Frequently Asked Questions

Administrator's Office

4

County offices are open Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Administrator's Office
The Administrator’s Office serves as a referral source for citizens, businesses, organizations and other governmental agencies. This Office directs individuals to the proper County department.
Administrator's Office
The Administrator’s Office responds to complaints regarding services provided by County departments and will help resolve the problem by working with the appropriate department.
Administrator's Office
Timothy Latham is our Litter/Code Enforcement officer. You may contact him at (803) 914-2268.
Administrator's Office

Emergency Services

7

The Director can be contacted by calling (803) 914-2152 or (803) 914-2151 or by visiting 703 Second Street West, Hampton.
Emergency Services
The number to contact is (803) 914-2150. The office is open Monday thru Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Crews are at the station after hours unless they are on an emergency call.
Emergency Services
Hampton County ES averages 3,000 calls for an ambulance per year.
Emergency Services
Hampton County is a licensed advance life support system. The ambulances are equipped to manage and maintain patients from the scene to the hospital. We carry all the necessary drugs and equipment to manage everything from heart attacks to major trauma patients.
Emergency Services
Hampton County Emergency Medical Services is a licensed advanced life support service. The system has won several awards including the prestigious South Carolina large EMS system of the year. We respond to an average of three thousand calls a year with a dedicated staff and fleet of ambulances in the county. We provide advanced life support services 24/7 out of 3 stations; Hampton, Estill and Yemassee. Not all ambulances in our area are owned by Hampton County. Hampton County ambulances are clearly marked on the front, back and sides of the unit. Many of the ambulances operating in Hampton County are operated by a for profit private ambulance service.
Emergency Services
Ambulances crews in Hampton County are on duty 24 hours a day. If you see an ambulance at a restaurant the crew is having a meal, however they are available to respond in case of a medical emergency.
Emergency Services
A paramedic is a person that usually works outside the hospital to provide initial medical treatment in the event of illness or injury. Paramedics work with many other professionals, such as firefighters, rescue, police, nurses, doctors and others, in order to provide treatment and stabilization to those in crisis. The paramedic is usually an extension of the doctor’s knowledge and skill. This means that the paramedic carries out examinations and treatments when a doctor is not available. There must be a high level of trust between the paramedic and the doctor.
Emergency Services

Detention Center

4

The arresting officer will explain your charges to you.
Detention Center
Yes, as soon as the booking process is completed.
Detention Center
The number of days you are sentenced to serve.
Detention Center
If booked at night you will see the judge the following day or if booked during the day, the hours are from of 9:00am and 4:00pm Monday through Sunday.
Detention Center

