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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Aiken County
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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by permit complexity; online status tracking available
- 01 Complete building permit application form (available on county website and CitizenServe portal)
- 02 Submit two (2) sets of drawings/plans with application
- 03 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
- 04 Submit through CitizenServe online portal or in person
- 05 Processing time: varies by permit complexity; county provides online status tracking
- 06 Permit is issued upon approval and fee payment
Typical processing time: Varies by permit complexity; online status tracking available
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2025-07-30
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Based on contract amount or construction cost
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.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Aiken County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Aiken County, SC? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Aiken County.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Aiken County, SC? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Aiken County, SC are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on contract amount or construction cost.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Aiken County, SC? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Aiken County, SC, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Aiken County, SC? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Aiken County, SC typically run Varies by permit complexity; online status tracking available. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Aiken County, SC? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Aiken County, SC 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.
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/south-carolina/aiken/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Aiken County Planning & Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.