How much does a building permit cost in Town of St. Matthews, SC?

Fees are calculated as: Calculated using ICC 2024 Building Valuation Data based on estimated construction cost and project scope (typical range: 1-2% of construction cost).

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of St. Matthews, SC?

1. Contact the Building and Planning Department for pre-permit consultation (optional but recommended; Tuesday/Thursday office hours available). 2. Prepare the 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). 3. Submit application online via CommunityCore portal or in-person at 102 Courthouse Drive, Suite 112. 4. County conducts plan review for code compliance (typical review timeline: 10-15 days). 5. Submit revised plans if county requests modifications or clarifications. 6. Permit is issued with job identification number once approved. 7. Post permit on-site at project location before commencing work.

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of St. Matthews, SC?

The following work is generally exempt: Owner-builder exemption for primary residence (must file notarized Owner Builder Affidavit with Register of Deeds); Roofing on primary residence by homeowner (permit still required; maximum two asphalt shingle layers allowed); 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-specific design review or architectural review may apply to certain properties.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of St. Matthews, SC?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (803) 874-4201. Minimum 24 hours advance notice required; 48 hours in advance recommended..

City Building Permits

Town of St. Matthews, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of St. Matthews, South Carolina. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

South Carolina Calhoun County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated Town of St. Matthews.

Department: Calhoun County Building and Planning Department (jointly administers with town)
Address: 102 Courthouse Drive, Suite 112, St. Matthews, SC 29135
Phone: (803) 874-4201
Email: planning@calhouncounty.sc.gov
Website: https://www.stmatthewsky.gov

Online Permit Portal

Open Calhoun County Building and Planning Department

Platform: CommunityCore E-Permitting Platform • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Contact the Building and Planning Department for pre-permit consultation (optional but recommended; Tuesday/Thursday office hours available).
Prepare the 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).
Submit application online via CommunityCore portal or in-person at 102 Courthouse Drive, Suite 112.
County conducts plan review for code compliance (typical review timeline: 10-15 days).
Submit revised plans if county requests modifications or clarifications.
Permit is issued with job identification number once approved.
Post permit on-site at project location before commencing work.

Typical processing time: 10-15 days for initial plan review; may extend if revisions needed. Total pre-construction timeline typically 3-4 weeks.

Source: Calhoun County Building and Planning Department (jointly administers with town)

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction in the Town of St. Matthews.

Required 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)

Permit validity: Permit must be posted on-site; no work shall commence until permit is issued.
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); applicable town municipal ordinances and town zoning overlay
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.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Calculated using ICC 2024 Building Valuation Data based on estimated construction cost and project scope (typical range: 1-2% of construction cost)
Payment note: Contact Calhoun County Building and Planning Department at (803) 874-4201 for current fee schedule and specific rates. Town may charge separate fees for town-specific review.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Owner-builder exemption for primary residence (must file notarized Owner Builder Affidavit with Register of Deeds)
Roofing on primary residence by homeowner (permit still required; maximum two asphalt shingle layers allowed)
Minor repairs not involving structural changes, MEP systems, or egress (contact county for specific determination)

Important: Exemptions do NOT apply to electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work; licensed contractors required for these trades. Town-specific design review or architectural review may apply to certain properties.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(803) 874-4201 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Minimum 24 hours advance notice required; 48 hours in advance recommended.
Inspection hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Typical inspection 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.

Additional Resources

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); applicable town municipal ordinances and town zoning overlay
Verify contractor license: SC Contractor License Verification
SC Building Codes Council
SC DHEC Environmental Services
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 Calhoun County Building and Planning Department (jointly administers with town) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of St. Matthews Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of St. Matthews, SC?: A building permit is required for all construction in the Town of St. Matthews.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of St. Matthews, SC?: Fees are calculated as: Calculated using ICC 2024 Building Valuation Data based on estimated construction cost and project scope (typical range: 1-2% of construction cost).
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of St. Matthews, SC?: 1. Contact the Building and Planning Department for pre-permit consultation (optional but recommended; Tuesday/Thursday office hours available). 2. Prepare the 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). 3. Submit application online via CommunityCore portal or in-person at 102 Courthouse Drive, Suite 112. 4. County conducts plan review for code compliance (typical review timeline: 10-15 days). 5. Submit revised plans if county requests modifications or clarifications. 6. Permit is issued with job identification number once approved. 7. Post permit on-site at project location before commencing work.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of St. Matthews, SC?: Typical processing time is 10-15 days for initial plan review; may extend if revisions needed. Total pre-construction timeline typically 3-4 weeks..
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of St. Matthews, SC?: The following work is generally exempt: Owner-builder exemption for primary residence (must file notarized Owner Builder Affidavit with Register of Deeds); Roofing on primary residence by homeowner (permit still required; maximum two asphalt shingle layers allowed); 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-specific design review or architectural review may apply to certain properties.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of St. Matthews, SC?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (803) 874-4201. Minimum 24 hours advance notice required; 48 hours in advance recommended..

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Important: 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.

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