Codes, exemptions & field inspections
This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.
Regulatory framework
Horry County lists South Carolina's mandatory 2021 code cycle: 2021 South Carolina/International Building, Residential, Fire, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Existing Building, and Swimming Pool and Spa Codes with SC modifications; 2020 National Electrical Code with SC modifications; 2009 International Energy Conservation Code; and the latest ICC/ANSI A117.1 accessibility standard.
Inspection lane
Use the Horry County Online Portal for inspection scheduling for Residential New, Residential Alteration, Residential Repair, Residential Townhouse, and Mobile Home New permits. For all other work classes, call 843-915-5090. The county requires the permit before work and additional review materials for floodplain projects; residential plans generally require five to seven days for review.
Minor-work playbook
Horry County publishes a detailed R105.2/A105.2 list. Residential exemptions include qualifying one-story detached accessory buildings up to 200 square feet (zoning compliance still required), fences up to 7 feet, retaining walls up to 4 feet without surcharge, at-grade water tanks up to 5,000 gallons within the height/width ratio, sidewalks and driveways, painting/papering/tiling/carpeting/cabinets/countertops and similar finish work, prefabricated pools under 24 inches, swings/playground equipment, qualifying wall awnings, and detached decks up to 200 square feet and 30 inches above grade. Minor electrical, portable gas/mechanical equipment, and specified plumbing leak/stoppage repairs are also exempt; commercial accessory-building limits differ.
Field rule
A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.
Inspection pipeline
Request with lead time
Use the Horry County Online Portal for inspection scheduling for Residential New, Residential Alteration, Residential Repair, Residential Townhouse, and Mobile Home New permits. For all other work classes, call 843-915-5090. The county requires the permit before work and additional review materials for floodplain projects; residential plans generally require five to seven days for review.
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.
Planning reference
A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.
Open planning reference ↗Source trail
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
This record is marked Municipal Fallback. Confirm whether a city, state agency, or other local authority controls the parcel before filing.
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 843-915-5090; 843-915-6090.
Residential one- and two-family plan review: approximately 5-7 days; new commercial buildings or additions: allow approximately 20 days for review.
Use the Horry County Online Portal for inspection scheduling for Residential New, Residential Alteration, Residential Repair, Residential Townhouse, and Mobile Home New permits. For all other work classes, call 843-915-5090. The county requires the permit before work and additional review materials for floodplain projects; residential plans generally require five to seven days for review.
Horry County lists South Carolina's mandatory 2021 code cycle: 2021 South Carolina/International Building, Residential, Fire, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Existing Building, and Swimming Pool and Spa Codes with SC modifications; 2020 National Electrical Code with SC modifications; 2009 International Energy Conservation Code; and the latest ICC/ANSI A117.1 accessibility standard. Horry County publishes a detailed R105.2/A105.2 list. Residential exemptions include qualifying one-story detached accessory buildings up to 200 square feet (zoning compliance still required), fences up to 7 feet, retaining walls up to 4 feet without surcharge, at-grade water tanks up to 5,000 gallons within the height/width ratio, sidewalks and driveways, painting/papering/tiling/carpeting/cabinets/countertops and similar finish work, prefabricated pools under 24 inches, swings/playground equipment, qualifying wall awnings, and detached decks up to 200 square feet and 30 inches above grade. Minor electrical, portable gas/mechanical equipment, and specified plumbing leak/stoppage repairs are also exempt; commercial accessory-building limits differ.
Field sequencing matters
Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.
When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.
Closeout file
Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.