FAQs
Fire Department
1 How do I apply to be a firefighter and will my out of state certification be accepted?
All applications go through the City of Beaufort Human Resources Department. The Beaufort Fire Department actively recruits and hires personnel who already are certified through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).
If a candidate is hired, the City will send his or her certification to the South Carolina Fire Academy for evaluation; out of state firefighters may still need additional classes in South Carolina, which the Beaufort Fire Department provides. Newcomers to the firefighting brotherhood also are welcome to apply and, if hired, the Beaufort Fire Department will assure the applicant receives appropriate training to become fully certified.
All City of Beaufort firefighters must be certified; volunteer certification is the same as full-time firefighters.
2 How do I get a burn permit and why do I need one?
Burn permits are required under City and Town of Port Royal ordinances. All outdoor burnings must be controlled and are allowed only during certain times of the year. These periods are two weeks in the spring and two weeks in fall. These rules apply to all outdoor burning in the City except for recreational barbecue, roasting hot dogs and similar activities. Click here go to separate document FIRE DEPARTMENT – REQUESTING A BURN PERMIT for more information about burn permits, or call 843-525-7055. Applicants must apply in person, followed by an free Fire Department inspection of the area to be burned. Burn permits typically require 3-5 days to process.
3 Where can I learn CPR?
Click here for information about Beaufort-area CPR classes provided by the American Red Cross. Link is
4 How important is a smoke detector in my house, and what do you recommend?
If there’s one piece of safety equipment each home must have, it’s a smoke detector. They are inexpensive, easy to install, and vital to saving lives. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half.
Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound. Test smoke alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
Facts & figures
- A 2008 survey found that 96% of U.S. households had at least one smoke alarm, yet in 2003-2006, no smoke alarms were present or none operated in two out of the five (41%) of the reported home fires.
- Almost two-thirds of reported home fire deaths in 2003-2006 resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
- When smoke alarms fail to operate, it is usually because batteries are missing, disconnected or dead.
For more information about smoke detectors/smoke alarms, click here.
Human Resources
1 Can I apply on-line for a job with the City?
Applications for employment with the City and its police and fire departments can be downloaded by clicking here, completed and faxed to 843-525-7013 -- although this isn’t a confidential fax line. For greater security, mail employment applications to:
City of Beaufort
Human Resources
P.O Drawer 1167
Beaufort, SC 29901-1167
At this time, the application process doesn’t allow for electronic submissions, although the City is reviewing options.
The application on this website is in a PDF format. If you need help opening this document, download the free Adobe Reader by clicking here.
Applications are also available at City Hall, 302 Carteret Street in downtown Beaufort.
2 Are you hiring?
Positions come open for the Beaufort Police and Fire departments most often. Click here to find a listing of current openings. We keep applications on file for one year.
3 For police and fire positions do I need certification in South Carolina if I am certified in my state?
A: When you apply to the Beaufort Fire Department or Police Department, your certifications will be reviewed. If you are otherwise qualified for hiring, the City will work with the South Carolina Fire Academy and the South Carolina Justice Academy to ensure appropriate training is provided to bring your certification up to local and state standards.
4 What is the application process?
If you are interested in working in a challenging, customer-oriented city government located in one of the most beautiful places in the country, complete the City employment application and submit it to Human Resources. The application will be entered into the City’s applicant tracking system. If the position is in the Police or Fire departments, the application will be forwarded to them for review of qualifications. If an applicant is qualified but no position currently is open, the application will be logged into the system for future review as jobs become available. The City tries to acknowledge all applicants in a timely manner.
5 When I find a job I am interested in at the City of Beaufort, can I apply directly to that department?
Applications for employment must start at Human Resources.
Planning Department
Five most commonly asked questions:
1 What review board do I apply to for a commercial/residential project?
All projects in the Historic District require a Certificate of Appropriateness from either the Historic District Review Board (HRB) or staff. All commercial and multifamily development outside the Historic District is subject to review by the Design Review Board (DRB). Single-family construction outside the Historic District is not subject to design review. If both cases, minor projects are approved by staff; major projects are approved by the boards.
2 If my house is in the historic district, do I need to follow special rules?
Yes, all exterior changes must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness from staff or the Historic District Review Board before a building permit is issued.
3 How do I find out what my property is zoned and/or in the City limits?
Zoning information is available on the Planning Department’s web site; go the “Zoning/Map Search” link. Zoning information is also available from the Planning Department office at (843) 525-7011 or at planning@cityofbeaufort.org.
4 How do I know if my project is in the Boundary Street Redevelopment District?
The Boundary Street Redevelopment Plan contains a map showing the Boundary Street Redevelopment District. The Boundary Street Plan is available on the front page of the Planning Department web site.
