Town of Summerville
Find information about the Town of Summerville, its elected officials, municipal departments, public services, and local government resources.
A Brief History of Summerville
Summerville began as a seasonal retreat for Lowcountry residents seeking relief from the summer heat and illnesses associated with coastal areas. Its pine forests and higher elevation helped establish the community's early reputation.
The arrival of the railroad in the 1830s encouraged growth around a new town center. Summerville was incorporated in 1847, and one of its earliest laws protected the pine trees that had become central to the town's identity. Over time, Summerville grew into a noted resort community, and its history continues to shape the Flower Town in the Pines.
The area develops as a seasonal refuge.
Rail connections reshape the village.
Municipal government and tree protection begin.
A major earthquake strikes the area.
A springtime tradition begins.
The census records more than 50,000 residents.
Mayor & Town Council
Town Departments & Services
Browse Town departments, find contact information, learn about services, and access official government resources.
Administrative Services
200 S Main Street, Summerville, SC, 29483
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About This Department
Supports Town administration and the implementation of Town Council policies and directives.
Services & Responsibilities
Coordinates Town Council meetings and helps implement Council policies and directives.
Supports budget administration, grant programs, procurement policies, technology management, legal coordination, and general Town operations.
Helpful Links
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Code of Ordinances
Review Town laws and ordinances.
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Public Notices
Official notices and public information.
Phone
843-851-4201
Building Department
200 S Main Street, Summerville, SC, 29483
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About This Department
Oversees building safety, permitting, and building code compliance within the Town.
Services & Responsibilities
Reviews building permit applications and construction plans for projects within Town limits.
Conducts inspections for new construction, renovations, repairs, and applicable electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas work.
Provides guidance on building code requirements, permit procedures, and inspection scheduling.
Helpful Links
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Forms & Permit Applications
Permit applications, inspections, and related forms.
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Residential Permit Requirements
Requirements for residential construction permits.
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Building Permit Guidelines
Construction and inspection guidelines.
Phone
843-851-4203
Business Licenses
200 S Main Street, Summerville, SC, 29483
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About This Department
Administers Town business licenses and applicable hospitality and accommodations taxes.
Services & Responsibilities
Administers business licensing for businesses operating within Town limits, including applicable contractors, home-based businesses, and special-event vendors.
Processes license applications and renewals and provides information about hospitality taxes and other applicable local business requirements.
Offers online business-license services through the Town's self-service system.
Helpful Links
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Business License Applications & Renewals
Licensing requirements and access to online services.
Phone
843-851-4215
Code Enforcement
200 S Main Street, Summerville, SC, 29483
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About This Department
Handles code enforcement within Summerville town limits.
Services & Responsibilities
Enforces applicable Town ordinances within Summerville town limits.
Handles property maintenance and nuisance violations, unsafe structures, and applicable business-license and hospitality-tax enforcement. Residents can submit suspected violations through the Town's service-request system.
Helpful Links
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Report a Concern
Submit a Town service request or concern.
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Code Enforcement Information
Responsibilities and reporting information.
Phone
843-695-6511
Community & Economic Development
200 S Main Street, Summerville, SC, 29483
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About This Department
Provides information and resources for business development and economic growth in Summerville.
Services & Responsibilities
Supports economic growth, business development, and investment within Summerville.
Connects entrepreneurs and existing businesses with counseling, financial assistance, development resources, and information about available business opportunities.
Helpful Links
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Business Resources
Resources for starting, growing, and operating a business.
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Development Assistance
Development programs, incentives, and assistance information.
Phone
843-285-7533
Engineering
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About This Department
Reviews development plans and oversees engineering, stormwater permitting, and infrastructure inspections.
Services & Responsibilities
Reviews site plans, subdivision plans, and plats for compliance with applicable engineering requirements.
Administers stormwater construction permitting, inspects roadway and drainage projects, supports public infrastructure improvements, and provides technical assistance to Town departments and applicants.
Helpful Links
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Engineering Services and Requirements
Plan reviews, stormwater permitting, engineering forms, and technical requirements.
Finance
200 S Main Street, Summerville, SC, 29483
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About This Department
Manages Town financial records, accounting, payroll, financial reporting, and debt service.
Services & Responsibilities
Maintains the Town's financial records and manages accounting functions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger transactions.
Supports budget administration, financial reporting, debt service, bank reconciliations, and the annual independent audit process.