Magistrates

10

Magistrates hear several types of civil cases, the most common being Summons and Complaint (disputes over money, services, etc. valued at $7,500 or less), Claim & Delivery (procedures to recover personal property $7,500 or less), Evictions, Landlord/tenant disputes, Public Sales on Abandoned Property, and issuing Restraining Orders. You have to file a civil case in the County the defendant lives.
Magistrates
After you have notified the defendant of your intent to file, you will come to one of the Magistrates’ Court and fill out an information sheet that will briefly outline your complaint and any damages you believe you are entitled. Be sure to have the defendant’s physical address or a description of how to locate their premises, supporting documentation such as notices of evictions, contracts, bill of sales, titles, certified receipts and letters if mailed, and any other pertinent information concerning your suit. The Civil Court Clerk will enter your information into the computer system and produce documents to sign for your particular case. Filing fees are due at the time of filing. Our fees are: Summons & Complaint $ 70.00 Claim & Delivery $ 55.00 Evictions $ 30.00 Summary Ejectment of Trespassers $ 55.00 Judicial Sales $ 35.00 There will be a $ 10.00 Process Service Fee for all complaints served in addition to the filing fee. If you have any questions please call and the Civil Clerk will be glad to help.
Magistrates
One files civil cases in the county where the defendant lives or operates a business (if the claim is against the business itself). You may file civil suits against Corporations in the county where they do business.
Magistrates
Once rendered and the proper time limit has expired, present a Transcript of Judgment to the Clerk of Court Office where you may exercise one of two options. You may pay a small filing fee to have the transcript placed on the defendant’s record or you may pay a slightly higher fee to obtain and Execution Order; which you will present to the Sheriff’s Office in order to have property seized and sold for the judgment amount.
Magistrates
Crime victims must make a report with the Sheriff’s Department and then present a copy of the incident report to the Magistrate. The Magistrate will determine if there is enough probable cause to file an arrest warrant. The Sheriff’s Department will sign the arrest warrant.
Magistrates
The Solicitors Office is handling all returned checks so you will need to contact the Worthless Check Unit at the Solicitor’s Office. Their contact information is: Solicitor's Office 1 Courthouse Square Hampton, SC 29924 Phone: (803) 914-2175
Magistrates
A decision of the court may be appealed by making a written notice of your intent to appeal to the other party or parties involved, to the Summary Court, and the Common Pleas Court. You must pay a filing fee to Common Pleas. You must make written notice within 30 days, if it was a civil case and 10 days if it is a criminal case.
Magistrates
An expungement is destroying or sealing of your records of a criminal conviction. This includes records in files, on computer or any other records. Non-convictions are expunged. There are no fees for this type of expungement. After June 2, 2009, Magistrate Courts are required to expunge certain non-convictions automatically where the defendent had been finger printed at the time of arrest.
Magistrates
PTI is an abbreviation of the Pre-Trial Intervention Program. Defendants may only enroll in this program upon the recommendation of the court, officer, victim and attorney involved. There is an enrollment fee and participants are required to attend counseling sessions and complete a prescribed amount of community service hours. Successful completion of this program qualifies the participant to have an expungement of the criminal record for which the participant was enrolled. The Magistrate’s court completes the applications and forwards it to the PTI office for completion. You may contact any office for further details or contact the Pre-Trial Intervention Office in the Solicitor’s Office.
Magistrates
Neither you nor the Judge is allowed to discuss your case outside of the courtroom. Such discussions are considered ex porte communication, which is NOT permitted. The Clerks are able to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
Magistrates

Recycling

14

BE SAFE WITH NEEDLES
Put a sticker (or label) on an empty bleach or detergent bottle. Place used needles or lancets inside the bottle. Put the cap on the bottle. When the bottle is 3/4 full, secure the cap tightly and throw the bottle into the trash. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU ALWAYS REMEMBER TO PLACE A WARNING STICKER ON THE BOTTLE! For FREE stickers, call 1-800-285-5257 or email infectiouswaste@dhec.sc.gov with your name, address and number of stickers requested.
Recycling
If a take-back or mail back program is not available to you, most unused or expired medications can be disposed of in your household trash.
Here are recommended steps to follow:
* Remove your unwanted medication from the original container.
* Mix the Medication (do not crush tablets or capsules) with an undesirable substance such as cat litter, dirt, flour or used coffee grounds.
* Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag or empty margarine tub.
* Throw the container in your household trash.
* DO NOT FLUSH OR POUR DOWN THE DRAIN. Keeping prescription and over-the-counter medication out of the environment is VERY important. After being flushed or poured down a drain, many medicines pass through sewer and septic systems. Because these systems cannot always treat or remove the medicines, they may end up in streams, lakes and groundwater. This can cause adverse effects in fish and other aquatic wildlife, as well as unintentional human exposure.
Recycling
Recycling centers are closed on Christmas day.
Recycling
There is no charge to citizens of Hampton County to use the 10 convenience site drop off center locations when delivering residential debris. Please refer to recyclables accepted page to verify the items that can be delivered to the sites.
Recycling
Yes, only one. The Landfill center, located at 2360 Hopewell Road, is open from 1 P.M. to 7 P.M. on Sunday.
Recycling
Yes. Recyclable items must be separated.
Recycling
The Main Landfill is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on county observed holidays. All 10 convenience site drop off center locations are open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Land Fill Site is also open on Sunday from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM (see #4) Christmas Day, December 25th is the only day the convenience sites will be closed. On all other county holidays, the sites remain on regular operating days.
Recycling
Yes. Latex and oil paints are accepted for recycling. Please ask for appropriate drop off area and never place paints into the bins or compactor.
Recycling
Bring them to the Landfill for disposal. The Landfill is located at 2310 Hopewell Road.
Recycling
No. You must bring all spoiled foods, shrimp, crab, and these types of items to the Landfill. We have a special place for them.
Recycling
Contact the local County Extension Agent. They have a program for the collection and disposal of these containers.
Recycling
No. Only debris from within Hampton County is acceptable.
Recycling
No. Creosote is banned from C&D Landfills.
Recycling
No. Large truck tires must be delivered to the main landfill.
Bring large tires to the main landfill for disposal. Large tires/semi tires are not accepted at the 10 convenience site drop off locations. There is a fee for large tires ($123 per ton) when such tires are brought to the landfill by Hampton County citizens or businesses, unless current paperwork showing that the SC state disposal fee has already been paid to the state for the amount of tires being delivered at the time of delivery. Note: the landfill does keep a copy of these records on file and the same paperwork cannot be reused.
Recycling

