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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Cameron
A Zoning/Watershed Compliance Permit from the Town of Cameron and a building permit from Calhoun County are required for applicable construction in the Town of Cameron.
- Exempt Owner-builder exemption for primary residence (must file notarized Owner Builder Affidavit with Register of Deeds)
- Exempt Roofing on primary residence by homeowner (permit still required; maximum two asphalt shingle layers allowed)
- Exempt Minor repairs not involving structural changes, MEP systems, or egress (contact county for specific determination)
Note: Exemptions do NOT apply to electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work; licensed contractors required for these trades. Town may have additional design review requirements for certain properties; confirm with town office before proceeding.
- Town of Cameron Zoning/Watershed Compliance Permit application and supporting documents
- Completed Building Permit Application form
- Property Owner Consent Form (if contractor/builder is not owner)
- Owner Builder Affidavit (if applicable; must be notarized)
- Contractor's LLR license (copy)
- Contractor and subcontractor list with LLR documentation
- Plans meeting residential or commercial submittal requirements
- Proof of wastewater disposal system verification (septic permit approval or public sewer availability)
- Restrictive covenants affidavit (if applicable)
- Roofing Affidavit (for roofing projects)
- Building code
- 2021 South Carolina Building Code (IBC 2021 with SC amendments); Chapter 10, Calhoun County Code of Ordinances; Calhoun County Zoning and Development Code (CALHOUN-2026); Town of Cameron zoning and watershed protection requirements
- Permit validity
- Town zoning approval required before building permit. Permit must be posted on-site; no work shall commence until building permit is issued.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builder exemption available for primary residence (SC Code § 40-11-410); Owner Builder Affidavit must be notarized and recorded with county Register of Deeds before permit issuance.
- Contractor requirements
- Licensed contractors required per SC law (Title 40, Chapter 11). General contractor license required for work exceeding $10,000 in regulated classifications. Electrical, mechanical (HVAC), and plumbing must be licensed or performed under homeowner exemption. Town business licenses required for contractors operating in town.
Source: Calhoun County Building and Planning Department (jointly administers with town) ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Zoning approval: varies; Building permit plan review: 10-15 days; Total pre-construction timeline typically 3-4 weeks or longer depending on town zoning review.
- 01 Submit Zoning/Watershed Compliance Permit application to the Town of Cameron FIRST.
- 02 Town reviews application for zoning and watershed compliance.
- 03 Obtain Town of Cameron zoning approval before proceeding to building permit.
- 04 After receiving town zoning approval, prepare the building permit application package including building permit application form, property owner consent form, owner builder affidavit (if applicable), contractor LLR license, contractor and subcontractor list, plans meeting residential or commercial submittal requirements, proof of wastewater disposal system verification, restrictive covenants affidavit (if applicable), and roofing affidavit (for roofing projects).
- 05 Submit building permit application online via CommunityCore portal or in-person at Calhoun County Building and Planning Department, 102 Courthouse Drive, Suite 112.
- 06 County conducts plan review for code compliance (typical review timeline: 10-15 days).
- 07 Submit revised plans if county requests modifications or clarifications.
- 08 Permit is issued with job identification number once approved.
- 09 Post permit on-site at project location before commencing work.
Typical processing time: Zoning approval: varies; Building permit plan review: 10-15 days; Total pre-construction timeline typically 3-4 weeks or longer depending on town zoning review.
Source: Calhoun County Building and Planning Department (jointly administers with town) ↗
Fee schedule
Cameron building permit fees
Contact Calhoun County Building and Planning Department at (803) 874-4201 for building permit fee schedule. Town of Cameron may charge separate zoning/watershed compliance permit fee; contact town office for amount.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (803) 874-4201 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Minimum 24 hours advance notice required; 48 hours in advance recommended.
- Inspection hours
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Typical sequence: Standard sequence for residential: Foundation/Footing Inspection, Foundation/Backfill Inspection, Framing/Rough-In Inspection, Energy Code Compliance Inspection, Final Building Inspection. Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing inspections conducted by separate licensed trade inspectors.
Source: Calhoun County Building and Planning Department (jointly administers with town) ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Cameron permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Cameron, SC? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Cameron, SC? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Cameron, SC? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Cameron, SC? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Cameron, SC? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Cameron, SC? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Calhoun County Building and Planning Department (jointly administers with town) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.