payroll, financial reporting, and public finance.
Services & Responsibilities
The Finance Department maintains the county financial records and provides accounting, financial reporting, payroll processing, vendor payments, and financial administration. The department helps ensure stewardship of public funds and compliance with financial reporting obligations. Individual property tax collection is handled through the Treasurer rather than Finance.
Helpful Links
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Finance Department
County finance responsibilities and contact details.
Phone
843-958-4600
Charleston County Fleet Operations
4371 Headquarters Road, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
Maintenance, repair, and management of county government vehicles and heavy equipment.
Services & Responsibilities
Fleet Operations maintains and manages vehicles and equipment used by Charleston County government and certain partner agencies. Its services include vehicle repair, preventive maintenance, fueling, and equipment support. This is not a public automotive repair service.
Helpful Links
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Charleston County Fleet Operations — Official Website
Official Charleston County service information.
Phone
843-202-7900
Charleston County Housing Development
4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
Attainable housing initiatives, housing-development incentives, land acquisition assistance, and housing projects.
Services & Responsibilities
Housing Development is a division associated with Charleston County Housing & Land Management. It helps implement the Housing Our Future strategy, including housing development incentives, funding programs, partnerships, and supported housing projects. Contact the division to confirm current program availability and eligibility. This listing does not represent every function of Housing & Land Management.
Helpful Links
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Charleston County Housing Development — Official Website
Official Charleston County service information.
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Engineering & Public Services Directorate
County department directory, including Housing & Land Management.
Phone
843-202-6982
Charleston County Human Resources
4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
County government jobs, employment applications, employee benefits, and personnel information.
Services & Responsibilities
Human Resources manages county recruitment, job applications, employee orientation, benefits, compensation, personnel policies, and training. Job seekers can review current openings and apply through the county GovernmentJobs portal.
Helpful Links
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Human Resources
Employment and personnel services.
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Current County Job Openings
Official county employment application portal.
Phone
843-958-4700
Charleston County Magistrates/Summary Courts
4045 Bridge View Drive, Suite B-143, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
Magistrate court administration, civil claims, criminal matters and court-location information.
Services & Responsibilities
Charleston County Magistrates/Summary Courts provide court services for matters within magistrate jurisdiction. The administrative office is at 4045 Bridge View Drive, Suite B-143. Individual magistrate courts operate at multiple locations; confirm the specific court, hearing location and procedures using the official court directory. The administrative office is not necessarily the location of a hearing.
Helpful Links
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Magistrate Court Locations and Information
Official court directory and location information
Phone
843-202-6600
Charleston County Probate Court
100 Broad Street, Suite 469, Charleston, SC, 29401
More Information
About This Department
Estates, marriage licenses, guardianships, conservatorships and related probate proceedings.
Services & Responsibilities
Probate Court handles estates, marriage licenses, guardianships, conservatorships and other matters within its jurisdiction. The main Probate Court and guardianship services are at 100 Broad Street, Suite 469, phone 843-958-5180. The Estate Division is at 84 Broad Street, third floor, phone 843-958-5030. Marriage License Division inquiries use 843-958-5183. Confirm the correct division before visiting.
Helpful Links
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Probate Court and Division Directory
Locations, contacts and probate services
Phone
843-958-5180
Charleston County Public Defender
101 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC, 29401
More Information
About This Department
Public defense services and information about eligibility for court-appointed criminal representation.
Services & Responsibilities
The Public Defender provides legal representation in qualifying criminal matters for eligible individuals. Representation and eligibility are determined through the applicable legal and court process. Contact the office for information about public-defense services; the office does not provide general civil legal advice.
Helpful Links
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Public Defender — Official Information
Contact, services and eligibility information
Phone
843-958-1850
Charleston County Public Library
68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC, 29401
More Information
About This Department
Public libraries, books, digital resources, library cards, community programs, and branch locations.
Services & Responsibilities
Charleston County Public Library offers lending collections, digital materials, educational resources, public programs, technology access and services through its branch network. The address listed is the Main Library. Residents should consult the library’s official branch directory for other locations and current hours.
Helpful Links
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Public Library — County Directory
Official library information and location resources.
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Charleston County Public Library
Library catalog, programs, branch locations and services.
Phone
843-805-6801
Charleston County Public Works
3681 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
County roads, drainage, stormwater, mosquito control, transportation projects, and public works requests.
Services & Responsibilities
Public Works provides transportation, drainage infrastructure, stormwater, mosquito control, and related public services. Residents can submit work requests, report infrastructure concerns, and review information about county-maintained facilities and encroachment permits. Road maintenance responsibilities may differ between county, municipal, and state agencies.
Helpful Links
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Charleston County Public Works — Official Website
Official county department information and services.
