City Building Permits

Easley, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Easley, South Carolina. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

South Carolina Pickens County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies inside Easley city limits. Unincorporated Pickens County is handled separately by Pickens County Building Codes.

Department
Building Department, City of Easley
Address
205 North First Street, Easley, SC 29640
Phone
(864) 855-7908

Application Process

  1. Confirm whether a permit is required. Easley says permits are required when remodeling or additions change structural conditions or include electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work, and for any structure 200 square feet or greater or any structure of any size with plumbing or electricity.
  2. Download the residential or commercial building permit application from the Building Department page.
  3. For commercial work, mail or deliver two stamped hard-copy plan sets to the City of Easley Building Department, attention Tor Ellstrom, 205 N 1st St., Easley, SC 29640.
  4. Coordinate plan review or code questions with the Building Official and schedule inspections through the department.
  5. Pay permit fees under the published schedule once staff completes review and issues the permit.

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated on the current Easley pages reviewed.

Source: Building Department, City of Easley

General Requirements

Structural remodeling or additions, electrical/plumbing/mechanical work, and structures 200 square feet or greater; any structure of any size with plumbing or electricity.

Required Documents

  • Residential or commercial building permit application
  • Commercial projects require two stamped hard-copy plan sets for review
  • Owner-builder disclosure if a homeowner pulls a permit for a primary residence
Permit validity
Not clearly posted on the current city pages reviewed.
Building code
2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Fire Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2009 International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, 2021 International Existing Building Code, and 2020 National Electrical Code.
Owner-builder
A homeowner may pull a permit only for a primary residence, not a rental property, and must complete and record an Owner/Builder Disclosure form with Pickens County.
Contractor requirements
Easley's published materials point contractors to city business license requirements and staff review; the fee schedule notes contractors should check with the Finance Department regarding a City Business License.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$40.00 for construction cost from $0 to $5,000
Plan check fee
Commercial construction plan review is 1/2 of permit fees; plans are submitted to a third party for review.
Permit fee formula
Valuation based. $0-$5,000 = $40; $5,001-$100,000 = $40 plus $5 per $1,000; $100,001-$500,000 = $515 plus $4 per $1,000; $500,001 and over = $2,115 plus $3 per $1,000.
Reinspection fee
First reinspection $60; second reinspection $75; third and ongoing $100 per the inspection page.
Payment note
Current public materials do not state online payment instructions for building permits.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Residential roofing
  • Vinyl siding
  • Window replacement
  • Fences

Important: Contact the Building Department to confirm whether edge cases are exempt from permitting.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (864) 855-7908 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
At least 24 hours notice required.

Typical inspection sequence: Footing; plumbing under slab; slab; rough-in; insulation and house wrap; temporary permanent power; final inspection.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Department, City of Easley before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easley Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Easley, SC?
Structural remodeling or additions, electrical/plumbing/mechanical work, and structures 200 square feet or greater; any structure of any size with plumbing or electricity.
How much does a building permit cost in Easley, SC?
The minimum permit fee is $40.00 for construction cost from $0 to $5,000. Fees are calculated as: Valuation based. $0-$5,000 = $40; $5,001-$100,000 = $40 plus $5 per $1,000; $100,001-$500,000 = $515 plus $4 per $1,000; $500,001 and over = $2,115 plus $3 per $1,000.. Plan check fee: Commercial construction plan review is 1/2 of permit fees; plans are submitted to a third party for review..
How do I apply for a building permit in Easley, SC?
1. Confirm whether a permit is required. Easley says permits are required when remodeling or additions change structural conditions or include electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work, and for any structure 200 square feet or greater or any structure of any size with plumbing or electricity. 2. Download the residential or commercial building permit application from the Building Department page. 3. For commercial work, mail or deliver two stamped hard-copy plan sets to the City of Easley Building Department, attention Tor Ellstrom, 205 N 1st St., Easley, SC 29640. 4. Coordinate plan review or code questions with the Building Official and schedule inspections through the department. 5. Pay permit fees under the published schedule once staff completes review and issues the permit.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Easley, SC?
Typical processing time is Not publicly stated on the current Easley pages reviewed..
What work is exempt from building permits in Easley, SC?
The following work is generally exempt: Residential roofing; Vinyl siding; Window replacement; Fences. Note: Contact the Building Department to confirm whether edge cases are exempt from permitting.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Easley, SC?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (864) 855-7908. At least 24 hours notice required..

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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