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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Plum Branch
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 County Building Department before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Three (3) sets of construction plans showing building design, dimensions, and materials
- Property survey or deed showing property lines and proposed location
- Proof of ownership or authorization to construct
- Building code
- South Carolina Building Code 2021 (based on IBC 2021). Town of Plum Branch Ordinances apply for 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.
- 01 Verify property is within Town of Plum Branch corporate limits.
- 02 Contact Town of Plum Branch at (864) 443-2535 to confirm Town-specific requirements.
- 03 Submit building permit application to McCormick County Building Department at 610 South Mine Street, McCormick, SC 29835, or call (864) 852-2231.
- 04 Provide completed Building Permit Application and three (3) sets of construction plans.
- 05 Include property survey/deed showing property lines and proof of ownership or authorization to construct.
- 06 County staff review for compliance with SC Building Code 2021 and local ordinances.
- 07 Submit revisions if plans are deficient.
- 08 Receive permit upon approval and coordinate inspections through County Building Department.
Typical processing time: 1-2 weeks for standard residential projects; 2-4 weeks for commercial or complex projects.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (864) 852-2231 (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 conducted by McCormick County Building Department. Key stages: Foundation/Footing, Framing, Rough MEP, Final Inspection.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Plum Branch permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Plum Branch, 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 Plum Branch, SC? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Plum Branch, SC, follow these steps: 1. Verify property is within Town of Plum Branch corporate limits. 2. Contact Town of Plum Branch at (864) 443-2535 to confirm Town-specific requirements. 3. Submit building permit application to McCormick County Building Department at 610 South Mine Street, McCormick, SC 29835, or call (864) 852-2231. 4. Provide completed Building Permit Application and three (3) sets of construction plans. 5. Include property survey/deed showing property lines and proof of ownership or authorization to construct. 6. County staff review for compliance with SC Building Code 2021 and local ordinances. 7. Submit revisions if plans are deficient. 8. Receive permit upon approval and coordinate inspections through County Building Department.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Plum Branch, SC? ▸
Building permit processing times in Plum Branch, SC typically run 1-2 weeks for standard residential projects; 2-4 weeks for commercial or complex projects.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Plum Branch, SC? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Plum Branch, 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 County Building Department before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Plum Branch, SC? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Plum Branch, SC via: (864) 852-2231. Requests must be submitted by 2:00 PM for next-business-day inspection..
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/south-carolina/mccormick/plum-branch
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with McCormick County Building Department (serving Town of Plum Branch) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.