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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Gaffney
Permits required for: all repairs, alterations, structural repairs, improvements, new construction, demolition, renovations, land development, and work subject to safety requirements.
One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 SF
Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height
Water tanks not exceeding 5,000 gallons capacity
Window awnings projecting no more than 54 inches
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 SF
- Exempt Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height
- Exempt Water tanks not exceeding 5,000 gallons capacity
- Exempt Window awnings projecting no more than 54 inches
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with Community Development Department before proceeding. Historic Preservation Overlay District (HPOD) properties require additional design review.
Required documents
- Completed permit application form (specific form per work type)
- Site plan with actual dimensions, lot shape, setback lines, parking, and structure locations
- Construction plans as applicable
- Project valuation information (for fee calculation)
- Building code
- 2021 South Carolina Building Code, Residential Code, Fire Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Fuel Gas Code (effective January 1, 2023); 2020 National Electrical Code with SC modifications; 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and Existing Building Code.
- Permit validity
- Permit Card must be placed at work location, fully visible from public right of way. Full permit documents must remain on-site and be presented to building officials on request.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders may perform certain exempt improvements: one-story detached accessory structures ≤200 SF, retaining walls ≤4 feet in height, water tanks ≤5,000 gallons capacity, and window awnings projecting ≤54 inches. Verify specific exemptions with Community Development Department.
- Contractor requirements
- Residential work over $5,000 requires licensed residential builder; commercial work over $10,000 requires licensed general contractor. Verify contractor licensing thresholds before starting construction.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Review timeline not specified; contact Community Development Department at 864-487-8500 for estimate.
- 01 Download the appropriate permit application form for your work type (Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Demolition, Zoning, etc.) from cityofgaffney-sc.gov/169/Community-Development.
- 02 Complete all sections of the application accurately.
- 03 Prepare site plan showing: actual dimensions and shape of lot, setback lines, off-street parking spaces, size/height/use/location of existing structures, and location/dimensions of proposed structure or alteration.
- 04 Prepare all required documents per 'Guidelines for Plan Review and Permits'.
- 05 Submit application via: digital email to Permit Clerk, in person at 201 N. Limestone Street 2nd Floor, or by mail to the same address.
- 06 Include all related fees (building permit fee plus plan review fee, which is 50% of permit fee based on project valuation).
- 07 City reviews plans for code compliance; applicant may be required to make revisions.
- 08 Upon approval, permit is issued to applicant.
- 09 Post Permit Card visibly at work location from public right of way.
- 10 Obtain final building inspection and completion approval before occupancy.
Typical processing time: Review timeline not specified; contact Community Development Department at 864-487-8500 for estimate.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Gaffney building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$25.00
02
Plan check fee
50% of building permit/land disturbance permit fee based on project valuation
03
Permit fee formula
$25.00 for permits under $1,000 requiring inspection
Include all related fees with application submission. Specific fees vary by permit type and project valuation.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 864-487-8500 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Contact Community Development Department for hours and scheduling information.
Typical sequence: Typical inspection types: foundation/footing, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final inspection. Applicant requests inspection after completing respective phase of work.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Gaffney permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Gaffney, SC? ▸
Permits required for: all repairs, alterations, structural repairs, improvements, new construction, demolition, renovations, land development, and work subject to safety requirements.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Gaffney, SC? ▸
Building permit fees in Gaffney, SC are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $25.00. Fees are calculated as: $25.00 for permits under $1,000 requiring inspection. Plan check fee: 50% of building permit/land disturbance permit fee based on project valuation.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Gaffney, SC? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Gaffney, SC, follow these steps: 1. Download the appropriate permit application form for your work type (Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Demolition, Zoning, etc.) from cityofgaffney-sc.gov/169/Community-Development. 2. Complete all sections of the application accurately. 3. Prepare site plan showing: actual dimensions and shape of lot, setback lines, off-street parking spaces, size/height/use/location of existing structures, and location/dimensions of proposed structure or alteration. 4. Prepare all required documents per 'Guidelines for Plan Review and Permits'. 5. Submit application via: digital email to Permit Clerk, in person at 201 N. Limestone Street 2nd Floor, or by mail to the same address. 6. Include all related fees (building permit fee plus plan review fee, which is 50% of permit fee based on project valuation). 7. City reviews plans for code compliance; applicant may be required to make revisions. 8. Upon approval, permit is issued to applicant. 9. Post Permit Card visibly at work location from public right of way. 10. Obtain final building inspection and completion approval before occupancy.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Gaffney, SC? ▸
Building permit processing times in Gaffney, SC typically run Review timeline not specified; contact Community Development Department at 864-487-8500 for estimate.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Gaffney, SC? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Gaffney, SC. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 SF; Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height; Water tanks not exceeding 5,000 gallons capacity; Window awnings projecting no more than 54 inches. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with Community Development Department before proceeding. Historic Preservation Overlay District (HPOD) properties require additional design review. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Gaffney, SC? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Gaffney, SC via: 864-487-8500.
last verified April 2026
source City of Gaffney Community Development Department ↗
entry id permits/south-carolina/cherokee/gaffney
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Gaffney Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.