County Building Permits
Marlboro County, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Marlboro County, South Carolina. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Unincorporated areas of Marlboro County; municipalities (Bennettsville, Clio, McColl, Blenheim, Tatum) maintain separate permit authorities.
- Department
- Marlboro County Planning and Building Services
- Address
- 105 Main Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512
- Phone
- (843) 479-5602
Online Permit Portal
Platform: SC AccessGov • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Submit all required documentation and payment in person at Marlboro County Courthouse or by mail.
- County staff reviews plans for code compliance with 2021 South Carolina Building Codes.
- For on-site wastewater systems, DHEC septic permit must be obtained before county building permit can be issued.
- Approval issued as building permit with permit number and work authorization.
- Contractor must present current SC Contractor's License and identification card.
- For owner-builder work, homeowner must file affidavit with Clerk of Court Office.
Typical processing time: Variable; contact county for current processing times
General Requirements
Building permit required for any construction, addition, or renovation greater than $2,000 in valuation or that requires an inspection.
Required Documents
- Two (2) sets of plans prepared by a licensed architect or registered engineer
- Plot/site plan showing location of construction
- State of South Carolina Contractor's License & Identification Card (for contractors only)
- Signed contract agreement between contractor and homeowner (required for contractor-performed work)
- Affidavit signed and recorded with Clerk of Court Office (for homeowner self-performing work)
- Building code
- 2021 South Carolina Building Codes (based on 2021 IBC/IRC with SC amendments, effective January 1, 2023)
- Owner-builder
- Homeowner may self-perform work only if property owner and primary residence. Property cannot be sold or rented within 2 years of owner-completion. Owner must personally appear and sign building permit application. Must file notice with Register of Deeds stating building was constructed by owner as unlicensed builder.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold a valid, current, and bonded SC Contractor License. License verification required at time of permit application. Expired or lapsed licenses delay or prevent permit issuance.
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Fees calculated on valuation of work; consult county website or contact Janilla Williams at (843) 479-5602 for current rates
- Payment note
- Payment methods accepted: cash, credit card, check (payable to Marlboro County). No surcharge noted in research.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- One-story detached accessory structures 200 sq. ft. or less
- Leak repairs in drain, water, soil, waste, or vent pipes (if no replacement or rearrangement of components)
- Clearing stoppages or repairs to pipes, valves, or fixtures (if no replacement or rearrangement)
Important: Owner-builder exemption applies only to primary residence owner-occupied property. Property cannot be sold or rented within 2 years of completion (violation revokes exemption). Owner must file notice with Register of Deeds.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (843) 479-5602 ext. 13 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24-hour advance notice required
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Required inspection points: Footings (after excavation and before concrete placement), Foundation/Floor (foundation walls, piers, rim/band joists, floor joists, tie-downs before sub-flooring), Framing (after roof, framing, fire-stopping, draft-stopping, and bracing complete), Building Sewer & DWV Systems (no evidence of leakage; slab floors with plumbing tested before slab pour), Final Inspection (required before building occupancy or use).
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 South Carolina Building Codes (based on 2021 IBC/IRC with SC amendments, effective January 1, 2023)
- Verify contractor license: SC Contractor License Verification
- Owner-builder rules: View rules
- SC Building Codes Council
- SC Department of Environmental Services (Septic/Stormwater)
- 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 Marlboro County Planning and Building Services before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marlboro County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Marlboro County, SC?
- Building permit required for any construction, addition, or renovation greater than $2,000 in valuation or that requires an inspection.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Marlboro County, SC?
- Fees are calculated as: Fees calculated on valuation of work; consult county website or contact Janilla Williams at (843) 479-5602 for current rates.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Marlboro County, SC?
- 1. Submit all required documentation and payment in person at Marlboro County Courthouse or by mail. 2. County staff reviews plans for code compliance with 2021 South Carolina Building Codes. 3. For on-site wastewater systems, DHEC septic permit must be obtained before county building permit can be issued. 4. Approval issued as building permit with permit number and work authorization. 5. Contractor must present current SC Contractor's License and identification card. 6. For owner-builder work, homeowner must file affidavit with Clerk of Court Office.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Marlboro County, SC?
- Typical processing time is Variable; contact county for current processing times.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Marlboro County, SC?
- The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures 200 sq. ft. or less; Leak repairs in drain, water, soil, waste, or vent pipes (if no replacement or rearrangement of components); Clearing stoppages or repairs to pipes, valves, or fixtures (if no replacement or rearrangement). Note: Owner-builder exemption applies only to primary residence owner-occupied property. Property cannot be sold or rented within 2 years of completion (violation revokes exemption). Owner must file notice with Register of Deeds.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Marlboro County, SC?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (843) 479-5602 ext. 13. 24-hour advance notice required.
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