Beaufort County, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Beaufort County, South Carolina.

Department

Beaufort County Building Codes Department

Phone

(843) 255-2078

Email

inspections@bcgov.net

Website

https://www.beaufortcountysc.gov/building-codes/

Application Process

1. Obtain Zoning Permit before Building Permit; three site plans with structure location and setbacks required.
2. Submit building permit application to Beaufort County Building Codes Department via mail or email.
3. Permit technician reviews application for completeness and calculates fees due.
4. Pay permit and impact fees upon submittal.
5. Building Inspector reviews construction drawings.
6. Permit issued with valid period of 6 months from date of issue.
7. Schedule and pass required inspections.
8. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy once all inspections passed.

Source: Beaufort County Building Codes Department

General Requirements

Building permit required to erect, alter, enlarge, or move any building or structure. Accessory structures 200 sq ft or larger require both zoning and building permits.

Required Documents

• Building permit application
• Three site plans with structure location and setbacks from property lines (for zoning permit)
• Construction drawings
• Evidence of zoning compliance

Permit validity

Valid for 6 months from date of issue. Work must commence within 6 months.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC 2021) with South Carolina amendments (effective January 1, 2023)

Owner-builder

Homeowners may act as their own contractor if compliant with SC Code § 40-59-260; requires homeowner disclosure statement filed with Beaufort County Register of Deeds.

Contractor requirements

SC state law requires appropriately licensed contractor. Licensed General Contractor required for commercial work over $10,000. Primary Qualifying Party (PQP) must be designated.

Fees

Payment note

Permit and impact fees due upon submittal.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Beaufort County Building Codes Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC 2021) with South Carolina amendments (effective January 1, 2023)
• Verify contractor license: SC Contractor's Licensing Board
• SCDES Bureau of Coastal Management
• SCDES Critical Area Permitting
• SCDES Septic Tank Permits
• SCDES NPDES Stormwater Permits
• License lookup guide: South Carolina Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: South Carolina Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• South Carolina hub: South Carolina Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Beaufort County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Beaufort County, SC?

Building permit required to erect, alter, enlarge, or move any building or structure. Accessory structures 200 sq ft or larger require both zoning and building permits.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Beaufort County, SC?

1. Obtain Zoning Permit before Building Permit; three site plans with structure location and setbacks required. 2. Submit building permit application to Beaufort County Building Codes Department via mail or email. 3. Permit technician reviews application for completeness and calculates fees due. 4. Pay permit and impact fees upon submittal. 5. Building Inspector reviews construction drawings. 6. Permit issued with valid period of 6 months from date of issue. 7. Schedule and pass required inspections. 8. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy once all inspections passed.