Helpful Links
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Financial Reporting & Budgets
Town finance information and financial reports.
Fire & Rescue
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About This Department
Provides fire suppression and related emergency services.
Services & Responsibilities
Provides fire suppression, emergency response, rescue operations, and community fire-safety services.
The Fire Marshal's Office handles fire prevention, safety inspections, fire-code compliance reviews, investigations, and community risk reduction.
The department operates multiple fire stations. Consult the official station directory for current locations and service information.
Helpful Links
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Fire & Rescue Services
Department information and community services.
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Fire Marshal Office
Fire prevention, inspections, and safety programs.
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Fire Station Locations
Current station information and locations.
Phone
843-873-5107
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
More Information
About This Department
Provides access to the Town of Summerville's geographic information and online mapping resources.
Services & Responsibilities
Provides geographic information and digital mapping resources for the Town of Summerville.
Online GIS tools help users explore location-based Town information and geographic data.
Use the official GIS portal for available interactive maps and datasets.
Helpful Links
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Summerville GIS Portal
Official interactive mapping and GIS resources.
Human Resources
100 W Richardson Avenue, Suite E, Summerville, SC, 29483
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About This Department
Manages Town employment, recruitment, employee benefits, personnel policies, and training.
Services & Responsibilities
Manages recruitment, employee selection, compensation and benefits programs, personnel policies, and employee relations.
Supports employee development, workplace training, and the Town's employment and hiring processes.
Helpful Links
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Human Resources and Employment
Employment information, benefits, and personnel services.
Phone
843-851-4202
Municipal Court
200 S Main Street, 2nd Floor, Summerville, SC, 29483
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About This Department
Handles municipal traffic cases, qualifying misdemeanor matters, and Town ordinance violations.
Services & Responsibilities
Handles municipal traffic offenses, qualifying criminal misdemeanor cases, Town ordinance violations, and environmental code matters.
Provides information about court appearances, hearings, case records, jury service, and payment of municipal court fines.
Court proceedings and payments have specific requirements. Review official instructions before visiting or making a payment.
Helpful Links
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Municipal Court Information
Court schedules, case information, forms, and contact details.
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Make a Court Payment
Official court payment methods and instructions.
Phone
843-875-2010
Planning
200 S Main Street, Summerville, SC, 29483
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About This Department
Guides land use, development, and zoning within the Town.
Services & Responsibilities
Guides land use, zoning, annexation, historic preservation, and long-range community planning.
Provides development review and technical assistance, supports the Technical Review Committee, and maintains information on zoning rules, land-use policies, and development applications.
Helpful Links
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Planning and Zoning Resources
Zoning maps, development guidance, the Unified Development Ordinance, and planning resources.
Phone
843-851-4232
Police Department
108 North Cedar Street, Summerville, SC, 29483
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About This Department
Provides law enforcement and public safety services.
Services & Responsibilities
Provides law enforcement, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and community public-safety services within Summerville.
Offers police records services, community outreach programs, and information about accident reports and departmental divisions.
For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency police dispatch, use the number provided in the Town's official directory.
Helpful Links
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Police Department Services
Police divisions, records, community programs, and services.
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Police Department Directory
Office location and important contact numbers.
Phone
843-871-2463
Public Information Office
200 S Main Street, Summerville, SC, 29483
More Information
About This Department
Coordinates Town communications, media relations, public announcements, and community outreach.
Services & Responsibilities
Coordinates official Town communications, news releases, and media relations.
Supports public outreach, emergency communications, website content, Town publications, and community information initiatives.
Helps residents, businesses, and news organizations find official Town announcements and updates.
Helpful Links
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Public Information Office
Official communications, announcements, and Town updates.
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Public Notices
Notices and official public information.
Phone
843-607-2294
Public Works
200 S Main Street, Summerville, SC, 29483
More Information
About This Department
Maintains Town streets, stormwater infrastructure, and municipal fleet equipment.
Services & Responsibilities
Maintains public infrastructure and provides essential municipal maintenance services through the Street, Stormwater, and Fleet divisions.
Responsibilities include Town street maintenance, drainage infrastructure, street signs, street sweeping, yard debris collection, and maintenance of municipal vehicles and equipment.
Helpful Links
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Public Works Services
Street, stormwater, fleet, and maintenance responsibilities.
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Report a Service Concern
Submit a concern or service request to the Town.
Phone
843-851-4225
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Select a marker to find its resource card.