Calhoun County, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties in the unincorporated areas of Calhoun County.

Department

Calhoun County Building and Planning Department

Address

102 Courthouse Drive, Suite 112, St. Matthews, SC 29135

Phone

(803) 874-4201

Email

planning@calhouncounty.sc.gov

Website

https://calhouncounty.sc.gov/departments/building-and-planning

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

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.

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

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Calhoun County.

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)

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, as fees are updated periodically.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Owner-builder exemption for primary residence (must file notarized Owner Builder Affidavit with Register of Deeds)
• Farm structure exemption (must file Farm Structure Affidavit with county building official)
• 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. Homeowner exemptions have specific limitations and documentation requirements.

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)
• 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Calhoun County Building Permit FAQ

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

A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Calhoun County.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Calhoun County, 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 unincorporated Calhoun County, 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 unincorporated Calhoun County, 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 unincorporated Calhoun County, SC?

The following work is generally exempt: Owner-builder exemption for primary residence (must file notarized Owner Builder Affidavit with Register of Deeds); Farm structure exemption (must file Farm Structure Affidavit with county building official); 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. Homeowner exemptions have specific limitations and documentation requirements.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Calhoun County, SC?

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