Lancaster County, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Lancaster County

Department

Lancaster County Building Services (Development Services)

Address

101 N. Main Street, Lancaster, SC 29720

Phone

(803) 285-1969

Website

https://www.lancastercountysc.gov/200/Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Complete Building Permit Application form
2. Prepare construction plans (minimum 2 sets) with scaled floor plans, elevation drawings, footing/foundation details, framing details, and electrical layout
3. Provide square footage breakdown (heated, unheated, basement)
4. Include project valuation (construction cost estimate)
5. Submit Owner-Contractor Affidavit if owner will act as general contractor
6. Submit application and plans through Evolve Permit System or in person
7. County staff reviews completeness and routes for plan review
8. Pay permit and plan review fees
9. Respond to any correction comments with revised documents if required
10. Obtain permit issuance before starting construction

Typical processing time: 3-10 business days for plan review depending on project complexity

Source: Lancaster County Building Services (Development Services)

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, and demolition. One-story detached accessory structures less than 120 sq ft do not require a permit.

Required Documents

• Completed Building Permit Application
• Construction plans (minimum 2 sets)
• Scaled floor plans with dimensions
• Elevation drawings (front, side, rear)
• Footing and foundation details
• Framing details
• Electrical layout showing lights, receptacles, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors
• Square footage breakdown
• Project valuation
• Owner-Contractor Affidavit (if applicable)

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC) with SC amendments; 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with SC amendments; 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) with SC amendments; 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) with SC amendments; 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) with SC amendments; 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with SC amendments; 2017 International A117.1; 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) with SC amendments. Codes effective January 1, 2023.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must file Owner-Contractor Affidavit per SC 40-59-260, agree not to sell or rent for 2 years, and have Homeowners Exemption Form recorded with Register of Deeds. Any hired subcontractors must be licensed in South Carolina.

Contractor requirements

Work valued over $5,000 requires a licensed South Carolina Contractor license from the Contractor's Licensing Board. All subcontractors (electrician, plumber, HVAC) must be licensed in South Carolina.

Fees

Plan check fee

10% of permit fee

Permit fee formula

Construction valuation × 0.0075

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (storage sheds, playhouses) less than 120 sq ft

Important: Exempt from building permit but may still be subject to zoning requirements.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (803) 285-1969 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Standard inspections required at: footing/foundation, framing, electrical/plumbing/mechanical rough-in, and final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with SC amendments; 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with SC amendments; 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) with SC amendments; 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) with SC amendments; 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) with SC amendments; 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with SC amendments; 2017 International A117.1; 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) with SC amendments. Codes effective January 1, 2023.
• Verify contractor license: SC Contractor's Licensing Board
• SC Building Codes Council
• SC DHEC Stormwater Permits
• SC DHEC Septic Tank Permits
• 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

Lancaster County Building Permit FAQ

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

A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, and demolition. One-story detached accessory structures less than 120 sq ft do not require a permit.

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

Fees are calculated as: Construction valuation × 0.0075. Plan check fee: 10% of permit fee.

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

1. Complete Building Permit Application form 2. Prepare construction plans (minimum 2 sets) with scaled floor plans, elevation drawings, footing/foundation details, framing details, and electrical layout 3. Provide square footage breakdown (heated, unheated, basement) 4. Include project valuation (construction cost estimate) 5. Submit Owner-Contractor Affidavit if owner will act as general contractor 6. Submit application and plans through Evolve Permit System or in person 7. County staff reviews completeness and routes for plan review 8. Pay permit and plan review fees 9. Respond to any correction comments with revised documents if required 10. Obtain permit issuance before starting construction

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

Typical processing time is 3-10 business days for plan review depending on project complexity.

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (storage sheds, playhouses) less than 120 sq ft. Note: Exempt from building permit but may still be subject to zoning requirements.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (803) 285-1969.