County Building Permits
Hampton County, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hampton County, South Carolina. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
South Carolina Updated March 2026
Permit Authority
Unincorporated areas of Hampton County, SC
- Department
- Hampton County Building & Planning Department
- Address
- 201 Jackson Avenue West, Hampton, SC 29924
- Phone
- (803) 914-2127
Online Permit Portal
Platform: CitizenServe • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Obtain permit application form from Hampton County Building Department or CitizenServe portal
- Prepare required submittals: two complete sets of bound plans (plus electronic copy), site plan, all architectural/engineering plans
- Plans must be stamped, sealed, and signed by a licensed SC registered architect/engineer when required by 2021 IBC
- Include code summary addressing specific 2021 IBC requirements
- For plumbing: Obtain septic system permit from DHEC or letter authorizing water/sewer service
- Submit application and plans via CitizenServe portal or in-person at Building Department
- County performs plan review; plan review fee charged (50% for residential, 75% for commercial)
- Respond to any correction comments and resubmit revised plans if required
- Pay remaining permit fees upon approval
- Schedule inspections and commence work
General Requirements
All new construction, alterations, repairs, fire protection systems, signs, pools, fences, and most structural or mechanical work
Required Documents
- Permit application form
- Two complete sets of bound plans plus electronic copy
- Site plan showing property lines and setbacks
- Foundation details (piers, footings, straps, anchors, curtain wall)
- Floor framing details
- Typical wall sections
- Roof framing details including roofing materials
- Electrical plans
- HVAC and plumbing plans
- Code summary addressing 2021 IBC requirements
- South Carolina General Contractor license
- For plumbing: Septic system permit or water/sewer authorization letter
- Building code
- 2021 South Carolina Building Code (based on 2021 IBC with SC amendments)
- Contractor requirements
- South Carolina General Contractor license required for most construction
Fees
- Plan check fee
- 50% of permit fee (residential), 75% (commercial)
- Permit fee formula
- Calculated per square foot under roof using ICC Building Validation Data
- Reinspection fee
- $100.00 per additional inspection for deficiencies
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Projects with total value less than $5,000 AND work is non-structural and non-mechanical
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (803) 914-2127 (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Inspections generally scheduled same-day or next-day upon request
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 South Carolina Building Code (based on 2021 IBC with SC amendments)
- SC Contractor's Licensing Board
- SC Building Codes Council
- SC DHEC Septic Permits
- SC DHEC NPDES Stormwater
- 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 Hampton County Building & Planning Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hampton County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Hampton County, SC?
- All new construction, alterations, repairs, fire protection systems, signs, pools, fences, and most structural or mechanical work
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Hampton County, SC?
- Fees are calculated as: Calculated per square foot under roof using ICC Building Validation Data. Plan check fee: 50% of permit fee (residential), 75% (commercial).
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hampton County, SC?
- 1. Obtain permit application form from Hampton County Building Department or CitizenServe portal 2. Prepare required submittals: two complete sets of bound plans (plus electronic copy), site plan, all architectural/engineering plans 3. Plans must be stamped, sealed, and signed by a licensed SC registered architect/engineer when required by 2021 IBC 4. Include code summary addressing specific 2021 IBC requirements 5. For plumbing: Obtain septic system permit from DHEC or letter authorizing water/sewer service 6. Submit application and plans via CitizenServe portal or in-person at Building Department 7. County performs plan review; plan review fee charged (50% for residential, 75% for commercial) 8. Respond to any correction comments and resubmit revised plans if required 9. Pay remaining permit fees upon approval 10. Schedule inspections and commence work
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Hampton County, SC?
- The following work is generally exempt: Projects with total value less than $5,000 AND work is non-structural and non-mechanical.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hampton County, SC?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (803) 914-2127.
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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.