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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Hampton County
All new construction, alterations, repairs, fire protection systems, signs, pools, fences, and most structural or mechanical work
Projects with total value less than $5,000 AND work is non-structural and non-mechanical
- Exempt Projects with total value less than $5,000 AND work is non-structural and non-mechanical
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
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Obtain permit application form from Hampton County Building Department or CitizenServe portal
- 02 Prepare required submittals: two complete sets of bound plans (plus electronic copy), site plan, all architectural/engineering plans
- 03 Plans must be stamped, sealed, and signed by a licensed SC registered architect/engineer when required by 2021 IBC
- 04 Include code summary addressing specific 2021 IBC requirements
- 05 For plumbing: Obtain septic system permit from DHEC or letter authorizing water/sewer service
- 06 Submit application and plans via CitizenServe portal or in-person at Building Department
- 07 County performs plan review; plan review fee charged (50% for residential, 75% for commercial)
- 08 Respond to any correction comments and resubmit revised plans if required
- 09 Pay remaining permit fees upon approval
- 10 Schedule inspections and commence work
§ 04
Fee schedule
Hampton County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
50% of permit fee (residential), 75% (commercial)
02
Permit fee formula
Calculated per square foot under roof using ICC Building Validation Data
03
Reinspection fee
$100.00 per additional inspection for deficiencies
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (803) 914-2127 (phone)
Typical sequence: Inspections generally scheduled same-day or next-day upon request
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Hampton County permits
01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Hampton County, SC? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Hampton County, SC are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hampton County, SC? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hampton County, SC, follow these steps: 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
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Hampton County, SC? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hampton County, SC? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hampton County, SC via: (803) 914-2127.
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/south-carolina/hampton/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Hampton County Building & Planning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.