5 How do I know if my project is in one of the City’s overlay design districts?
A map showing the boundaries of the Historic District is available on the Planning Department web site; go to the “Zoning/Map Search” link; then to “View Map.” Outside the Historic District, any commercial or multifamily project is located in an overlay design district.
6 What is the City Review Process?
The “Summary of Development Review Process” handout available on the Planning Department’s web site, outlines the development review process.
7 Are your forms available online?
Yes, application forms for all types of project review are available on the Planning Department’s web site.
8 How long is the board review process in general?
The time needed for board review depends on the complexity of the project as well as the completeness and accuracy of the information submitted for review. Minor projects are reviewed by staff; new construction and major renovations are reviewed by the boards. For projects reviewed by a board, additions and renovations are generally approved at the first meeting if the application is complete and all the information necessary to approve the application is submitted with the application. New construction often involves two meetings with the board--the first for conceptual approval and the last for final approval of project details.
9 How do I apply to be on a City board or commission?
Application forms are available on the Planning Department web site; go the “Boards/Commissions” link.
Five commonly asked questions-- National Landmark Historic District
1 Do I need a building permit if I am working on my own home?
With a few minor exceptions, yes you would need a building permit to work on your own home. Some work cannot be performed by the homeowner. Also, some work may require building plans and/or other approvals. Contact the Building Codes Office at (843) 525-7049 or mmcteer@cityofbeaufort.org with any questions about permitting.
2 What colors are permitted for exterior painting in the historic district?
We do not have a specified color pallet, but encourage residents to paint within the context of their historic neighborhood and/or to consider exterior historic paint colors which are appropriate for Beaufort’s historic district.
3 If I purchase a home in the historic district, what can I do to it? Can I build an addition, an accessory structure or garage?
It is recommended that residents consult the Beaufort Preservation Manual and Supplement and the Northwest Quadrant Design Principles (guidelines for historic structures) for appropriate methods for changes. These documents are available on the Planning Department web site; go to the “Projects and Resources” link. These publications may be purchased in the Planning Department office.
4 In the historic district, do I need permission to landscape my yard?
If you hire a contractor, you will need a permit and will need a Certificate of Appropriateness. If you are constructing anything above ground as part of the project, you will need a Certificate of Appropriateness. Regular landscaping and maintenance by homeowners does not require approval, unless tree removal is involved. In that case, a permit is required for removal of any tree over 8” diameter.
5 What type of sign can I have for my new business?
Signs are covered in the Sign Ordinance of the Unified Development Ordinance Section 7.2.
Beaufort Police Department
1 Do I pay my ticket to the Beaufort Police Department?
Tickets are not paid at the police department. They are paid at the Municipal Court office on the opposite side of our building (separate entrance).]
2 I need to file a report – how do I do that?
You may file a report by coming to the office or by calling dispatch at 524-2777 and requesting an officer come to your location or call you.
3 Is the Police Department the same as the Sheriff’s Department?
The Beaufort Police Department has jurisdiction within the city limits of Beaufort. The Sheriff’s Office has jurisdiction throughout the whole county. For emergencies, call 911 and the dispatcher will take care of the rest.
4 I need a copy of an incident report – can you help?
You may get a copy of a police report by coming to the office at 1901 Boundary Street and requesting one. Once a report is completed it has to be reviewed and approved by supervisors. They usually are ready in five days but can take as long as 10 days to complete and have approved.
5 I would like to take out a restraining order – where do I go?
A restraining order is a legal document that prohibits someone from coming near someone else and often is used when a person feels threatened or has suffered physical or mental abuse at the hands of another.
If you need a restraining order on a family member, you have to go through Family Court. If you want a restraining order against an unrelated person, that can be obtained through the Magistrates’ Office. You may want to call ahead to make sure you have all of the necessary documentation and information.
6 A family member was just arrested. Where do I go for information?
If you need information on someone who has been arrested, you should contact the Beaufort County Detention Center at 470-5711. The Detention Center (Jail) handles all arrests and can tell you about the process, including bond hearings, etc.
7 How do I apply to be a police officer?
You can apply for employment through the City of Beaufort Human Resources Department at 302 Carteret St. in downtown Beaufort. The phone number is 525-6016. The Human Resources Department will share information about the application and hiring process, the credentials and training needed, and what South Carolina courses might be needed to update an applicant’s certification.
Guide to Law Enforcement Phone Numbers
(all area codes are 843 unless otherwise noted)
· City of Beaufort Police Department: 322-7900
· Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office: 524-2777 (dispatch and after hours)
· State Law Enforcement Division (SLED): 803-737-9000
· Port Royal Police: 986-2220, 524-5123 after 5 p.m. and weekends
· Beaufort County Detention Center (Jail): 470-5711
· Family Court: 470-5279
· Clerk of Court (Beaufort County): 470-5218
· S.C. Highway Patrol: 524-0163
· S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles: 524-1385 (Driver’s licenses, license plates, etc.)
· FBI: 1-803-525-0858