How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Johnston, SC?

1. Complete the New Residential Building Permit Application form or applicable permit type. 2. Prepare architectural/engineering plans showing property details, contractors, and construction specifications. 3. Ensure plans comply with local zoning and South Carolina Building Code 2021. 4. Obtain property description (deed or plat copy). 5. Submit application and plans via iPERMIT online system or in-person at 210 Penn Street. 6. Submission must be made at least 7 days before requested permit issuance. 7. Department conducts plan review for code compliance; staff may request revisions or clarifications. 8. Once approved, permit is issued. Permit becomes invalid if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance. 9. Schedule required inspections via iPERMIT or by phone. 10. Final inspection conducted upon project completion; permit closed when all requirements satisfied.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Johnston, SC?

Typical processing time is Plan review typically takes 7-14 days; varies with project complexity..

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Johnston, SC?

The following work is generally exempt: Some routine maintenance, repairs, or replacements may not require full permit (e.g., like-for-like replacements); Some agricultural structures may have reduced permitting requirements; Verify with Edgefield County Building Department for specific exempt work eligibility. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building and Planning Department before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Johnston, SC?

Inspections can be scheduled via: iPERMIT online system, (803) 637-4073, 210 Penn Street, Edgefield, SC 29824.

City Building Permits

Town of Johnston, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Johnston, South Carolina. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

South Carolina Edgefield County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated Town of Johnston. Permits administered by Edgefield County Building and Planning Department.

Department: Edgefield County Building and Planning Department
Address: 210 Penn Street, Edgefield, SC 29824
Phone: (803) 637-4073
Website: https://edgefieldcounty.sc.gov

Online Permit Portal

Open Edgefield County Portal

Platform: iPERMIT • Account required: No • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Complete the New Residential Building Permit Application form or applicable permit type.
Prepare architectural/engineering plans showing property details, contractors, and construction specifications.
Ensure plans comply with local zoning and South Carolina Building Code 2021.
Obtain property description (deed or plat copy).
Submit application and plans via iPERMIT online system or in-person at 210 Penn Street.
Submission must be made at least 7 days before requested permit issuance.
Department conducts plan review for code compliance; staff may request revisions or clarifications.
Once approved, permit is issued. Permit becomes invalid if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance.
Schedule required inspections via iPERMIT or by phone.
Final inspection conducted upon project completion; permit closed when all requirements satisfied.

Typical processing time: Plan review typically takes 7-14 days; varies with project complexity.

Source: Edgefield County Building and Planning Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Johnston.

Required Documents

Completed permit application form
Architectural or engineering plans prepared by licensed professional (for most projects)
Property legal description (deed or plat)
Proof of ownership or authorization to apply
Contractor licenses (if applicable)
Site plan showing property layout, setbacks, and adjacent properties
Elevation drawings (for residential/commercial)
Structural calculations (where required by code)
MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) plans for projects exceeding threshold scope

Permit validity: Permit becomes invalid if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance. Work must be completed within time specified by permit (typically 12-24 months depending on project scope).
Building code: South Carolina Building Code 2021 (IBC 2021-based with SC amendments), effective January 1, 2023
Owner-builder: Homeowner performing work on own property may perform certain tasks without full contractor licensing (electrical, plumbing, HVAC if for own use), subject to inspections.
Contractor requirements: General Contractors performing work valued at $5,000 or more must hold valid South Carolina Contractors License. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trades require separate specialty licenses.

Fees

Payment note: Contact Edgefield County Building & Planning at (803) 637-4073 for current fee schedule and amounts.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Edgefield County Building and Planning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

iPERMIT online system (online)
(803) 637-4073 (phone)
210 Penn Street, Edgefield, SC 29824 (in-person)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Standard residential and commercial construction requires inspections at foundation/footing, framing, mechanical (rough), electrical (rough), plumbing (rough), and final stages.

Additional Resources

Building code: South Carolina Building Code 2021 (IBC 2021-based with SC amendments), effective January 1, 2023
Verify contractor license: South Carolina LLR Contractor License Verification
Zoning information: View zoning info
SC Building Codes Council
SC Contractor Licensing Board
SC DHEC Stormwater Permits
SC DHEC Septic System Permits
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 Edgefield County Building and Planning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Johnston Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Johnston, SC?: A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Johnston.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Johnston, SC?: 1. Complete the New Residential Building Permit Application form or applicable permit type. 2. Prepare architectural/engineering plans showing property details, contractors, and construction specifications. 3. Ensure plans comply with local zoning and South Carolina Building Code 2021. 4. Obtain property description (deed or plat copy). 5. Submit application and plans via iPERMIT online system or in-person at 210 Penn Street. 6. Submission must be made at least 7 days before requested permit issuance. 7. Department conducts plan review for code compliance; staff may request revisions or clarifications. 8. Once approved, permit is issued. Permit becomes invalid if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance. 9. Schedule required inspections via iPERMIT or by phone. 10. Final inspection conducted upon project completion; permit closed when all requirements satisfied.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Johnston, SC?: Typical processing time is Plan review typically takes 7-14 days; varies with project complexity..
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Johnston, SC?: The following work is generally exempt: Some routine maintenance, repairs, or replacements may not require full permit (e.g., like-for-like replacements); Some agricultural structures may have reduced permitting requirements; Verify with Edgefield County Building Department for specific exempt work eligibility. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building and Planning Department before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Johnston, SC?: Inspections can be scheduled via: iPERMIT online system, (803) 637-4073, 210 Penn Street, Edgefield, SC 29824.

Need help with your project?

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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