Jasper County, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties in unincorporated Jasper County not within incorporated municipalities.

Department

Planning and Building Department

Address

358 Third Avenue, Room 202, Ridgeland, SC 29936

Phone

(843) 717-3650

Email

codeenforcement@jaspercountysc.gov

Website

https://www.jaspercountysc.gov/services/planning-and-building/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Submit permit application via online portal or in person with construction documents.
2. County staff reviews design documents for compliance with International Building Code (IBC) and local Jasper County Code Chapter 6.
3. Applicant receives approval notification and building permit is issued.
4. Applicant must schedule required inspections at specific construction milestones (foundation, framing, MEP, insulation, final).
5. County conducts inspections at each phase and certifies compliance.

Typical processing time: Timeframe varies; contact county for project-specific estimates.

Source: Planning and Building Department

General Requirements

Building permits are required for new buildings and structures, additions and alterations, demolition of structures, moving of buildings, and manufactured housing installation.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Construction documents and plans
• Property identification and ownership information
• Contractor license documentation (if applicable)

Building code

SC Building Code 2021 (based on IBC 2021 with SC amendments), effective January 1, 2023

Contractor requirements

All contractors performing work over $500 must hold a current license from the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board (CLB) or South Carolina Residential Builders Commission (RBC), as appropriate. A contractor business license from Jasper County is also required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$25.00 administrative fee (nonrefundable) plus applicable permit fees

Permit fee formula

Based on construction cost and project type; residential and commercial valuation-based fees apply

Reinspection fee

Varies by code enforcement; contact (843) 717-3650 for details

Payment note

Contact Planning & Building at (843) 717-3650 for detailed residential/commercial valuation-based fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• General maintenance on owner-occupied residential property
• Roofing repairs (same material and configuration)
• Interior finishes (paint, wallpaper, flooring)
• Electrical, plumbing, or mechanical fixture replacement (same capacity, location, and use)
• Utility-connected structures under 500 sq ft (in some cases)

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and local code requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Planning and Building Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (843) 717-3650 (phone)
• Online permit portal (online)

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Standard sequence: foundation/footing inspection, framing inspection, mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) rough-in inspection, insulation and draft inspection, final inspection upon project completion.

Additional Resources

• Building code: SC Building Code 2021 (based on IBC 2021 with SC amendments), effective January 1, 2023
• Verify contractor license: SC Contractor's Licensing Board (CLB) License Lookup
• SC Building Codes Council
• SC DHEC Stormwater Construction Activities
• SC DHEC Septic Systems
• License lookup guide: South Carolina Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: South Carolina Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• South Carolina hub: South Carolina Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Jasper County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Jasper County, SC?

Building permits are required for new buildings and structures, additions and alterations, demolition of structures, moving of buildings, and manufactured housing installation.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Jasper County, SC?

The minimum permit fee is $25.00 administrative fee (nonrefundable) plus applicable permit fees. Fees are calculated as: Based on construction cost and project type; residential and commercial valuation-based fees apply.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jasper County, SC?

1. Submit permit application via online portal or in person with construction documents. 2. County staff reviews design documents for compliance with International Building Code (IBC) and local Jasper County Code Chapter 6. 3. Applicant receives approval notification and building permit is issued. 4. Applicant must schedule required inspections at specific construction milestones (foundation, framing, MEP, insulation, final). 5. County conducts inspections at each phase and certifies compliance.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Jasper County, SC?

Typical processing time is Timeframe varies; contact county for project-specific estimates..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Jasper County, SC?

The following work is generally exempt: General maintenance on owner-occupied residential property; Roofing repairs (same material and configuration); Interior finishes (paint, wallpaper, flooring); Electrical, plumbing, or mechanical fixture replacement (same capacity, location, and use); Utility-connected structures under 500 sq ft (in some cases). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and local code requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Planning and Building Department before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Jasper County, SC?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (843) 717-3650, Online permit portal.