Tax Collector

9

The Tax Sale is usually held the first Monday in October or November.
Tax Collector
August 31 if the tax sale is in October or September 30th, if the tax sale is in November.
Tax Collector
If the tax sale is held in October, the last day to pay taxes is September 30th or October 31, if the Tax Sale is held in November.
Tax Collector
No. Payment must be made in full.
Tax Collector
No. Anyone can pay a tax bill; however, payment of someone else’s tax bill does not give you any claim to the property.
Tax Collector
This department refers the citizens to the department they are looking for.
Tax Collector
This department refers the citizens to the correct department.
Tax Collector
Current taxes are due and payable by January 15th before penalties.
Tax Collector
Please contact the Delinquent Tax office for more information on overages.
Tax Collector

Landfill

8

Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Landfill
All County observed Holidays.
Landfill
$50.00 per ton for all items.
Landfill
No, there is no charge to citizens of Hampton County. All contractors are required to bring their debris to the Landfill and pay a disposal fee.
Landfill
No, only from within Hampton County.
Landfill
No, creosote is banned from C&D Lanfills.
Landfill
Bring it to the Landfill. We have a special container for this type of materials.
Landfill
Bring them to the Landfill for disposal.
Landfill

Buildings and Grounds

1

You can contact Buildings & Grounds (803)914-2135 or (803)914-2134.
Buildings and Grounds

Public Works

2

Call Public Works office and put in a work order over the phone.
Public Works
All County roads are maintained on a regular schedule, approximately every (5) weather permitting.
Public Works

Building Department

7

See Permit Fee Schedule
Building Department
You must submit the following: 1. Two complete sets of plans showing: a. foundation which should include piers, footings, straps, anchors, and curtain wall. b. a floor framing detail. c. a typical wall section. d. a roof framing detail including the type of roofing materials. e. electrical plans. f. HVAC and plumbing plans. 2. A site plan showing the new building in respect to all other buildings and setbacks from the property lines. 3. If any plumbing is being installed and you do not already have a septic system or sewer you will need a septic system permit from the Deparment of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) or a letter from the town authorizing water and sewer service. 4. An Encroachment Permit for a driveway from the South Carolina State Highway Department may be needed.
Building Department
Yes, only under the following circumstances: 1. If the total value is less than $5,000.00 2. If the property will be used solely by the owner and his immediate family as a residence for a period of at least two (2) years. 3. If the project is a farm building or portable storage building less than five thousand (5,000) square feet used only for livestock or storage of farm equipment. All other work must be performed by properly licensed contractors. All persons directly employed by the owner to work on the project are subject to state and federal laws covering occupational safety, family and medical leave, workers' compensation, social security, income tax withholding, and minimum wage requirements. Work performed must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, building codes and zoning regulations.
Building Department
If the total value is less than $5,000.00 and the work is non-structural and non-mechanical.
Building Department
This is a link to our brochure. If you still have questions after reading the brochure, please call the Building Department at (803) 914-2127.
Building Department
Call the Building Department at (803) 914-2127 and schedule the inspection. Generally, an inspection will be done the same day or the next day.
Building Department
A copy of the inspection sheet is usually left at the job site or you can call the Building Department at (803) 914-2127.
Building Department

