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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Marion County
Projects exceeding $1,000 in value and/or 200 square feet in area
Interior finishing work including painting, door replacement, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry, countertops, and similar finish work (confirm with Building Department)
- 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.
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Obtain zoning compliance permit (available Tuesday & Thursday only)
- 02 Submit receipt showing water/sewer tap payment if applicable
- 03 Submit completed building permit application with state contractor's license and ID
- 04 Provide Marion County business license
- 05 Provide signed Contract Agreement between contractor and homeowner (REQUIRED)
- 06 Submit two sets of plans when required
- 07 Plans reviewed by building department
- 08 Permit issued upon approval
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: On-site inspections conducted during construction as required. Final inspection upon project completion. Inspectors verify compliance with approved plans and applicable codes.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Marion County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Marion County, SC? ▸
Projects exceeding $1,000 in value and/or 200 square feet in area
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Marion County, SC? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Marion County, SC, follow these steps: 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
03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Marion County, SC? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Marion County, SC? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Marion County, SC via: Building Official Wayne Fox (843) 423-8238 or Permits Coordinator Spencer Jordan (843) 423-8191 ext. 147.
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/south-carolina/marion/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Marion County Planning and Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.