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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Greer
City permit guidance lists permits for decks, sunrooms, screened porches, demolition, encroachments, EV chargers, fences, new windows, commercial replacement doors and storefront glass, replacement water heaters and furnaces, reroofing, retaining walls, sheds and garages, siding, signs, solar panels, pools and hot tubs, and temporary utility service work.
- Exempt Cabinets
- Exempt Decorative trim
- Exempt Finish flooring, except subfloor work and repairs to damaged joists
- Exempt Gutters
- Exempt Painting and wallpapering, although painting contractors should still hold appropriate state specialty licensing
- Exempt Storage buildings under 200 square feet, although residential zoning review is still required for setbacks
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Planning and Development Department before proceeding.
- Online permit application
- Uploaded plans
- Owner or contractor details
- Supporting documents by permit type
- Building code
- City inspection page links 2021 International Codes Online, 2021 Residential Building Codes, and South Carolina state modifications.
- Permit validity
- Fee schedule includes renewal of expired permit for $100.
- Owner-builder
- City publishes a Homeowner's Disclosure Statement. Owner-builder exemption is limited to owner-supervised work on the owner's one-family or two-family residence for the owner's use and occupancy, not for sale or rent; sale or rental within two years creates a statutory presumption against the exemption.
- Contractor requirements
- City states contractors must be licensed, insured, and bonded before permits are issued. The city verifies South Carolina LLR licensing before issuing contractor portal credentials.
Application process
Typical processing: No citywide processing time estimate located.
- 01 Verify the project address in the city GIS map if needed.
- 02 Go to eTRAKiT and select Apply / New Permit.
- 03 Homeowners create a public login; contractors contact the permit office so the city can verify state licensing and provide AEC credentials.
- 04 Select permit type and subtype, accept the disclaimer, complete the application, and identify the owner or contractor.
- 05 Upload plans and supporting documents, confirm the address and contact information, then submit.
- 06 Track review, pay fees, and request inspections through eTRAKiT after approval.
Typical processing time: No citywide processing time estimate located.
Fee schedule
Greer building permit fees
Fees handled through the city permit system. Expedited plan review $5,000; renewal of expired permit $100; technology fee 3% of permit fee with $4 minimum and $100 maximum.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- eTRAKiT portal (online)
- 864-968-7029 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests made by 11:59 p.m. Monday through Friday are scheduled for the next business day.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: Rough-in and final inspections are standard for one-family and two-family dwellings, with all applicable trades ready at rough-in and final; above-ceiling inspections are separately called out for commercial work.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Greer permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Greer, SC? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Greer, SC? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Greer, SC? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Greer, SC? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Greer, SC? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Greer, SC? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning and Development, City of Greer before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.