Clerk of Court

10

See South Carolina Code of Laws §8-21-310.
Clerk of Court
Original documents are mailed back within 7-10 business days.
Clerk of Court
A case can be added to the roster for court after 120 days pursuant to Rule 40 (b). See South Carolina Judicial Department link on our “Links” page for Rules of Civil Procedure.
Clerk of Court
Yes, a motion slip is required for all motions filed in the Court of Common Pleas.
Clerk of Court
Our office does not provide record checks. We do provide a certificate as to anything filed of record at a cost of $1.00 per certificate. Individuals requesting the certificate must come into the office with proper I.D.
Clerk of Court
When a case has been disposed of & ended either by plea, dismissal, etc. the money can be refunded to the original payee with proper I.D.
Clerk of Court
This office does not handle any traffic violation tickets. Information concerning traffic tickets can be obtained by the Magistrate’s Office.
Clerk of Court
This office does not have the capabilities to process credit card payments. We also do not accept personal checks. You may mail your child support payments to Hampton County Family Court, P.O. Box 7, Hampton, SC 29924. You must provide your case number(s) on all payments.
Clerk of Court
For security purposes, payment information cannot be given over the telephone. You must appear in person to receive this information.
Clerk of Court
You must serve on jury duty unless: 1. you are over 65 years old and choose not to serve; 2. you have provided this office with a doctors excuse or statement stating that you have an illness that will not allow you to serve; 3. you have a child under the age of 7 and do not work outside the home. Any other reason would have to be addressed by the judge presiding at the term. Under certain circumstances, you may be excused or transferred to another term of court.
Clerk of Court

County Council

4

County Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6:00 PM. Meetings are held in County Council Chambers which is located in the Hampton County Administrative Center, 200 Jackson Avenue East. Changes regarding the regular meeting schedule are published and announced on the local radio. All meetings are open to the public.
County Council
Citizens or groups requesting to be placed on the agenda should send a written request to the Clerk to Council. The request should list: 1. Contact information for the person or group making the request. 2. The issue to be discussed. 3. What the person/group is requesting of Council regarding the matter. 4. The meeting date in which they are requesting to appear. There is also time dedicated during the regular meetings for public comments.
County Council
Please contact the Administrator’s office at (803) 914-2100.
County Council
Hampton County Council welcomes anyone interested in applying for a position on a Board or Commission. Mail a completed application to: Hampton County Council, Attn: Altresia Gordon-Orr, Clerk to Council, 200 Jackson Avenue East, Hampton, SC 29924. If you are unable to download the application form, please call (803) 914-2103 to request an application or e-mail Altresia Gordon-Orr at agordon-orr@hamptoncountysc.org.
County Council

