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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for McCormick County
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 (still 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 (still 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 McCormick 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) with SC statewide amendments per S.C. Code of Laws § 6-9-40.
- 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 (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) 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; additional time for revisions if needed.
- 01 Contact McCormick County Zoning Department at (864) 852-2231 for pre-application consultation to verify zoning compliance and identify required special permits.
- 02 Obtain zoning clearance if required.
- 03 Submit completed Building Permit Application in person or by mail to 610 South Mine Street, McCormick, SC 29835.
- 04 Provide three (3) sets of plans showing building design, dimensions, construction materials, and compliance with SC Building Code 2021.
- 05 Include property survey or deed showing property lines and proposed location.
- 06 Provide proof of ownership or authorization to construct.
- 07 County staff review for compliance with SC Building Code 2021 and local ordinances (typically 1-2 weeks for residential; 2-4 weeks for commercial or complex projects).
- 08 Submit revisions if plans are deficient (each revision cycle typically 1-2 additional weeks).
- 09 Receive permit upon approval and begin construction.
Typical processing time: 1-2 weeks for standard residential projects; 2-4 weeks for commercial or complex projects; additional time for revisions if needed.
§ 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: Key inspection stages: Foundation/Footing (before concrete pour), Framing (after structural frame erected, before sheathing/insulation), Rough Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing (before walls closed), Final Inspection (upon project completion, before occupancy).
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated McCormick County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated McCormick County, 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 unincorporated McCormick County, SC? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated McCormick County, SC, follow these steps: 1. Contact McCormick County Zoning Department at (864) 852-2231 for pre-application consultation to verify zoning compliance and identify required special permits. 2. Obtain zoning clearance if required. 3. Submit completed Building Permit Application in person or by mail to 610 South Mine Street, McCormick, SC 29835. 4. Provide three (3) sets of plans showing building design, dimensions, construction materials, and compliance with SC Building Code 2021. 5. Include property survey or deed showing property lines and proposed location. 6. Provide proof of ownership or authorization to construct. 7. County staff review for compliance with SC Building Code 2021 and local ordinances (typically 1-2 weeks for residential; 2-4 weeks for commercial or complex projects). 8. Submit revisions if plans are deficient (each revision cycle typically 1-2 additional weeks). 9. Receive permit upon approval and begin construction.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated McCormick County, SC? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated McCormick County, SC typically run 1-2 weeks for standard residential projects; 2-4 weeks for commercial or complex projects; additional time for revisions if needed.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated McCormick County, SC? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated McCormick County, SC. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, storage buildings) with floor area ≤120 square feet (still 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 McCormick 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 unincorporated McCormick County, SC? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated McCormick County, 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/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with McCormick County Building Department and Inspection Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.