County Building Permits
Georgetown County, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Georgetown County, South Carolina. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties in unincorporated Georgetown County.
- Department
- Georgetown County Department of Planning & Development, Building Division
- Address
- 129 Screven Street, PO Drawer 421270, Georgetown, SC 29442
- Phone
- (843) 545-3116
- bldpermits@gtcounty.org
Application Process
- Complete building permit application form
- Submit to Georgetown County Building Department for entry into system
- Application forwarded to Zoning Department for approval
- Provide proof of water and sewer service (DHEC septic permit copy or public water/sewer fee receipt)
- Pay applicable fees
Typical processing time: 5-10 business days
Source: Georgetown County Department of Planning & Development, Building Division
General Requirements
All new structures, additions, alterations, repairs, or changes in occupancy in unincorporated areas.
Required Documents
- Completed building permit application
- Architectural and site plans (if required)
- Proof of water/sewer (DHEC septic permit or public water/sewer fee receipt)
- Proof of contractor SC state license (if applicable)
- County contractor registration (required for contractors)
- Zoning compliance approval
- Building code
- 2021 IRC with SC amendments (residential); 2021 IBC with SC amendments (commercial/multi-family)
- Contractor requirements
- County contractor registration number required in addition to state license. Minimum 2 years experience and business management exam required for SC state license.
Fees
- Plan check fee
- 50% of building permit fee
- Permit fee formula
- Varies by project type/value
- Payment note
- Fire impact fee: 0.4% (4/10 of 1%) of construction value in County and Midway Fire Department areas
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Georgetown County Department of Planning & Development, Building Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (843) 545-3116 (phone)
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 IRC with SC amendments (residential); 2021 IBC with SC amendments (commercial/multi-family)
- Verify contractor license: SC LLR Contractor's Licensing Board
- Georgetown County Planning/Zoning
- SC DHEC OCRM Coastal Zone Consistency
- 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 Georgetown County Department of Planning & Development, Building Division before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Georgetown County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Georgetown County, SC?
- All new structures, additions, alterations, repairs, or changes in occupancy in unincorporated areas.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Georgetown County, SC?
- Fees are calculated as: Varies by project type/value. Plan check fee: 50% of building permit fee.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Georgetown County, SC?
- 1. Complete building permit application form 2. Submit to Georgetown County Building Department for entry into system 3. Application forwarded to Zoning Department for approval 4. Provide proof of water and sewer service (DHEC septic permit copy or public water/sewer fee receipt) 5. Pay applicable fees
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Georgetown County, SC?
- Typical processing time is 5-10 business days.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Georgetown County, SC?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (843) 545-3116.
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