County Building Permits
Marion County, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Marion County, South Carolina. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
South Carolina Updated March 2026
Permit Authority
All unincorporated areas of Marion County.
- Department
- Marion County Planning and Community Development Department
- Address
- 2523 East Highway 76, Marion, SC 29571
- Phone
- (843) 423-8238
Application Process
- Obtain zoning compliance permit (available Tuesday & Thursday only)
- Submit receipt showing water/sewer tap payment if applicable
- Submit completed building permit application with state contractor's license and ID
- Provide Marion County business license
- Provide signed Contract Agreement between contractor and homeowner (REQUIRED)
- Submit two sets of plans when required
- Plans reviewed by building department
- Permit issued upon approval
General Requirements
Projects exceeding $1,000 in value and/or 200 square feet in area
Required Documents
- Zoning compliance permit
- Building permit application
- State contractor's license and ID
- Marion County business license
- Signed Contract Agreement between contractor and homeowner
- Two sets of plans (when required)
- Property survey or plat (for septic systems)
- Site plans showing land disturbance areas (for projects 1+ acre)
- Building code
- International Building Code (IBC) with South Carolina amendments (SC Building Codes Council 2021 edition, effective January 1, 2023); 2009 IECC Energy Code
- Owner-builder
- Property owners may build or improve a one- or two-family residence for their own use without a contractor's license, provided the building is for owner's personal use and occupancy, owner supervises construction personally, and building cannot be sold or rented within two years after completion. Owner must file notice with Register of Deeds.
- Contractor requirements
- Marion County business license required for all contractors. State contractor's license required for work exceeding statewide thresholds. Unlicensed contractors working without current Marion County business license will have work stopped.
Fees
- Payment note
- Contact Ashley Robinson at (843) 423-8238 or arobinson@marionsc.org for fee schedules. Fees calculated based on project value, square footage, and type of work (residential, commercial, additions, alterations).
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Interior finishing work including painting, door replacement, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry, countertops, and similar finish work (confirm with Building Department)
Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from other requirements. Confirm with Building Department before proceeding.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Building Official Wayne Fox (843) 423-8238 or Permits Coordinator Spencer Jordan (843) 423-8191 ext. 147 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Typical inspection sequence: On-site inspections conducted during construction as required. Final inspection upon project completion. Inspectors verify compliance with approved plans and applicable codes.
Additional Resources
- Building code: International Building Code (IBC) with South Carolina amendments (SC Building Codes Council 2021 edition, effective January 1, 2023); 2009 IECC Energy Code
- Verify contractor license: SC LLR Contractor's Licensing Board
- SC Building Codes Council
- SC DHEC Stormwater Permits (1+ acre land disturbance)
- SC DHEC Septic System 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
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Marion County Planning and Community Development Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marion County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Marion County, SC?
- Projects exceeding $1,000 in value and/or 200 square feet in area
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Marion County, SC?
- 1. Obtain zoning compliance permit (available Tuesday & Thursday only) 2. Submit receipt showing water/sewer tap payment if applicable 3. Submit completed building permit application with state contractor's license and ID 4. Provide Marion County business license 5. Provide signed Contract Agreement between contractor and homeowner (REQUIRED) 6. Submit two sets of plans when required 7. Plans reviewed by building department 8. Permit issued upon approval
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Marion County, SC?
- The following work is generally exempt: Interior finishing work including painting, door replacement, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry, countertops, and similar finish work (confirm with Building Department). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from other requirements. Confirm with Building Department before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Marion County, SC?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Building Official Wayne Fox (843) 423-8238 or Permits Coordinator Spencer Jordan (843) 423-8191 ext. 147.
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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.