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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Kershaw County
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.
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)
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures ≤200 sq ft (e.g., sheds, storage buildings)
- Exempt Retaining walls ≤4 feet in height
- Exempt Water tanks ≤5,000 gallons
- Exempt Window awnings projecting ≤54 inches
- Exempt Decks ≤200 sq ft
- Exempt Plumbing work limited to stopping leaks in drains and pipes
- Exempt Painting, flooring, and finish work (in some cases)
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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Approximately 2-3 weeks for plan review
- 01 Obtain building permit application forms from Kershaw County Planning & Zoning Department or the Evolve online portal.
- 02 Complete permit application and gather required documents (drawings, plat/deed copy, contractor licensing proof, construction cost estimate).
- 03 Submit application through the Evolve portal or in person to the Planning & Zoning Department.
- 04 County staff reviews for completeness and performs plan review (typically 2-3 weeks).
- 05 Applicant receives permit or request for revisions.
- 06 After permit issuance, mark property with address numbers before construction begins.
Typical processing time: Approximately 2-3 weeks for plan review
§ 04
Fee schedule
Kershaw County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Heated space: $55/sq ft; Unfinished space: $22/sq ft; Garages: $32/sq ft; Porches and decks: $15/sq ft
02
Reinspection fee
$35 per inspection (two inspections included in basic permit fee)
NPDES Stormwater Application: $125 one-time fee plus state fees based on acreage disturbed. Septic Permit: $150 evaluation fee (DHEC).
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Kershaw County Planning & Zoning Department (in-person)
- Scheduling deadline
- Minimum 24 hours' notice required before inspection
Typical sequence: Inspector verifies work compliance with South Carolina Building Code and local ordinances.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Kershaw County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Kershaw County, SC? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Kershaw County, SC are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Heated space: $55/sq ft; Unfinished space: $22/sq ft; Garages: $32/sq ft; Porches and decks: $15/sq ft.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Kershaw County, SC? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Kershaw County, SC, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Kershaw County, SC? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Kershaw County, SC typically run Approximately 2-3 weeks for plan review. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Kershaw County, SC? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Kershaw County, SC? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Kershaw County, SC via: Kershaw County Planning & Zoning Department. Minimum 24 hours' notice required before inspection.
last verified April 2026
source Kershaw County Planning and Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/south-carolina/kershaw/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Kershaw County Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.