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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Cherokee County
Permits required for: new construction (residential, commercial, industrial), repairs/alterations/structural repairs, improvements/renovations, demolition/relocation of structures, land disturbance on 1+ acres (NPDES requirement), mechanical/electrical/plumbing work, pools/spas, and accessory structures.
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: Additions, alterations, and structural repairs typically require permits regardless of cost or owner-builder status. Verify with Building Safety Department for specific exemptions.
Required documents
- Completed building permit application
- Site plans with actual dimensions, lot shape, setback lines, and location of structures
- For residential new construction: valuation determined by applicant or $150.00/SF (whichever is greater)
- Proof of property ownership (deed or abstract)
- Environmental documentation if applicable for land disturbance
- 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 valid for 2 years from issuance date.
- 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.
- Contractor requirements
- Residential work over $5,000 requires licensed residential builder; commercial work over $10,000 requires licensed general contractor. Licensed contractor requirements enforced by SC Residential Builders Commission and SC Contractor's Licensing Board.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 5 business days for manufactured home setup; other permits subject to review timeline (contact department for estimate).
- 01 Download the building permit application from the Cherokee County Building Safety website or pick up in person at 110 Railroad Ave., Gaffney, SC 29340.
- 02 Complete all sections of the application accurately, including project valuation.
- 03 Prepare submission materials: completed permit application, site plans with dimensions and setback lines, proof of property ownership (deed or abstract), and environmental documentation if applicable for land disturbance.
- 04 For residential new construction, valuation must be applicant-provided value or $150.00 per SF, whichever is greater.
- 05 Submit completed application and all required fees to Cherokee County Building Safety Department (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. for permits).
- 06 County performs plan review for code compliance; notification of approval, conditional approval, or denial provided to applicant.
- 07 For manufactured home setup, review completes within 5 business days of completed submittal.
- 08 Upon approval, permit is issued with permit number and laminated Permit Card.
- 09 Post Permit Card visibly at work site from a public right of way; keep full permit documents on-site.
- 10 Construction may begin after permit issuance; permit valid for 2 years from issuance date.
Typical processing time: 5 business days for manufactured home setup; other permits subject to review timeline (contact department for estimate).
§ 04
Fee schedule
Cherokee County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
50% of building permit fee based on total project valuation
02
Permit fee formula
Based on project valuation; plan review fee is one-half of the building permit/land disturbance permit fee.
Include all required fees with application submission.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 864-487-2561 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests called in before 9:00 a.m. receive priority (same-day inspections).
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: Typical inspection types per 2021 SC Building Code: foundation/footing, framing, electrical work, plumbing, mechanical system, final/completion, pool and spa inspections, and additional inspections as required by code.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Cherokee County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Cherokee County, SC? ▸
Permits required for: new construction (residential, commercial, industrial), repairs/alterations/structural repairs, improvements/renovations, demolition/relocation of structures, land disturbance on 1+ acres (NPDES requirement), mechanical/electrical/plumbing work, pools/spas, and accessory structures.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Cherokee County, SC? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Cherokee County, SC are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation; plan review fee is one-half of the building permit/land disturbance permit fee.. Plan check fee: 50% of building permit fee based on total project valuation.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Cherokee County, SC? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Cherokee County, SC, follow these steps: 1. Download the building permit application from the Cherokee County Building Safety website or pick up in person at 110 Railroad Ave., Gaffney, SC 29340. 2. Complete all sections of the application accurately, including project valuation. 3. Prepare submission materials: completed permit application, site plans with dimensions and setback lines, proof of property ownership (deed or abstract), and environmental documentation if applicable for land disturbance. 4. For residential new construction, valuation must be applicant-provided value or $150.00 per SF, whichever is greater. 5. Submit completed application and all required fees to Cherokee County Building Safety Department (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. for permits). 6. County performs plan review for code compliance; notification of approval, conditional approval, or denial provided to applicant. 7. For manufactured home setup, review completes within 5 business days of completed submittal. 8. Upon approval, permit is issued with permit number and laminated Permit Card. 9. Post Permit Card visibly at work site from a public right of way; keep full permit documents on-site. 10. Construction may begin after permit issuance; permit valid for 2 years from issuance date.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Cherokee County, SC? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Cherokee County, SC typically run 5 business days for manufactured home setup; other permits subject to review timeline (contact department for estimate).. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Cherokee County, SC? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Cherokee County, 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: Additions, alterations, and structural repairs typically require permits regardless of cost or owner-builder status. Verify with Building Safety Department for specific exemptions. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Cherokee County, SC? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Cherokee County, SC via: 864-487-2561. Requests called in before 9:00 a.m. receive priority (same-day inspections)..
last verified April 2026
source Cherokee County Building Safety Department ↗
entry id permits/south-carolina/cherokee/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Cherokee County Building Safety Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.