Forest Acres, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies inside City of Forest Acres limits. Richland County does not issue building permits for work inside Forest Acres.

Department

City of Forest Acres Building Department; Planning and Zoning

Address

5209 North Trenholm Road, Forest Acres, SC 29206

Phone

803-782-9475

Email

jburrows@forestacres.net

Website

https://www.forestacres.net/permits-applications

Application Process

1. Download the building permit application and plan review form from the city forms page.
2. Assemble required materials, including two sets of construction documents with plat, footing and foundation information, framing details, floor plan, elevations, electrical and energy code information.
3. Email plans to jburrows@forestacres.net and lboatright@forestacres.net, or submit materials at City Hall.
4. Include a signed contract and subcontractor list if subcontractors will be used.
5. If applying as an owner-builder, sign the disclosure documents required by South Carolina law and the city plan review form.
6. Pay the permit fee and any plan review or reinspection charges.
7. After issuance, post the permit card and proceed to required inspections by the city Building Department.

Typical processing time: No general building permit review timeline was posted. The city notes that sign permit turnaround is usually 2 to 3 days.

Source: City of Forest Acres Building Department; Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

The city Building Department issues permits and completes inspections for building work, plan review, land disturbance, tree removal, garage sales, signs, and zoning matters.

Required Documents

• Building permit application
• Signed contract
• Subcontractor list (when used)
• Two complete sets of construction documents (for plan review)
• Plat, footing and foundation details, framing plans, floor plan, elevations, electrical and energy code information

Permit validity

Permit is void if job is not started within six months of application date.

Building code

2018 South Carolina Building Code

Owner-builder

City plan review form reproduces South Carolina owner-builder disclosure rules for one-family and two-family residences; signed disclosure must be filed with the Richland County Register of Deeds.

Contractor requirements

Only contractors licensed by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation may obtain permits, other than homeowners operating under the homeowner exemption.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Residential building $15 minimum; commercial $30 minimum for work valued at $3,000 and under

Plan check fee

15% of building permit fee plus direct costs; residential additions, remodels, storage buildings, new houses have $25 minimum

Permit fee formula

Residential $4 per $1,000 of valuation or fraction thereof; commercial uses tiered valuation schedule

Reinspection fee

Residential: $50 first, $75 second, $100 third failed reinspection; Commercial: $100 first, $200 second, $300 third

Payment note

City Hall accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover in person; checks by mail with mailed applications. Does not accept payment over the phone.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2019).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Forest Acres Building Department; Planning and Zoning to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• City Building Department: 803-782-9475 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: City does not post a master inspection sequence on the main permit page; inspections follow the issued permit and any plan review requirements.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 South Carolina Building Code
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Finance and Fee Schedule
• Current Zoning Ordinance
• Zoning Request Form
• 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

Forest Acres Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Forest Acres, SC?

The city Building Department issues permits and completes inspections for building work, plan review, land disturbance, tree removal, garage sales, signs, and zoning matters.

How much does a building permit cost in Forest Acres, SC?

The minimum permit fee is Residential building $15 minimum; commercial $30 minimum for work valued at $3,000 and under. Fees are calculated as: Residential $4 per $1,000 of valuation or fraction thereof; commercial uses tiered valuation schedule. Plan check fee: 15% of building permit fee plus direct costs; residential additions, remodels, storage buildings, new houses have $25 minimum.

How do I apply for a building permit in Forest Acres, SC?

1. Download the building permit application and plan review form from the city forms page. 2. Assemble required materials, including two sets of construction documents with plat, footing and foundation information, framing details, floor plan, elevations, electrical and energy code information. 3. Email plans to jburrows@forestacres.net and lboatright@forestacres.net, or submit materials at City Hall. 4. Include a signed contract and subcontractor list if subcontractors will be used. 5. If applying as an owner-builder, sign the disclosure documents required by South Carolina law and the city plan review form. 6. Pay the permit fee and any plan review or reinspection charges. 7. After issuance, post the permit card and proceed to required inspections by the city Building Department.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Forest Acres, SC?

Typical processing time is No general building permit review timeline was posted. The city notes that sign permit turnaround is usually 2 to 3 days..

How do I schedule a building inspection in Forest Acres, SC?

Inspections can be scheduled via: City Building Department: 803-782-9475.

Other cities in Richland County