Assessor

5

Property tax is collected by local governments to provide for the many services most of us take for granted. Schools, police and fire protection, County roads, and public libraries are possible because of revenue from the property tax. We are all asked to pay our fair share of the cost of these services by paying tax in proportion to the market value of our property.
Assessor
If you own a home, you want to be sure to obtain the 4% assessment rate if you live in the home as your legal residence. Otherwise, your tax rate will be 6%. To obtain the lower rate, you will need to complete an application with the County Assessor. This should be done as soon as you move into your house, but may be filed anytime before January 16 (or the first penalty date). Once you file this application, you will not need to complete another one unless ownership changes or use of the property changes.
Assessor
AGRICULTURAL If you owned a tract of real property in Hampton County on January 1 of the current tax year and it was used "to raise, harvest or store crops, feed, breed, or manage livestock, or to produce plants, trees, fowl, or animals useful to man . . ." you may qualify for a "special assessment" that will reduce your taxes. There are no residency requirements. An application must be filed with the Assessor before the first penalty date for taxes due. LEGAL RESIDENCE If you are a resident of Hampton County and the home/mobile home you own and occupy is your primary legal residence, you may be eligible to file for a special assessment ratio that will reduce your taxes. An application must be filed with the Assessor before the first penalty date for taxes due. Each homeowner is allowed an exemption of the home’s fair market value from property taxes for school operating costs. The amount of the savings will vary depending upon the millage rate for school operating costs in the school district where you live. The exemption applies only to your legal residence, not second homes, vacation homes, or rental homes. MULTIPLE LOT DISCOUNT If you owned undeveloped acreage that was subdivided into 10 or more unsold lots within a homogenous area, and the conditional or final plat was recorded with the appropriate county official on or before the December 31 tax control date, you may qualify for a discount in appraisal/assessment. Platted lots will not quality for this discount unless the property owner files a written application on or before May 1 of the current tax year.
Assessor
Counties must mail a property tax assessment notice to all property owners whose property’s fair market value increases by $1,000 or more. An assessment notice must be sent to the person listed as property owner as of December 31 of the prior year. The assessment notice is NOT a tax bill. The notice is simply to notify taxpayers of a change in their property’s value. Tax bills are usually mailed in September/October and must be paid by January 15. The assessment notice includes your market value, the new assessment value, the assessment ratio, number of acres or lots, location of property, tax map number and the appeals procedure.
Assessor
According to South Carolina law, in years when there is no notice of property tax assessment, the property taxpayer may appeal the fair market value, the special use value, the assessment ratio, and the property tax assessment of a parcel of property at any time. The appeal must be submited in writing to the Assessor. An appeal submitted before the first penalty date applies for the property tax year for which that penalty would apply. An appeal submitted on or after the first penalty date applies for the succeeding property tax year. If after receiving your assessment notice, you disagree with the new value assigned to your property, you have the right to appeal. An appeal must be filed in writing within 90 days of the date of the assessment notice. You must file your appeal with the County Assessor. Don't wait until your tax bill arrives to appeal your new value; it is then too late.
Assessor

Finance & Human Resources

6

Council meetings are normally scheduled for the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:00 PM.
Finance & Human Resources
Contact the Clerk to Council for assistance.
Finance & Human Resources
The Public Works department is the point-of-contact for road maintenance.
Finance & Human Resources
The Fiscal Clerk handles accounts payable for the County and can provide information regarding scheduled payment dates.
Finance & Human Resources
Contact Accounts Payable for a purchase order number prior to making a purchase. Depending on the monetary amount of the purchase, quotes may be required.
Finance & Human Resources
Contact the Human Resources Department for benefits information.
Finance & Human Resources

Recreation Department

3

There is a $25.00 annual registration fee for most instructional programs. All classes with paid instructors have a monthly fee depending on the instructor and length of class. Basketball is a one time fee per year. Most senior programs, special events and seasonal programming are free or at a nominal fee.
Recreation Department
New students in dance usually start in September or January. Gymnastics, Martial Arts and Yoga accepts students the first of each month.
Recreation Department
No, we are only open monday-thursday.
Recreation Department

Emergency Management

5

1. First, a Damage Assessment Team assesses the damage of the affected and evacuated area. This team consists mainly of Public Safety Personnel. 2. If only minor damage exists specifically to utilities such as power, water and sewer, and roadways, County Officials make the decision for the time for re-entry. 3. If major damage occurred to buildings, utilities or roadways, the county provides property owners a time to visit and survey the damage of their property. To gain access to their property, owners must have a copy of the property title, or a tax receipt, or utility bill bearing the address of the property, and picture identification. A driver’s license showing a physical address is acceptable. Once utility companies restore damages and it is safe for entry, County Officials notify property owners that they may return to their property.
Emergency Management
When the Governor orders a "Mandatory Evacuation", it is required that everyone in the designated area leave. The "Mandatory Evacuation" Order carries the force of state law. In addition, once you leave the area, the order prohibits you from returning until the Governor suspends the order.
Emergency Management
Each individual and family in the evacuation zone should decide the best place to move to in the event of an evacuation. This may include staying with family or friends, or traveling to a motel outside the evacuation zone. Several local Red Cross Shelters also provide emergency shelter.
Emergency Management
Although we do not provide specific distances, EPD generally suggests a westward inland evacuation over 150 miles or whatever distance with which a person feels comfortable.
Emergency Management
Yes, most tie-downs will only keep the floor partially secured to the ground. The walls and roof may still blow away.
Emergency Management

