City Building Permits

Columbia, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

South Carolina Richland County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies to properties located within the City of Columbia limits in Richland County. Note: Columbia also extends into Lexington County; parcel location must be verified before relying on this section.

Department
City of Columbia Planning and Development, Permitting and Inspections
Address
1401 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone
803-545-3483
Website
https://planninganddevelopment.columbiasc.gov/development-inspections/

Online Permit Portal

Open Tyler EnerGov Self Service Portal

Platform: Tyler EnerGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online or in-person

Application Process

  1. Verify the parcel is located within City of Columbia limits and confirm the Richland County portion if needed.
  2. Determine the permit type and download the correct application or checklist from the City of Columbia permit applications page.
  3. Submit through the Tyler EnerGov Self Service Portal or at the Development Center, including plans and trade-specific forms.
  4. If applying as a homeowner acting as contractor, include the city homeowner affidavit.
  5. Respond to plan review comments or special-inspection requirements if the project triggers them.
  6. Pay required fees after review approval and before permit issuance.
  7. Post the permit and schedule inspections through the portal; the Building Official issues the certificate of occupancy after final approvals.

Typical processing time: No universal review timeline was posted on the city permit pages reviewed.

Source: City of Columbia Planning and Development, Permitting and Inspections

General Requirements

The city publishes permit applications for residential construction, electrical, mechanical, gas, plumbing, roofing, addressing, curb cuts, land disturbance, zoning permits, signs, fences and accessory structures.

Required Documents

  • Permit application (varies by type)
  • Construction plans and drawings
  • Homeowner affidavit (if owner-builder)
  • Trade permit applications as needed
  • Project-specific checklists
  • Special inspection reports when required
Permit validity
Not clearly stated on the public city permit pages reviewed.
Building code
2021 International Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Fuel Gas Codes with South Carolina modifications; 2009 IECC, 2020 NEC, and ICC A117.1-2017 (effective January 1, 2023)
Owner-builder
The city publishes a Homeowner Affidavit form for owner-builders.
Contractor requirements
South Carolina contractor licensing applies at the state level; permit forms assume licensed contractors and separate trade inspections.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Zoning permit minimum $5 (single-family residential); commercial building $50 minimum
Plan check fee
30% of building permit fee for third review; general first-review plan check percentage not clearly stated
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Zoning and development review fees are flat or square-foot based; commercial building and trade permit fees are valuation-based.
Reinspection fee
$30 for first failed reinspection; $50 for additional failed reinspections
Payment note
Fees are due at submittal; if submitted electronically, payment is due upon invoice receipt. Fees are non-refundable.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective September 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Columbia Planning and Development, Permitting and Inspections to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing, foundation, rough-in and frame, insulation, power and gas, and final inspections. All subcontract work must be approved before certificate of occupancy processing.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Columbia Planning and Development, Permitting and Inspections before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Columbia, SC?
The city publishes permit applications for residential construction, electrical, mechanical, gas, plumbing, roofing, addressing, curb cuts, land disturbance, zoning permits, signs, fences and accessory structures.
How much does a building permit cost in Columbia, SC?
The minimum permit fee is Zoning permit minimum $5 (single-family residential); commercial building $50 minimum. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Zoning and development review fees are flat or square-foot based; commercial building and trade permit fees are valuation-based.. Plan check fee: 30% of building permit fee for third review; general first-review plan check percentage not clearly stated.
How do I apply for a building permit in Columbia, SC?
1. Verify the parcel is located within City of Columbia limits and confirm the Richland County portion if needed. 2. Determine the permit type and download the correct application or checklist from the City of Columbia permit applications page. 3. Submit through the Tyler EnerGov Self Service Portal or at the Development Center, including plans and trade-specific forms. 4. If applying as a homeowner acting as contractor, include the city homeowner affidavit. 5. Respond to plan review comments or special-inspection requirements if the project triggers them. 6. Pay required fees after review approval and before permit issuance. 7. Post the permit and schedule inspections through the portal; the Building Official issues the certificate of occupancy after final approvals.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Columbia, SC?
Typical processing time is No universal review timeline was posted on the city permit pages reviewed..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Columbia, SC?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Self Service Portal.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Columbia can be complicated.

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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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