Kershaw County, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Kershaw County.

Department

Kershaw County Planning and Zoning Department

Address

Kershaw County Government Center, Camden, SC

Website

https://www.kershaw.sc.gov/government/departments-h-q/planning-zoning

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain building permit application forms from Kershaw County Planning & Zoning Department or the Evolve online portal.
2. Complete permit application and gather required documents (drawings, plat/deed copy, contractor licensing proof, construction cost estimate).
3. Submit application through the Evolve portal or in person to the Planning & Zoning Department.
4. County staff reviews for completeness and performs plan review (typically 2-3 weeks).
5. Applicant receives permit or request for revisions.
6. After permit issuance, mark property with address numbers before construction begins.

Typical processing time: Approximately 2-3 weeks for plan review

Source: Kershaw County Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for any new construction, demolition, moving, repair, enlargement, or alteration of any building or structure. Permits are also required for installation, change, or replacement of electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, or roofing systems.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application form
• Architectural/engineering drawings (for new construction and significant alterations)
• Plat or deed copy
• Proof of contractor licensing (if applicable)
• Construction cost estimate

Building code

South Carolina Building Code 2021 (IBC 2021 + SC amendments)

Owner-builder

An owner of residential property may obtain a permit and perform construction work themselves if the structure is for the owner's sole or family occupancy, not intended for sale or rent within two years, the owner signs the permit in person, and a notice is filed with the Register of Deeds.

Contractor requirements

A South Carolina General Contractor's License is required for contracting work with a total cost exceeding $10,000. Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) require separate licensed tradespeople.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Heated space: $55/sq ft; Unfinished space: $22/sq ft; Garages: $32/sq ft; Porches and decks: $15/sq ft

Reinspection fee

$35 per inspection (two inspections included in basic permit fee)

Payment note

NPDES Stormwater Application: $125 one-time fee plus state fees based on acreage disturbed. Septic Permit: $150 evaluation fee (DHEC).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures ≤200 sq ft (e.g., sheds, storage buildings)
• Retaining walls ≤4 feet in height
• Water tanks ≤5,000 gallons
• Window awnings projecting ≤54 inches
• Decks ≤200 sq ft
• Plumbing work limited to stopping leaks in drains and pipes
• Painting, flooring, and finish work (in some cases)

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Kershaw County Planning & Zoning Department (in-person)

Scheduling deadline

Minimum 24 hours' notice required before inspection

Typical inspection sequence: Inspector verifies work compliance with South Carolina Building Code and local ordinances.

Additional Resources

• Building code: South Carolina Building Code 2021 (IBC 2021 + SC amendments)
• Verify contractor license: SC LLR Contractor's Licensing Board
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Kershaw County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 (Buildings and Building Regulations)
• SC Regulation 61-56 (Onsite Wastewater Systems)
• SC Building Codes Council
• 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

Kershaw County Building Permit FAQ

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

A building permit is required for any new construction, demolition, moving, repair, enlargement, or alteration of any building or structure. Permits are also required for installation, change, or replacement of electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, or roofing systems.

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

Fees are calculated as: Heated space: $55/sq ft; Unfinished space: $22/sq ft; Garages: $32/sq ft; Porches and decks: $15/sq ft.

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

1. Obtain building permit application forms from Kershaw County Planning & Zoning Department or the Evolve online portal. 2. Complete permit application and gather required documents (drawings, plat/deed copy, contractor licensing proof, construction cost estimate). 3. Submit application through the Evolve portal or in person to the Planning & Zoning Department. 4. County staff reviews for completeness and performs plan review (typically 2-3 weeks). 5. Applicant receives permit or request for revisions. 6. After permit issuance, mark property with address numbers before construction begins.

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

Typical processing time is Approximately 2-3 weeks for plan review.

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures ≤200 sq ft (e.g., sheds, storage buildings); Retaining walls ≤4 feet in height; Water tanks ≤5,000 gallons; Window awnings projecting ≤54 inches; Decks ≤200 sq ft; Plumbing work limited to stopping leaks in drains and pipes; Painting, flooring, and finish work (in some cases).

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Kershaw County Planning & Zoning Department. Minimum 24 hours' notice required before inspection.