Phone
843-202-7600
Charleston County Register of Deeds
101 Meeting Street, Suite 200, Charleston, SC, 29401
More Information
About This Department
Recorded deeds, mortgages, plats, liens, and property document searches.
Services & Responsibilities
The Register of Deeds records and maintains deeds, mortgages, plats, liens, and other recorded documents related to Charleston County real estate. Residents, attorneys, and businesses can research available records, review recording requirements, and access land-document search services. The office cannot provide legal advice or perform private title searches.
Helpful Links
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Register of Deeds
Recording requirements and property records.
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Recorded Document Search
Official deed and mortgage search information.
Phone
843-958-4800
Charleston County Revenue Collections
4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
County business licenses, hospitality taxes, accommodations taxes, delinquent collections, and fees.
Services & Responsibilities
Revenue Collections administers county business licenses and various county revenues, including applicable hospitality, accommodations, and stormwater fees. It also handles delinquent collections and related compliance matters. Businesses can find license applications, renewals, and tax information. The department coordinates certain collections for participating municipalities.
Helpful Links
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Revenue Collections
Licenses, fees, and collection services.
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Business License Application
Official business license application information.
Phone
843-202-6080
Charleston County Sheriff’s Office
3691 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
Law enforcement, incident reports, civil process, detention information, warrants, and public safety services.
Services & Responsibilities
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office provides law-enforcement and related public-safety services within its jurisdiction. Its departments handle records, civil process, investigations, detention, warrants and other services. For an emergency, call or text 911. For non-emergency assistance, use the number listed here. The Sheriff’s elected-official profile is displayed separately in the county leadership section.
Helpful Links
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Sheriff’s Office
Official agency website and public safety resources.
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Department Contact Directory
Records, civil process, detention and other department contacts.
Phone
843-743-7200
Charleston County Technology Services
4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
County government information technology, network systems, and digital infrastructure.
Services & Responsibilities
Technology Services supports county government technology systems, infrastructure, and related internal services. Residents seeking help with a specific county online application should consult the responsible department or the official county website.
Helpful Links
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Charleston County Technology Services — Official Website
Official Charleston County service information.
Phone
843-202-6800
Charleston County Treasurer
101 Meeting Street, Suite 120, Charleston, SC, 29401
More Information
About This Department
Property tax payments, payment records, tax receipts, and advance installment plans.
Services & Responsibilities
The Treasurer collects real estate, vehicle, personal property, and other county property taxes, distributes revenue to taxing authorities, and manages county funds. Residents can pay taxes, obtain payment receipts, review property tax payment information, and learn about eligible advance installment plans. The Auditor determines tax bills and the Assessor values real property.
Helpful Links
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Treasurer Office
Payment information and Treasurer services.
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Pay Taxes and View Records
Official property tax payment and record portal.
Phone
843-958-4360
Charleston County Veterans Affairs Office
4045 Bridge View Drive, Suite B-154, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
Veterans benefits assistance, claims support and resources for veterans and eligible dependents.
Services & Responsibilities
The county Veterans Affairs Office assists veterans and eligible survivors or dependents with federal benefits information and claims applications. County veterans service officers can help prepare benefits claims but do not themselves determine eligibility or award benefits. For assistance or appointments, call 843-974-6360 and follow the office prompts; option 4 is identified for service-officer assistance.
Helpful Links
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County Veterans Affairs Office
Veterans services, benefits information and contacts
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Federal VA Benefits and Claims
Official federal veterans benefits information
Phone
843-974-6360
Charleston County Zoning & Planning
4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC, 29405
More Information
About This Department
Zoning information, land use regulations, subdivisions, rezonings, and development review.
Services & Responsibilities
Zoning & Planning assists with county land use, zoning classifications, subdivisions, rezoning applications, and development reviews. Residents, property owners, and businesses can find county regulations and application guidance. Municipal properties may fall under their municipality’s planning and zoning authority.
Helpful Links
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Charleston County Zoning & Planning — Official Website
Official county department information and services.
Phone
843-202-7200
Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office — Charleston County
101 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC, 29401
More Information
About This Department
Criminal prosecution, victim and witness assistance, diversion programs, and General Sessions information.
Services & Responsibilities
The Ninth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office prosecutes qualifying criminal matters in Charleston and Berkeley counties and provides related victim/witness and diversion services. The Charleston General Sessions office is at 101 Meeting Street, telephone 843-958-1900. Other divisions may have different office suites and contacts. Crimes generally should be reported to the appropriate law-enforcement agency rather than directly to the Solicitor’s Office.
Helpful Links
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Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office
Official Solicitor resources and program information.
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Solicitor’s Office FAQ
Common questions about prosecution and services.
Phone
843-958-1900
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