Chester County, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Chester County and county-administered towns: Great Falls, Fort Lawn, Richburg, Lowrys

Department

Chester County Building & Zoning Department

Address

1476 J.A. Cochran Bypass, PO Box 580, Chester, SC 29706

Phone

(803) 581-0942

Website

https://chestercountysc.gov/departments/business-departments/building-and-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Pre-submittal consultation (optional): Contact the department to discuss project type and requirements.
2. Prepare documents: Two complete sets of construction plans/drawings, property deed or recorded plat, Tax Map Number, 911 address, proof of water/sewer, energy code compliance certificate (residential), South Carolina general contractor license, and floodplain documents (if applicable).
3. Submit via eVolve portal or in person to the department office.
4. Review period: Work not requiring plan review receives permit same day if fees paid. Work requiring plan review receives permit upon plan approval.
5. Schedule inspections via eVolve portal or phone: (803) 581-0942

Typical processing time: Same-day for no plan review required; variable for plan review based on complexity

Source: Chester County Building & Zoning Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, renovations, and other work in Unincorporated Chester County and county-administered towns.

Required Documents

• 911 address of the property
• Recorded plat or deed
• Tax Map Number
• Two complete sets of construction plans/drawings
• Proof of water supply (public water, water district letter, or SC DHEC approved private well)
• Proof of sewage treatment (public sewer or SC DHEC approved septic/wastewater system)
• South Carolina General Contractor License
• Energy Code Compliance Certificate (ResCheck for residential)
• Floodplain Elevation Certificate (if property is in flood plain)
• Subcontractor license list (if applicable)
• DHEC permits (well, septic, stormwater if applicable)

Permit validity

Not specified

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC 2021) with South Carolina amendments, effective January 1, 2023

Owner-builder

Homeowner-performed work on their own property is exempt from license requirement; consult county for details.

Contractor requirements

South Carolina General Contractor License required for work valued over $5,000 (residential or commercial) or over $200 for residential work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$35.00

Plan check fee

Included in permit fee

Permit fee formula

$4.50 per $1,000 of project valuation (rounded up)

Reinspection fee

Charged if work fails inspection and re-inspection required

Payment note

Payment methods: Online via eVolve, in person at county office (check/credit card)

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Projects valued under $200 are exempt from permit requirements unless inspection is specifically requested, property is in flood plain, or local zoning requires a permit

Inspections

How to Schedule

• eVolve portal (online)
• (803) 581-0942 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Typically 24-48 hours advance notice required

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections: Foundation/footing, framing, rough-in (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, HVAC), insulation, fire protection systems (if applicable), final inspection

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC 2021) with South Carolina amendments, effective January 1, 2023
• Verify contractor license: SC Contractor's Licensing Board
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• SC Building Codes Council
• SC DES Bureau of Water (Stormwater, Septic, Wells)
• SC ePermitting Portal (Stormwater, Septic, Wells)
• Great Falls Zoning Ordinance
• 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

Chester County Building Permit FAQ

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

A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, renovations, and other work in Unincorporated Chester County and county-administered towns.

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

The minimum permit fee is $35.00. Fees are calculated as: $4.50 per $1,000 of project valuation (rounded up). Plan check fee: Included in permit fee.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Chester County, SC?

1. Pre-submittal consultation (optional): Contact the department to discuss project type and requirements. 2. Prepare documents: Two complete sets of construction plans/drawings, property deed or recorded plat, Tax Map Number, 911 address, proof of water/sewer, energy code compliance certificate (residential), South Carolina general contractor license, and floodplain documents (if applicable). 3. Submit via eVolve portal or in person to the department office. 4. Review period: Work not requiring plan review receives permit same day if fees paid. Work requiring plan review receives permit upon plan approval. 5. Schedule inspections via eVolve portal or phone: (803) 581-0942

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Chester County, SC?

Typical processing time is Same-day for no plan review required; variable for plan review based on complexity.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Chester County, SC?

The following work is generally exempt: Projects valued under $200 are exempt from permit requirements unless inspection is specifically requested, property is in flood plain, or local zoning requires a permit.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: eVolve portal, (803) 581-0942. Typically 24-48 hours advance notice required.