Veterans Affairs

10

The Veterans Affairs office is open from Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 5:00pm. We are closed from 12:00pm to 1:00pm for lunch. You can reach the Veterans Affairs Office, at (803) 914-2085.
Veterans Affairs
You may be eligible for VA Benefits if you are :

A veteran

A veteran’s dependent

A surviving spouse or child of a deceased veteran

A member of the Reserves or National Guard

An active duty service member
Veterans Affairs
Compensation is a benefit paid to a veteran because of injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, or aggravated by active military service.
Veterans Affairs
The VA Regional Office in Columbia processes claims in an average of 60 to 120 days.
Veterans Affairs
You can apply for VA health care enrollment by completing VA Form 10-10EZ. The form may be obtained by visiting, calling or writing any VA Health Care Facility or Veterans' Benefits Office. You can also call toll-free 1-877-222-VETS or access the form by clicking on the link provided. Please be sure to sign your application to prevent a delay in the enrollment process.
Veterans Affairs
Abortions and abortion counseling; In vitro fertilization; Drugs, biological and medical devices not approved by the Food and Drug Administration unless the treating medical facility is conducting formal clinical trials under an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) or an Investigational New Drug (IND) application, or the drugs, biologicals or medical devices are prescribed under a compassionate use exemption; Gender Alterations; Hospital and outpatient care for a veteran who is either a patient or inmate in an institution of another government agency if that agency has a duty to give the care or services; Membership in spas and health clubs.
Veterans Affairs
Medication co-payments are charged for each 30 day or less supply of medication provided on an outpatient basis for nonservice-connected conditions. Exemptions from this co-payment requirement are provided for veterans service-connected 50% or more, former POWs, and for veterans whose income is less than the established dollar threshold. Also exempt from the medication co-payment are veterans receiving medication for the treatment of conditions related to agent orange, ionizing rediation, Persian Gulf, military sexual trauma, certain cancer of the head and neck and combat veterans.
Veterans Affairs
Generally, hearing aids are not provided when the hearing loss is the result of aging. However, tha VA may provide you a hearing aid if you: received increased pension based on the need for regular aid & attendance or being permanently housebound, receive compensation for a service connected disability of 10% or greater, require this item for treatment of a service-connected condition, or are a former Prisoner of War.
Veterans Affairs
Please be aware that the VA does not offer a low-cost prescription drug program. The VA offers healthcare benefits to honorably discharged veterans. This would include prescriptions that have been written by a VA doctor. Prescriptions written by non-VA doctors will not normally be filled or re-written by the VA. Only veterans with special eligiblity such as: Veterans who receive increased compensation from VA because they are housebound or need regular aid and attendance as a result of service-connected disabilities. Veterans who receive increased compensation from VA as veterans of periods of war because they are housebound or need regular aid and attendance. Veterans who previously received increased pension from Va, but VA discontinued their pensions because of their income, and their current annual income soes not exceed the maximum annual income by more than $1000 (must be housebound or need regular aid and served during periods of war, meet applicable income limitation and need aid and attendance or are housebound), but they receive compensation as the greater benefit. Under certain conditions if the veteran resides in a state home.
Veterans Affairs
www.archives.gov
Veterans Affairs

Auditor

7

The last day of the month or the due date
Auditor
To register a vehicle, you would need the title or registration card to the vehicle that you are registering. For new out of state vehicles, you would need the title or the sale contract.
Auditor
A mill levy is set to provide services in a county and millage is based on the tax base.
Auditor
Taxes are due to the County in which you reside
Auditor
DOR provides a mileage chart to use for deduction and you must provide us with the number of miles before taxes are paid.
Auditor
Taxes are payable to the County Treasurer or Tax Collector only.
Auditor
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except for legal holidays).
Auditor

