On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Lee County
A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Lee County, including new buildings, additions, alterations, and structures such as carports.
Minor repairs and maintenance work under certain thresholds (contact department for specific limits)
- Exempt Minor repairs and maintenance work under certain thresholds (contact department for specific limits)
Note: Contact the Planning and Zoning Department for clarification on exemptions and thresholds.
Required documents
- Completed building permit application form
- Detailed site plan or property plat
- Floor plans and construction drawings
- Estimated project cost/valuation
- Proof of property ownership (deed or deed copy)
- For plumbing work: plumbing plan drawings
- For electrical work: electrical plan drawings
- Contractor license information (if applicable)
- Building code
- South Carolina Building Code 2021 (based on International Building Code 2021 with SC amendments)
- Contractor requirements
- South Carolina Contractor's License required for general contractors performing work over $10,000.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Contact the Planning and Zoning Department to initiate the permit process.
- 02 Submit application in person at the courthouse or online via the Evolve portal.
- 03 Prepare and submit application materials including site plan, construction drawings, and project valuation.
- 04 If required, third-party plan review service conducts review; fees paid directly to review service.
- 05 Upon approval, permit is issued and construction may begin.
- 06 Schedule inspections with the third-party inspection company (except Fire Marshal inspections).
§ 04
Fee schedule
Lee County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Determined by third-party review service if required
02
Permit fee formula
Calculated based on project valuation per county fee schedule; contact department for specific rates
03
Penalty (no permit)
100% of usual permit fee if construction commences before permit issuance
Refund policy: full refund minus $25 administrative fee if no inspections performed; maximum 80% refund if plan review or inspections completed
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (803) 484-5341, Ext. 3196 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Call by 3:00 PM at least one day before the desired inspection date
- Inspection hours
- Tuesday and Thursday only
Typical sequence: Foundation/Excavation, Framing, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical/HVAC, Final/Completion. Fire Marshal inspections scheduled separately.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Lee County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Lee County, SC? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Lee County, including new buildings, additions, alterations, and structures such as carports.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Lee County, SC? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Lee County, SC are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Calculated based on project valuation per county fee schedule; contact department for specific rates. Plan check fee: Determined by third-party review service if required.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lee County, SC? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lee County, SC, follow these steps: 1. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department to initiate the permit process. 2. Submit application in person at the courthouse or online via the Evolve portal. 3. Prepare and submit application materials including site plan, construction drawings, and project valuation. 4. If required, third-party plan review service conducts review; fees paid directly to review service. 5. Upon approval, permit is issued and construction may begin. 6. Schedule inspections with the third-party inspection company (except Fire Marshal inspections).
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Lee County, SC? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Lee County, SC. The following work is generally exempt: Minor repairs and maintenance work under certain thresholds (contact department for specific limits). Note: Contact the Planning and Zoning Department for clarification on exemptions and thresholds. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lee County, SC? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lee County, SC via: (803) 484-5341, Ext. 3196. Call by 3:00 PM at least one day before the desired inspection date.
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/south-carolina/lee/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with County Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.