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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Beaufort County
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
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC 2021) with South Carolina amendments (effective January 1, 2023)
- Permit validity
- Valid for 6 months from date of issue. Work must commence within 6 months.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Obtain Zoning Permit before Building Permit; three site plans with structure location and setbacks required.
- 02 Submit building permit application to Beaufort County Building Codes Department via mail or email.
- 03 Permit technician reviews application for completeness and calculates fees due.
- 04 Pay permit and impact fees upon submittal.
- 05 Building Inspector reviews construction drawings.
- 06 Permit issued with valid period of 6 months from date of issue.
- 07 Schedule and pass required inspections.
- 08 Obtain Certificate of Occupancy once all inspections passed.
§ 04
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Beaufort County permits
01 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Beaufort County, SC? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Beaufort County, SC, follow these steps: 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.
last verified April 2026
source Beaufort County Building Codes Department ↗
entry id permits/south-carolina/beaufort/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Beaufort County Building Codes Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.