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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for McCormick
A building permit is required for new buildings, additions, alterations, demolition, mechanical/electrical/plumbing installations, swimming pools, permanent spas, deck construction (if attached), and roofing involving structural changes.
One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, storage buildings) with floor area ≤120 square feet (subject to zoning approval)
One-story detached storage structures accessory to one- or two-family dwellings with floor area ≤200 square feet
Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
One-story farm structures (barns, poultry houses, etc.) used solely for agricultural purposes on the farm
Playhouses and similar temporary structures
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, storage buildings) with floor area ≤120 square feet (subject to zoning approval)
- Exempt One-story detached storage structures accessory to one- or two-family dwellings with floor area ≤200 square feet
- Exempt Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
- Exempt One-story farm structures (barns, poultry houses, etc.) used solely for agricultural purposes on the farm
- Exempt Playhouses and similar temporary structures
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Verify with Town and County before proceeding.
Required documents
- Building Permit Coordination Form
- Property owner name and contact information
- Detailed description of proposed work
- Property location and survey/plat information
- Contractor information (if applicable)
- Estimated project cost
- Building code
- South Carolina Building Code 2021 (based on IBC 2021) with SC statewide amendments. Town of McCormick Codes & Ordinances apply for zoning and local standards.
- Permit validity
- Permits typically valid for 180 days from issuance; extensions may be requested in writing.
- Owner-builder
- South Carolina does not grant blanket owner-builder exemptions; permits and plan review still required.
- Contractor requirements
- General contractors required for commercial projects and multi-family residential (3+ units). Residential builders required for 1-2 family projects. Specialty contractors must hold respective specialty licenses.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 1-2 weeks for standard residential projects; 2-4 weeks for commercial or complex projects (per county review).
- 01 Contact Town of McCormick at (864) 852-2225 to verify property is within Town limits and confirm any Town-specific zoning or approval requirements.
- 02 Obtain Building Permit Coordination Form from www.townofmccormicksc.com or pick up at Town Hall.
- 03 Complete the Coordination Form with property owner information, detailed description of proposed work, property location and survey/plat information, contractor information, and estimated project cost.
- 04 Submit completed form to Town of McCormick.
- 05 Town reviews and coordinates with McCormick County Building Department for permit issuance.
- 06 McCormick County Building Department processes and issues permit per county procedures.
- 07 Begin construction once permit is issued and any required inspections are scheduled.
Typical processing time: 1-2 weeks for standard residential projects; 2-4 weeks for commercial or complex projects (per county review).
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (864) 852-2231 (County Building Department) (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests must be submitted by 2:00 PM for next-business-day inspection.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Typical sequence: Inspections coordinated through McCormick County Building Department. Key stages: Foundation/Footing, Framing, Rough MEP, Final Inspection.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about McCormick permits
01 Do I need a building permit in McCormick, SC? ▸
A building permit is required for new buildings, additions, alterations, demolition, mechanical/electrical/plumbing installations, swimming pools, permanent spas, deck construction (if attached), and roofing involving structural changes.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in McCormick, SC? ▸
To apply for a building permit in McCormick, SC, follow these steps: 1. Contact Town of McCormick at (864) 852-2225 to verify property is within Town limits and confirm any Town-specific zoning or approval requirements. 2. Obtain Building Permit Coordination Form from www.townofmccormicksc.com or pick up at Town Hall. 3. Complete the Coordination Form with property owner information, detailed description of proposed work, property location and survey/plat information, contractor information, and estimated project cost. 4. Submit completed form to Town of McCormick. 5. Town reviews and coordinates with McCormick County Building Department for permit issuance. 6. McCormick County Building Department processes and issues permit per county procedures. 7. Begin construction once permit is issued and any required inspections are scheduled.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in McCormick, SC? ▸
Building permit processing times in McCormick, SC typically run 1-2 weeks for standard residential projects; 2-4 weeks for commercial or complex projects (per county review).. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in McCormick, SC? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in McCormick, SC. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, storage buildings) with floor area ≤120 square feet (subject to zoning approval); One-story detached storage structures accessory to one- or two-family dwellings with floor area ≤200 square feet; Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes; One-story farm structures (barns, poultry houses, etc.) used solely for agricultural purposes on the farm; Playhouses and similar temporary structures. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Verify with Town and County before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in McCormick, SC? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in McCormick, SC via: (864) 852-2231 (County Building Department). Requests must be submitted by 2:00 PM for next-business-day inspection..
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/south-carolina/mccormick/mccormick-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of McCormick Building Department (coordinated with McCormick County) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.