Pickens County, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies in unincorporated Pickens County outside incorporated municipalities such as Easley, Clemson, Pickens, and Central.

Department

Pickens County Building Codes Administration

Address

222 McDaniel Avenue, B-10, Pickens, SC 29671

Phone

(864) 898-5950

Email

pcbuildingcodes@pickenscountysc.gov

Website

https://www.co.pickens.sc.us/departments/building_codes/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. For residences using onsite wastewater, obtain South Carolina DHEC septic approval first.
2. While septic review is pending, apply for a new 911 address for the project.
3. Complete the building permit application with Pickens County Building Codes and provide required supporting information.
4. Pay permit and other applicable fees. County guidance says the permit may be issued once all fees are paid.
5. Start construction within 6 months and request required inspections through the portal or by phone.
6. Obtain final approval and a certificate of occupancy before occupying the residence.

Typical processing time: County residential guide says septic approval time is variable and applicants should allow at least 4 to 5 weeks for the DHEC portion. County inspection service goal says inspections are provided within 24 hours of request.

Source: Pickens County Building Codes Administration

General Requirements

County guide says any structure 200 square feet or larger, or any structure of any size requiring plumbing or electricity, and agricultural pole barns all require permits.

Required Documents

• Building permit application
• Septic permit where applicable
• Recorded plat
• Purchase document if property was just purchased
• Owner-builder disclosure if owner-building
• Trade permit applications as applicable

Permit validity

County residential guide says construction must commence within 6 months from permit issuance; permit becomes null and void after 6 months of non-activity and fees are forfeited.

Building code

County says it enforces the adopted International Building Codes and Pickens County ordinances and links to the South Carolina mandatory codes notice effective January 1, 2023.

Owner-builder

County guide says owner-builders are allowed if they complete and record an owner/builder affidavit and agree to occupy the home for a minimum of two years without renting or selling it. County also posts a separate Owner Builder Disclosure form.

Contractor requirements

County links directly to South Carolina residential contractor licensing lookup and states trade permits and inspections are handled by Building Codes. County fee and permit materials assume licensed builders and trade contractors where applicable.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$75.00 for project value from $1 to $8,000

Plan check fee

When plan submittal is required and valuation exceeds $1,000, plan review fee equals one-half of the building permit fee and is paid at plan submittal.

Permit fee formula

Valuation based. $1-$8,000 = $75; $8,001-$50,000 = $10 per thousand over minimum; $50,001-$100,000 = $300 for first $50,000 plus $4 per additional $1,000; $100,001-$500,000 = $500 for first $100,000 plus $3 per additional $1,000; over $500,000 = $2,000 for first $500,000 plus $2 per additional $1,000.

Reinspection fee

Reinspection fee is $50. County fee schedule doubles permit fees where work starts before obtaining the permit.

Penalty (no permit)

County doubles permit fees for work started before obtaining the permit.

Payment note

County website states permits taken after 4:30 p.m. will be made ready for payment and issuance through the online permit portal as soon as possible.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective FY25).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not over 200 square feet and no electrical, plumbing, or HVAC
• Fences not over 6 feet 6 inches high
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet high
• Water tanks supported directly on grade with capacity not over 5,000 gallons and ratio of height to diameter or width not over 2 to 1
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
• Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
• Minor electrical repair work including replacement of lamps or connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles
• Portable heating, cooking, or clothes drying gas appliances
• Replacement of gas appliance parts that do not alter approval or make equipment unsafe
• Portable heating, ventilation, cooling appliances for mechanical/plumbing
• Self-contained refrigeration systems with 10 pounds or less of refrigerant and motors of 1 horsepower or less
• Stopping leaks or clearing stoppages in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent pipe if not concealed

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with Pickens County Building Codes before proceeding without a permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• EnerGov Citizen Self Service (online)
• (864) 898-5950 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests must be called in before 4:00 p.m. to be scheduled.

Time windows

County states its intent is to provide inspections within 24 hours of request.

Typical inspection sequence: Footing and slab; framing; foundation drainage if basement; permanent power; final inspection. The county residential checklist also identifies footing, plumbing under slab, rough-in, insulation, and final requirements.

Additional Resources

• Building code: County says it enforces the adopted International Building Codes and Pickens County ordinances and links to the South Carolina mandatory codes notice effective January 1, 2023.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building Codes Forms Page
• Unified Development Standards Ordinance
• Floodplain Management
• License lookup guide: South Carolina Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: South Carolina Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• South Carolina hub: South Carolina Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Pickens County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Pickens County, SC?

County guide says any structure 200 square feet or larger, or any structure of any size requiring plumbing or electricity, and agricultural pole barns all require permits.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Pickens County, SC?

The minimum permit fee is $75.00 for project value from $1 to $8,000. Fees are calculated as: Valuation based. $1-$8,000 = $75; $8,001-$50,000 = $10 per thousand over minimum; $50,001-$100,000 = $300 for first $50,000 plus $4 per additional $1,000; $100,001-$500,000 = $500 for first $100,000 plus $3 per additional $1,000; over $500,000 = $2,000 for first $500,000 plus $2 per additional $1,000.. Plan check fee: When plan submittal is required and valuation exceeds $1,000, plan review fee equals one-half of the building permit fee and is paid at plan submittal..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Pickens County, SC?

1. For residences using onsite wastewater, obtain South Carolina DHEC septic approval first. 2. While septic review is pending, apply for a new 911 address for the project. 3. Complete the building permit application with Pickens County Building Codes and provide required supporting information. 4. Pay permit and other applicable fees. County guidance says the permit may be issued once all fees are paid. 5. Start construction within 6 months and request required inspections through the portal or by phone. 6. Obtain final approval and a certificate of occupancy before occupying the residence.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Pickens County, SC?

Typical processing time is County residential guide says septic approval time is variable and applicants should allow at least 4 to 5 weeks for the DHEC portion. County inspection service goal says inspections are provided within 24 hours of request..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Pickens County, SC?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not over 200 square feet and no electrical, plumbing, or HVAC; Fences not over 6 feet 6 inches high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high; Water tanks supported directly on grade with capacity not over 5,000 gallons and ratio of height to diameter or width not over 2 to 1; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Minor electrical repair work including replacement of lamps or connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles; Portable heating, cooking, or clothes drying gas appliances; Replacement of gas appliance parts that do not alter approval or make equipment unsafe; Portable heating, ventilation, cooling appliances for mechanical/plumbing; Self-contained refrigeration systems with 10 pounds or less of refrigerant and motors of 1 horsepower or less; Stopping leaks or clearing stoppages in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent pipe if not concealed. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with Pickens County Building Codes before proceeding without a permit.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Pickens County, SC?

Inspections can be scheduled via: EnerGov Citizen Self Service, (864) 898-5950. Inspection requests must be called in before 4:00 p.m. to be scheduled..