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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Chester County
A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, renovations, and other work in Unincorporated Chester County and county-administered towns.
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
- 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
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)
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC 2021) with South Carolina amendments, effective January 1, 2023
- Permit validity
- Not specified
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Same-day for no plan review required; variable for plan review based on complexity
- 01 Pre-submittal consultation (optional): Contact the department to discuss project type and requirements.
- 02 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).
- 03 Submit via eVolve portal or in person to the department office.
- 04 Review period: Work not requiring plan review receives permit same day if fees paid. Work requiring plan review receives permit upon plan approval.
- 05 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
§ 04
Fee schedule
Chester County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$35.00
02
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee
03
Permit fee formula
$4.50 per $1,000 of project valuation (rounded up)
04
Reinspection fee
Charged if work fails inspection and re-inspection required
Payment methods: Online via eVolve, in person at county office (check/credit card)
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Required inspections: Foundation/footing, framing, rough-in (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, HVAC), insulation, fire protection systems (if applicable), final inspection
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Chester County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Chester County, SC? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Chester County, SC are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Chester County, SC? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Chester County, SC, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Chester County, SC? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Chester County, SC typically run Same-day for no plan review required; variable for plan review based on complexity. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Chester County, SC? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Chester County, SC? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Chester County, SC via: eVolve portal, (803) 581-0942. Typically 24-48 hours advance notice required.
last verified April 2026
source Chester County Building & Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/south-carolina/chester/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Chester County Building & Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.