County Building Permits
Chesterfield County, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Chesterfield County, South Carolina. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All unincorporated properties within Chesterfield County.
- Department
- Chesterfield County Building & Codes Department
- Address
- 178 Mill Street, Chesterfield County Administration Building, Chesterfield, SC 29709
- Phone
- 843-623-9615
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Evolve • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Application Process
- Complete building permit application form
- Submit plans/specifications as required by code
- For residential projects: provide site plan or survey information
- For septic systems: obtain DHEC approval first
- Proof of property ownership or authorization letter required
- Submit application via Evolve portal or in-person at Building & Codes Department
- County staff reviews compliance with SC Building Code 2021
- Respond to any plan corrections
- Obtain permit upon compliance
Typical processing time: Processing time varies; contact department for estimates
General Requirements
A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, repairs, demolition, septic systems, roofing, HVAC, plumbing, and some accessory structures.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application
- Architectural/engineering plans
- Proof of property ownership or authorization letter
- For septic systems: DHEC approval documentation
- Building code
- SC Building Code 2021 (based on 2021 IBC with SC amendments)
- Contractor requirements
- Only SC-licensed contractors or homeowners filing homeowner disclosure may apply
Fees
- Payment note
- Contact department at 843-623-9615 for current fee schedule
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Chesterfield County Building & Codes Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 843-623-9615 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Minimum 24-hour advance notice required
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Inspection types include: foundation/footing, framing, utilities (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), final inspection, and septic system inspection
Additional Resources
- Building code: SC Building Code 2021 (based on 2021 IBC with SC amendments)
- Verify contractor license: SC Contractor's Licensing Board
- License lookup guide: South Carolina Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: South Carolina Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- South Carolina hub: South Carolina Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Chesterfield County Building & Codes Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chesterfield County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Chesterfield County, SC?
- A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, repairs, demolition, septic systems, roofing, HVAC, plumbing, and some accessory structures.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Chesterfield County, SC?
- 1. Complete building permit application form 2. Submit plans/specifications as required by code 3. For residential projects: provide site plan or survey information 4. For septic systems: obtain DHEC approval first 5. Proof of property ownership or authorization letter required 6. Submit application via Evolve portal or in-person at Building & Codes Department 7. County staff reviews compliance with SC Building Code 2021 8. Respond to any plan corrections 9. Obtain permit upon compliance
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Chesterfield County, SC?
- Typical processing time is Processing time varies; contact department for estimates.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Chesterfield County, SC?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 843-623-9615. Minimum 24-hour advance notice required.
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