Fees, valuation & enforcement
Permit fees are a project input. Enforcement exposure is a project risk. Use the official schedule where available, then confirm valuation, trade permits, plan review, and inspection charges with the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Official fee pathway
The final charge may depend on declared construction value, occupancy classification, square footage, plan review, state surcharges, trade permits, technology fees, and inspection activity. Do not use a neighboring city’s fee table as a substitute for this jurisdiction.
Fee desk contact
803-774-1600; permit process manager 803-774-1617; building official 803-774-1627
Ask the counter to confirm current charges before submitting a project with multiple trades or a change of use.
Financial exposure
Plan for building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire, energy, zoning, septic, right-of-way, or other reviews that the project scope triggers. The lowest initial permit fee is not always the lowest project cost.
Enforcement exposure
When work begins without authorization, the agency may halt the site, require corrective plans, impose additional fees, withhold inspection release, or require concealed work to be exposed for review.
Closeout exposure
A missing final inspection or certificate can complicate occupancy, refinancing, sale, insurance, and utility connection. Preserve the approved plans and signed inspection record through closeout.
Professional field note
Even when a cosmetic or minor project does not require a building permit, zoning, floodplain, shoreline, historic, utility, fire, or right-of-way controls may still apply. Confirm the full jurisdictional picture before work starts.
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 803-774-1600; permit process manager 803-774-1617; building official 803-774-1627.
Commercial initial plan review is normally a minimum of 10-12 working days according to the department's commercial checklist; no separate current residential review timeline was published.
Call the inspection scheduling number 803-774-1634 only. Requests received before 3:00 PM are normally scheduled for the following workday when workload permits; leave the name, phone, inspection address, permit number and inspection type. The contractor of record or authorized representative must request and attend the inspection. Typical stages include footing, under-slab plumbing/electrical where applicable, rough framing and trades, temporary power and final inspection. The inspector generally calls between 8:30 and 9:30 AM on the inspection day to confirm the time.
The department lists the 2021 International Building Code for commercial work, 2021 International Residential Code, 2020 National Electrical Code, 2021 International Energy Conservation, Fire, Fuel Gas, Mechanical and Plumbing Codes, and ICC A117.1-2017 accessibility standard, all with approved South Carolina modifications. The county/city permit guidance exempts painting, wallpapering, tiling, flooring and carpeting, installing cabinets or countertops, retaining walls under 4 feet that provide no structural support, and entirely above-ground swimming pools less than 24 inches deep and not over 5,000 gallons. Farm structures can qualify for the South Carolina statutory exemption when the owner files the required affidavit and the structure is used for farm purposes rather than a residence; confirm other minor-work exemptions with the department.
Why permit costs vary
Building departments commonly calculate charges from valuation, occupancy, floor area, project type, plan review effort, trade scope, state surcharges, and inspection activity. A remodel that appears small on paper may still trigger structural, energy, fire, or utility review. Ask the permit counter which disciplines apply before you finalize the construction budget.
The same discipline applies to enforcement. Correcting unpermitted work after finishes are installed can require demolition, revised plans, additional inspections, and schedule disruption. Authorization is usually the less expensive project-management decision.