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County building permits

Unincorporated Georgetown County

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Georgetown County, South Carolina. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Avg processing
5-10 business days
Last verified
April 2026
On this page 6
§ 01

Permit authority

Georgetown County Department of Planning & Development, Building Division

Street address
129 Screven Street, PO Drawer 421270, Georgetown, SC 29442
Coverage
All properties in unincorporated Georgetown County.
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Georgetown County

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.
§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 5-10 business days

  1. 01
    Complete building permit application form
  2. 02
    Submit to Georgetown County Building Department for entry into system
  3. 03
    Application forwarded to Zoning Department for approval
  4. 04
    Provide proof of water and sewer service (DHEC septic permit copy or public water/sewer fee receipt)
  5. 05
    Pay applicable fees

Typical processing time: 5-10 business days

Source: Georgetown County Department of Planning & Development, Building Division ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Georgetown County building permit fees

Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
50% of building permit fee
02
Permit fee formula
Varies by project type/value

Fire impact fee: 0.4% (4/10 of 1%) of construction value in County and Midway Fire Department areas

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule
  • (843) 545-3116 (phone)
§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Georgetown County permits

01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Georgetown County, SC?
All new structures, additions, alterations, repairs, or changes in occupancy in unincorporated areas.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Georgetown County, SC?
Building permit fees in unincorporated Georgetown County, SC are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Varies by project type/value. Plan check fee: 50% of building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Georgetown County, SC?
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Georgetown County, SC, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Georgetown County, SC?
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Georgetown County, SC typically run 5-10 business days. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Georgetown County, SC?
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Georgetown County, SC via: (843) 545-3116.
last verified April 2026 source Georgetown County Department of Planning & Development, Building Division ↗ entry id permits/south-carolina/georgetown/unincorporated

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Georgetown County Department of Planning & Development, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.