City of Sumter

The City of Sumter requires building permits for work that meets the adopted building code thresholds, including residential construction, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas, roofing, and other structural work.

Note: No comprehensive City of Sumter exemption list was posted on the public permit pages reviewed. Confirm code-based permit exemptions directly with the Building Department before assuming minor work is exempt.

Building code

2021 International Building Code and 2021 International Residential Code, with South Carolina statewide amendments, effective January 1, 2023. The 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) and ICC A117.1-2017 accessibility standards are also adopted.

Owner-builder

Homeowners may perform work only on their primary residence if (1) the home is listed as the owner's primary residence in Sumter County Tax Records, and (2) the owner has lived in the home for at least 2 years per state regulations. An Owner/Builder Affidavit must be recorded with the Sumter County Register of Deeds before the permit can be issued.

Contractor requirements

Any building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and/or gas work not performed by the homeowner must be completed by a state-licensed contractor. The contractor must hold a valid South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation contractor license. Contractors are also required to have a City of Sumter and/or County Business License.

1. 01
   Obtain a signed contract between the property owner and contractor, inclusive of labor and materials and signed by both parties. Effective March 1, 2019, all permit applications must include a copy of the signed contract/agreement.
2. 02
   Download the appropriate building permit application form from https://www.sumtersc.gov/building/forms.
3. 03
   If applying as an owner-builder (homeowner on primary residence), complete the Owner/Builder Affidavit (Disclosure Statement) and have it recorded with the Sumter County Register of Deeds before obtaining the permit.
4. 04
   Submit the completed application, signed contract, and construction documents in person at the Building Department, 12 West Liberty Street, Sumter, SC 29150. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.
5. 05
   Pay the applicable permit fee.
6. 06
   Once the permit is issued, post the permit card on site before work begins.
7. 07
   Schedule required inspections by calling (803) 774-1634.

Source: City of Sumter Building Department / Sumter City-County Building Department ↗

• (803) 774-1634 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests received before 3 p.m. on any workday will be scheduled for the following workday if the inspection load permits. Requests after 3 p.m. or same-day requests are handled on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the building official.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday

Typical sequence: The City of Sumter does not publish a detailed inspection sequence on the main permit pages reviewed. Standard sequences follow issued permits and code requirements (e.g., footing/foundation, framing, rough-in/mechanical, final).

Source: City of Sumter Building Department / Sumter City-County Building Department ↗