County Building Permits
Aiken County, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Aiken County, South Carolina. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
South Carolina Updated March 2026
Permit Authority
All properties in unincorporated Aiken County (excludes City of Aiken and City of North Augusta)
- Department
- Aiken County Planning & Development Department
- Address
- Aiken County Planning & Development Department, Aiken County, SC
- Phone
- 803-642-1520
Online Permit Portal
Platform: CitizenServe • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Application Process
- Complete building permit application form (available on county website and CitizenServe portal)
- Submit two (2) sets of drawings/plans with application
- For residential construction, submit site plan showing structure location via recorded plat, scaled drawing on graph paper, or scaled aerial photo from Aiken County GeoServices
- Submit through CitizenServe online portal or in person
- Processing time: varies by permit complexity; county provides online status tracking
- Permit is issued upon approval and fee payment
Typical processing time: Varies by permit complexity; online status tracking available
General Requirements
A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Aiken County.
Required Documents
- Building permit application form
- Two (2) sets of drawings/plans
- Site plan showing structure location (for residential construction)
- Recorded plat, scaled drawing, or scaled aerial photo from Aiken County GeoServices (for residential construction)
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with SC amendments, 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with SC amendments, 2021 International Fire Code with SC amendments, ICC/ANSI A117.1 (mandatory)
- Contractor requirements
- SC general contractor, mechanical contractor, or residential builder license required (statewide requirement from SC LLR Contractor's Licensing Board). Two-year work experience in relevant classification required; must pass examination with 70% minimum score.
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Based on contract amount or construction cost
- Payment note
- 1.49% transaction fee added if paying by MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. Payment methods: credit card, cash, or check. Fees must be paid prior to permit issuance. Manufactured Home Development Permit: $15.00. Manufactured Home Moving Permit: $30.00.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Aiken County Planning & Development Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 803-642-1520 (phone)
- CitizenServe portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Minimum one (1) working day advance notice; inspection requests must be called in before 5:00 pm to be scheduled for next business day
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with SC amendments, 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with SC amendments, 2021 International Fire Code with SC amendments, ICC/ANSI A117.1 (mandatory)
- License lookup guide: South Carolina Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: South Carolina Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- South Carolina hub: South Carolina Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Aiken County Planning & Development Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aiken County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Aiken County, SC?
- A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Aiken County.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Aiken County, SC?
- Fees are calculated as: Based on contract amount or construction cost.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Aiken County, SC?
- 1. Complete building permit application form (available on county website and CitizenServe portal) 2. Submit two (2) sets of drawings/plans with application 3. For residential construction, submit site plan showing structure location via recorded plat, scaled drawing on graph paper, or scaled aerial photo from Aiken County GeoServices 4. Submit through CitizenServe online portal or in person 5. Processing time: varies by permit complexity; county provides online status tracking 6. Permit is issued upon approval and fee payment
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Aiken County, SC?
- Typical processing time is Varies by permit complexity; online status tracking available.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Aiken County, SC?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 803-642-1520, CitizenServe portal. Minimum one (1) working day advance notice; inspection requests must be called in before 5:00 pm to be scheduled for next business day.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Aiken County can be complicated.
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This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.