Greer (Spartanburg County portion), SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies to property inside City of Greer municipal limits, including the portion of Greer located in Spartanburg County. County addressing and GIS verification may be needed for Spartanburg County parcels.

Department

Permits Team, Planning and Development Department, City of Greer

Address

301 E. Poinsett Street, Greer, SC 29651

Phone

864-848-2150

Website

https://www.cityofgreersc.gov/page/planning-and-development-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is inside Greer city limits on the Spartanburg County side and identify the correct permit type for residential construction, commercial construction, plan review, or trades.
2. Create or use an eTRAKiT account. The city states limited online permitting is available for licensed contractors and registered public users.
3. Submit the permit or plan review application through eTRAKiT. For commercial plan review, upload one full set of stamped drawings as a single document and pay zoning and plan review fees at submittal.
4. If the project address is not listed in the system, obtain E911 street addressing verification and submit it to the permits team. For Spartanburg County parcels, contact Spartanburg County GIS.
5. Respond to comments, provide any requested before-and-after plans or supporting materials, and pay permit fees.
6. After issuance, request inspections through eTRAKiT or by phone; final approval follows required inspections and certificate of occupancy materials where applicable.

Typical processing time: No public citywide permit turnaround estimate located. Inspection requests made by 11:59 p.m. Monday through Friday are scheduled for the next business day.

Source: Permits Team, Planning and Development Department, City of Greer

General Requirements

Greer requires permits before any work begins. Permits are required for new construction, additions, structural changes, electrical upgrades, plumbing, HVAC work, decks, fences, solar panels, swimming pools, remodeling, repairs, interior demolition, demolition, moving structures, replacement water heaters, replacement roofs, siding, replacement windows, garages, carports, and storage sheds.

Required Documents

• eTRAKiT application
• Stamped plan set for commercial plan review
• Certificate of occupancy application (when applicable)
• Before-and-after plans (when requested)
• Address verification (if the parcel is not listed in the system)
• Project valuation and supporting documents

Permit validity

Public permit pages did not state a general permit expiration rule. The city fee schedule includes a renewal of expired permit fee, indicating expired permits require renewal action.

Building code

2009 IECC; 2020 NEC; 2021 IBC; 2017 ANSI A117.1; 2021 IEBC; 2021 IFC; 2021 IFGC; 2021 IMC; 2021 IPC

Owner-builder

The city states homeowners applying for a permit for their primary residence should contact the department for details.

Contractor requirements

Greer verifies contractors are licensed, insured, and bonded before issuing permits.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

See fee schedule for current amounts

Plan check fee

Plan review fees are due at submission for commercial plan review. Detailed line-item amounts are in the comprehensive fee schedule PDF.

Permit fee formula

Plan review and zoning fees are calculated based on the project's contract amount. See comprehensive fee schedule PDF for permit, license, service, fine, and penalty charges.

Penalty (no permit)

Building without a permit can result in daily fines, penalties, or even demolition orders.

Payment note

Fees are paid through city permit processing and eTRAKiT; plan review fees are due at submittal for commercial plan review.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026-03).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Painting
• Gutters
• Small storage buildings

Important: The city states zoning approval may still apply even where these are exceptions from building permit review.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• eTRAKiT portal (online)
• 864-968-7029 (phone)

Inspection hours

Office: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Construction hours: Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Inspector hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Project-dependent; Greer routes permit issuance first, then required trade and building inspections, then final inspection and certificate of occupancy materials where applicable.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2009 IECC; 2020 NEC; 2021 IBC; 2017 ANSI A117.1; 2021 IEBC; 2021 IFC; 2021 IFGC; 2021 IMC; 2021 IPC
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Planning and Development Plan Review
• Planning and Development Inspections
• City of Greer GIS Atlas
• 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

Greer (Spartanburg County portion) Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Greer (Spartanburg County portion), SC?

Greer requires permits before any work begins. Permits are required for new construction, additions, structural changes, electrical upgrades, plumbing, HVAC work, decks, fences, solar panels, swimming pools, remodeling, repairs, interior demolition, demolition, moving structures, replacement water heaters, replacement roofs, siding, replacement windows, garages, carports, and storage sheds.

How much does a building permit cost in Greer (Spartanburg County portion), SC?

The minimum permit fee is See fee schedule for current amounts. Fees are calculated as: Plan review and zoning fees are calculated based on the project's contract amount. See comprehensive fee schedule PDF for permit, license, service, fine, and penalty charges.. Plan check fee: Plan review fees are due at submission for commercial plan review. Detailed line-item amounts are in the comprehensive fee schedule PDF..

How do I apply for a building permit in Greer (Spartanburg County portion), SC?

1. Confirm the parcel is inside Greer city limits on the Spartanburg County side and identify the correct permit type for residential construction, commercial construction, plan review, or trades. 2. Create or use an eTRAKiT account. The city states limited online permitting is available for licensed contractors and registered public users. 3. Submit the permit or plan review application through eTRAKiT. For commercial plan review, upload one full set of stamped drawings as a single document and pay zoning and plan review fees at submittal. 4. If the project address is not listed in the system, obtain E911 street addressing verification and submit it to the permits team. For Spartanburg County parcels, contact Spartanburg County GIS. 5. Respond to comments, provide any requested before-and-after plans or supporting materials, and pay permit fees. 6. After issuance, request inspections through eTRAKiT or by phone; final approval follows required inspections and certificate of occupancy materials where applicable.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Greer (Spartanburg County portion), SC?

Typical processing time is No public citywide permit turnaround estimate located. Inspection requests made by 11:59 p.m. Monday through Friday are scheduled for the next business day..

What work is exempt from building permits in Greer (Spartanburg County portion), SC?

The following work is generally exempt: Painting; Gutters; Small storage buildings. Note: The city states zoning approval may still apply even where these are exceptions from building permit review.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Greer (Spartanburg County portion), SC?

Inspections can be scheduled via: eTRAKiT portal, 864-968-7029.

Other cities in Spartanburg County