Board of Elections and Voter Registration

5

1. A current and valid photo identification showing the voter's name and picture. 2. A current utility bill that lists their name and address. 3. Bank statement that lists their name and address. 4. Government check that lists their name and address. 5. Paycheck that lists their name and address. 6. Government document that lists their name and address. 7. Identification requirements do not apply to UOCAVA (Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) citizens registering to vote using the Federal Post Card Application, citizens age 65 or older, or disabled citizens.
Board of Elections and Voter Registration
No, you do not register by party in S.C. The law requires that to vote in a primary election, the voter must choose one political party in which to cast his/her ballot. By voting in a party's primary, the voter is selecting representatives to run in the general election for that political party.
Board of Elections and Voter Registration
You can register to vote again after you have completed your entire sentence by release from imprisonment, completion of probation and parole, and the full payment of restitution imposed by the sentence of the court.
Board of Elections and Voter Registration
South Carolina Driver's License ID Card issued by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles South Carolina Voter Registration Card with Photo Federal Military ID U.S. Passport
Board of Elections and Voter Registration
Polling places are open 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Anyone in line at 7:00 P.M. will be allowed to vote.
Board of Elections and Voter Registration

Treasurer

3

High mileage adjustments made through the Auditor’s Office will not appear immediately online and may take up to 24 hours to process.
Treasurer
If you pay your vehicle taxes online but want to pick up your decal, please call (803) 914-2119 prior to coming into the Treasurer’s Office. Please note that decals will not be available the same day you make an online payment as it can take up to 24 hours for your payment to be reflected in the system.
Treasurer
The Treasurer’s Office is open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday.
Treasurer

Council on Aging

2

Our program starts at age 60 and goes up.
Council on Aging
No. To be eligible you have to be 60 years old or older and have a social or physical need.
Council on Aging

Emergency 9-1-1

2

No. Although we work closely with EMS, we are not the same. EMS personnel are the ones that respond to the location or scene of the emergency. We are the ones who receive the 911 calls and dispatches EMS to these calls. We are not a sub-unit or division of EMS. We are a separate entity with different functions. We are the point of contact for EMS as to getting help where it is needed. It is common for dispatchers to be trained as medical technician or paramedics. But, remember we are also trained in police and fire assistance. Therefore; we are called public safety.
Emergency 9-1-1
No. We are located at 703 2nd Street West, Hampton and the jail is located at 411 Cemetery Road, Varnville. It is a common misconception that since we dispatch for Law Enforcement, we must be at the jail or police department. Although this may be the case in some areas, it is not in Hampton County. We are the point of contact for Law Enforcement in relation to getting help where it is needed. But once again, we are a separate entity.
Emergency 9-1-1

Fire Department

1

Notify South Carolina Forestry Commission. For Residential yard debris call 1-800-986-5403 For all other burning call 1-800-777-3473
Fire Department

Probate

7

The minimum age to apply for a marriage license is 16. 18 or older without parents consent.
Probate
Tuesdays and Thursdays are walk-in appointments. Monday, Wednesday and Fridays are by appointment only
Probate
Beginning November 18th, 2005 no new estates will be opened without a prior appointment being scheduled.
Probate
Death certificate, last will and testament and a summary of assets.
Probate
Age 16-18, birth certificate, social security card, parent or legal guardian with photo I.D. to accompany applying couple. Ages 18-21, birth certificate and social security card are required. Ages 21-25, a Military I. D., picture I. D. and social security card are required. Above age 25, social security card only is required.
Probate
Marriage license do not expire. Once the license is picked up from the Probate Court, there is no time for it to be used. The Court does request once the marriage is performed, the copies titled "Probate Judge" and "Probate Judge/DHEC", be returned to the issuing Court within 15 days from date of the ceremony.
Probate
No less than eight months.
Probate

Code Enforcement - Litter Control

5

Don't approach the person. Call 911. Give a description of the person and of the vehicle, as well as the tag number of the vehicle. Always remember that the debris could be of a hazardous nature.
Code Enforcement - Litter Control
No. It attracts domestic and wild animals which could cause many accidents that result in property damage, injuries, and fatalities.
Code Enforcement - Litter Control
Yes. You are legally responsible by law to make sure your garbage/trash is properly disposed of.
Code Enforcement - Litter Control
Do not disturb the debris. Contact the Litter Officer and allow him to document the dump site and search through the debris to find possible evidence so the proper person(s) can be prosecuted.
Code Enforcement - Litter Control
If the person that committed the offense is found, charged, and convicted the Court may order that person(s) responsible to clean up the debris or pay to have the property cleaned up. Hampton County is not responsible for the removal or cleaning of garbage/trash or any other debris from private property.
Code Enforcement - Litter Control

