On this page 5
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Johnston
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Johnston.
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
- Exempt Some routine maintenance, repairs, or replacements may not require full permit (e.g., like-for-like replacements)
- Exempt Some agricultural structures may have reduced permitting requirements
- Exempt 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.
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
- Building code
- South Carolina Building Code 2021 (IBC 2021-based with SC amendments), effective January 1, 2023
- 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).
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Plan review typically takes 7-14 days; varies with project complexity.
- 01 Complete the New Residential Building Permit Application form or applicable permit type.
- 02 Prepare architectural/engineering plans showing property details, contractors, and construction specifications.
- 03 Ensure plans comply with local zoning and South Carolina Building Code 2021.
- 04 Obtain property description (deed or plat copy).
- 05 Submit application and plans via iPERMIT online system or in-person at 210 Penn Street.
- 06 Submission must be made at least 7 days before requested permit issuance.
- 07 Department conducts plan review for code compliance; staff may request revisions or clarifications.
- 08 Once approved, permit is issued. Permit becomes invalid if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance.
- 09 Schedule required inspections via iPERMIT or by phone.
- 10 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.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Standard residential and commercial construction requires inspections at foundation/footing, framing, mechanical (rough), electrical (rough), plumbing (rough), and final stages.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Johnston permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Johnston, SC? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Johnston.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Johnston, SC? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Johnston, SC, follow these steps: 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.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Johnston, SC? ▸
Building permit processing times in Johnston, SC typically run Plan review typically takes 7-14 days; varies with project complexity.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Johnston, SC? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Johnston, SC? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Johnston, SC via: iPERMIT online system, (803) 637-4073, 210 Penn Street, Edgefield, SC 29824.
last verified April 2026
source Edgefield County Building and Planning Department ↗
entry id permits/south-carolina/edgefield/johnston
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Edgefield County Building and Planning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.