City Building Permits

Cayce, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Cayce, South Carolina. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

South Carolina Lexington County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies inside City of Cayce limits only. Lexington County handles unincorporated county parcels outside the city.

Department
Building Services, City of Cayce Planning & Development Department
Address
1800 12th Street Extension, Cayce, SC 29033
Phone
803-521-6859
Website
https://caycesc.gov/permits.php

Application Process

  1. Determine the correct permit type from the Building Services page and download the needed form set.
  2. Complete the building permit application and any related documents such as owner acknowledgment, zoning approval, subdivision approval, and storm drainage approval if applicable.
  3. Email the completed building permit application to Jessica Howell or submit through the Planning & Development / Building Services office.
  4. Provide plans and any trade-specific or zoning materials required by the Building Official.
  5. Wait for review and approval; obtain the permit before work starts.
  6. Schedule inspections and pay any permit or reinspection fees before final approval.

Typical processing time: No citywide review clock was publicly posted on the reviewed pages. FAQ states permit validity depends on ongoing work and inspections within six months.

Source: Building Services, City of Cayce Planning & Development Department

General Requirements

Cayce states any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure, or install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, must first obtain the required permit.

Required Documents

  • Building Permit Application
  • Owner acknowledgment (for owner-builders)
  • Plans
  • Zoning approval
  • Subdivision approval
  • Storm drainage approval (where applicable)
  • Contractor and license information
  • Project valuation
Permit validity
Application form says the permit is void if the job is not started within six months of application date. FAQ says a permit remains valid as long as work is proceeding and an inspection has occurred within the last six months; if work is halted or abandoned for at least six months, the permit may be suspended.
Building code
2021 SC Building Code, 2021 SC Residential Code, 2021 SC Plumbing Code, 2021 SC Mechanical Code, 2021 SC Fuel Gas Code, 2021 SC Fire Code, 2021 SC Existing Building Code, 2021 Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2020 NEC, 2017 ICC ANSI 117.1, 2021 IPMC, and 2009 IECC
Owner-builder
Owner acknowledgment form follows SC Code Section 40-59-269 and limits exemption use to qualifying one-family or two-family residential work for the owner's own use and occupancy.
Contractor requirements
Planning FAQ states applicants must show they are duly licensed in South Carolina or file an owner-builder affidavit showing exemption from licensing. Application also requires contractors and subcontractors to secure business licenses before beginning work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Permit fee schedule shows minimum $30 for the first $3,000 in listed categories.
Plan check fee
Not separately stated in the reviewed fee schedule snippet.
Permit fee formula
Mixed schedule with flat starting amounts by value brackets and incremental per-thousand charges for additional valuation.
Reinspection fee
Cayce accepts permit and reinspection fee payments; fee schedule and payment page should be checked directly for current charges.
Payment note
City payment page lists permit-related payments and staff contact jhowell@caycesc.gov for permit payment questions.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2012).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Services, City of Cayce Planning & Development Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Project-dependent; city indicates inspections follow permit issuance and are required to keep permits active.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Services, City of Cayce Planning & Development Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cayce Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Cayce, SC?
Cayce states any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure, or install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, must first obtain the required permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Cayce, SC?
The minimum permit fee is Permit fee schedule shows minimum $30 for the first $3,000 in listed categories.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed schedule with flat starting amounts by value brackets and incremental per-thousand charges for additional valuation.. Plan check fee: Not separately stated in the reviewed fee schedule snippet..
How do I apply for a building permit in Cayce, SC?
1. Determine the correct permit type from the Building Services page and download the needed form set. 2. Complete the building permit application and any related documents such as owner acknowledgment, zoning approval, subdivision approval, and storm drainage approval if applicable. 3. Email the completed building permit application to Jessica Howell or submit through the Planning & Development / Building Services office. 4. Provide plans and any trade-specific or zoning materials required by the Building Official. 5. Wait for review and approval; obtain the permit before work starts. 6. Schedule inspections and pay any permit or reinspection fees before final approval.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Cayce, SC?
Typical processing time is No citywide review clock was publicly posted on the reviewed pages. FAQ states permit validity depends on ongoing work and inspections within six months..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Cayce, SC?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Schedule an Inspection.

Need help with your project?

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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