Grants Administration

2

No. The Grants Administration Office seeks grant opportunities for County departments and agencies to fund new or expand existing projects and services. This office also monitors grants to ensure that grant funds are expended in accordance and complianced with State and Federal regulations
Grants Administration
Grant dollars will fund projects that include infrastructure, planning and economic development, law enforcement equipment and services, detention center equipment and services, fire equipment and services, emergency medical equipment and services, emergency management equipment and services, enhancement and beautification, recreation, and rehabilitation projects.
Grants Administration

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Code Enforcement - Litter Control

Grants Administration

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Frequently Asked Questions

Administrator's Office

When are County offices open?

What department or agency should I contact for a particular service that I need?

I have a complaint regarding a County department or employee. What should I do?

Who do I contact to report a litter complaint?

Emergency Services

How do I contact the Emergency Services Director?

How may I contact Emergency Services for non-emergency information?

How many calls does Emergency Services receive a year?

What are the capabilities of our ambulances and staff?

Why does Hampton County need so many ambulances?

Why do I see ambulances parked at local restaurants?

What is a Paramedic?

Detention Center

Why am I being incarcerated?

Will I be able to make a phone call?

How many days will I have to serve?

when will I see the judge?

Magistrates

What kind of civil cases are heard in Magistrate Court?

How do I file a civil case in Magistrate Court?

Where do I file my civil case?

I have a judgment from Magistrate’s court; how do I have it executed?

How do I file a criminal case?

What can I do if I accept a check for payment of merchandise or services and bank returns the check due to insufficient funds, or for some other reason?

Can you tell me how to appeal a decision of the Summary Court?

Can you explain an “expungement”?

What is PTI?

Can I discuss my case with the Judge?

Recycling

What do I do with used hypodermic needles or lancets that I used at home?

What do I do with old medications?

Are centers closed on Holidays?

Does it cost me anything to use the 10 convenience site drop off locations?

Are any centers open on Sunday?

Do I have to separate my items?

What are the hours of operation?

Does Hampton County accept paint?

How do I dispose of mixed gas and oil or contaminated fuels?

My freezer quit working and my food spoiled. Can I take the food to a site?

What do I do with pesticide containers?

Do you take out-of-county debris?

Do you accept creosoted cross-ties?

I have large semi-truck tires. Can I bring them to the 10 convenience site drop off locations?

Tax Collector

What is the date of the tax sale?

When is the last day to pay taxes before it is advertised?

When is the last day to pay taxes before the Tax Sale?

Can I make payments on my delinquent taxes?

If I pay someone else’s delinquent tax bill does the property become mine?

What are the phone numbers to different department within the county?

What department or agency should I call to provide a particular service that I need?

When are the current taxes due?

How do I inquire about Tax Sale overages?

Landfill

What are the hours of operation?

What Holidays are you closed?

What is the disposal fee?

Does it cost me anything to use the Landfill?

Do you take out-of-county debris?

Do you accept creosoted cross-ties?

What do I do with gasoline and oil mixtures or contaminated fuels?

I have large truck tires. What can I do with them?

Buildings and Grounds

Whom do I call if I find a problem in a County facility?

Public Works

How do I get a driveway installed?

When will my road be graded?

Building Department

How much does a building permit cost?

How do I obtain a residential building permit?

Can a homeowner act as their own contractor?

Can non-residential projects be performed by the owner?

How do I obtain a permit to move a manufactured (mobile) home?

How do I schedule an inspection?

How will I know the results of my inspection?

Clerk of Court

What are the filing fees in the ROD Office (Deeds, Mortgages, Assignments, Satisfactions, Releases, etc.)?

What is the turn-around time on original filed documents in the ROD office?