City Building Permits

Myrtle Beach, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

South Carolina Horry County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies within the City of Myrtle Beach. City materials note that property outside city limits but abutting the city may require annexation during the construction process.

Department
Construction Services Department, City of Myrtle Beach
Address
921 N Oak St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone
843-918-1111
Website
https://www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/departments/construction_services_department.php

Application Process

  1. Pull the correct permit forms from the city forms page or the Construction Services packets.
  2. Complete the building permit application and gather plans, survey, tree statement, HOA approval if applicable, and any floodplain or site-related supporting documents.
  3. Email the permit package to planreviewer@cityofmyrtlebeach.com for building permit review; trade permits route to permittech@cityofmyrtlebeach.com.
  4. The city states plan reviews average 7 to 10 business days unless revisions are required.
  5. After review and approval, pay the invoiced fees by phone, appointment, or mail, then obtain the issued permit.
  6. Schedule inspections by phone at 843-918-1111, including all associated rough and final trade inspections together when applicable.

Typical processing time: Average 7 to 10 business days unless revisions are needed.

Source: Construction Services Department, City of Myrtle Beach

General Requirements

City materials state permits are required for new residential construction and projects impacting the ground such as pergolas, patios, trash enclosures, fences, pools, walkways, driveways, and parking pads, plus replacement windows, porch enclosures, roof and siding replacement, interior alterations, and regulated trade work.

Required Documents

  • Building permit application
  • Construction drawings
  • Survey
  • Tree statement
  • HOA approval if applicable
  • Proposed site plan for site-impacting work
  • Floodplain materials where applicable
  • Sewer elevation certification and driveway documents for certain projects
  • Trade permit applications for separate trade work
Permit validity
Residential packet states that after all approvals, a permit must be issued within 6 months. The application form also states the permit becomes invalid if work is suspended or abandoned for 6 consecutive months after commencement.
Building code
2021 South Carolina Building Code, Residential Code, Fire Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Fuel Gas Code, 2009 South Carolina Energy Conservation Code, and 2020 NEC with South Carolina modifications.
Owner-builder
No separate current city owner-builder handout was located on the public Myrtle Beach pages reviewed. State owner-builder limits still apply.
Contractor requirements
Major trades must be licensed by South Carolina and hold a City of Myrtle Beach business license and master trade card before trade permits are issued. Subcontractors must have a city business license for each job.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
No permit fee below $1,000 valuation, but permit still required; otherwise $50 minimum in the published residential schedule.
Plan check fee
60 percent of the permit fee for plan checking, payable at application, for projects subject to plan check.
Permit fee formula
Valuation based for single-family construction, alterations, and repairs. Commercial new construction listed at $0.375 per square foot. Separate trade permit fees apply.
Reinspection fee
$100.
Penalty (no permit)
Permit fees double for work started without a permit.
Payment note
City guidance says fees may be paid by phone, appointment, or mail to P.O. Box 2468, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578, attention Construction Services Department, with project address.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Construction Services Department, City of Myrtle Beach to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 843-918-1111 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
Next-day morning scheduling by 4:30 p.m. and same-day afternoon scheduling by 9:00 a.m.
Inspection hours
AM 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or PM 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Permit issuance, rough inspections with all associated trade roughs scheduled together, flood elevation certificate review where applicable, then final inspections with all associated trade finals scheduled together.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Construction Services Department, City of Myrtle Beach before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Myrtle Beach Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Myrtle Beach, SC?
City materials state permits are required for new residential construction and projects impacting the ground such as pergolas, patios, trash enclosures, fences, pools, walkways, driveways, and parking pads, plus replacement windows, porch enclosures, roof and siding replacement, interior alterations, and regulated trade work.
How much does a building permit cost in Myrtle Beach, SC?
The minimum permit fee is No permit fee below $1,000 valuation, but permit still required; otherwise $50 minimum in the published residential schedule.. Fees are calculated as: Valuation based for single-family construction, alterations, and repairs. Commercial new construction listed at $0.375 per square foot. Separate trade permit fees apply.. Plan check fee: 60 percent of the permit fee for plan checking, payable at application, for projects subject to plan check..
How do I apply for a building permit in Myrtle Beach, SC?
1. Pull the correct permit forms from the city forms page or the Construction Services packets. 2. Complete the building permit application and gather plans, survey, tree statement, HOA approval if applicable, and any floodplain or site-related supporting documents. 3. Email the permit package to planreviewer@cityofmyrtlebeach.com for building permit review; trade permits route to permittech@cityofmyrtlebeach.com. 4. The city states plan reviews average 7 to 10 business days unless revisions are required. 5. After review and approval, pay the invoiced fees by phone, appointment, or mail, then obtain the issued permit. 6. Schedule inspections by phone at 843-918-1111, including all associated rough and final trade inspections together when applicable.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Typical processing time is Average 7 to 10 business days unless revisions are needed..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 843-918-1111. Next-day morning scheduling by 4:30 p.m. and same-day afternoon scheduling by 9:00 a.m..

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Important: 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.

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