Building Permits

It is very important that permits be obtained from the Building Inspection Department for any work being done in Florence County. Obtaining the permit is the responsibility of the person doing the work.

Before any person can purchase a permit, they must be licensed and/or qualified to work in Florence County. Please, as a property owner, insist that all contractors meet Florence County licensing requirements before working on your property. This will help you and Florence County ensure that the work performed meets the standards outlined in the Standard Codes.

Permits

Apply for your Building Permit

FAQs

Who needs a building permit?

  • Any person, firm or corporation desiring to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, convert or demolish any building or structure in the this jurisdiction, or cause the same to be done

What is required to do construction work in Florence County?

  • Obtain zoning compliance.
  • Obtain a business license if working in an municipality.
  • Submit a receipt showing that water and sewer taps are paid.
  • Provide proof of proper South Carolina license, if required.
  • Submit sub-contractors list.
  • Submit building permit application.
  • Submit three complete sets of plans with plan review fee. Please make checks payable to Florence County.

(CAUTION: If a contractor requests that you get the permit, PLEASE DON’T. The contractor may not be properly bonded, licensed, qualified, or want to be responsible for their work. If you have any doubt as to a contractor’s qualifications, please call South Carolina Labor Licensing and Regulations at (803)896-4300)

Required Inspections

The Building Official, upon the request of the permit holder or their authorized agent, will make the following inspections and will notify the permit holder or their authorized agent of any code violations which must be corrected prior to starting the next phase of construction.

Building

  • Foundation inspection: To be made after trenches are excavated and forms erected.
  • Pier and curtain wall.
  • Floor slab and floor framing.
  • Exterior wall before covering.
  • Wall tie inspection if brick veneer.
  • Frame inspection: To be made after the roof, all framing, fireblocking and bracing is in place, all concealing wiring, all pipes, chimneys, ducts and vents are complete.
  • Final inspection: To be made after the building is completed and ready for occupancy.

Electrical

  • Underground inspection: To be made after trenches or ditches are excavated, conduit or cable installed, and before any backfill is put in place.
  • Rough-In inspection: To be made after the roof, framing, fireblocking and bracing is in place and prior to the installation of wall or ceiling membranes.
  • Final inspection: To be made after the building is complete, all required electrical fixtures are in place and properly connected or protected, and the structure is ready for occupancy.

Plumbing

  • Underground inspection: To be made after trenches or ditches are excavated, piping installed, and before any backfill is put in place.
  • Rough-In inspection: To be made after the roof, framing, fireblocking and bracing is in place and all soil, waste and vent piping is complete, and prior to this installation of wall or ceiling membranes.
  • Final inspection: To be made after the building is complete, all plumbing fixtures are in place and properly connected, and the structure is ready for occupancy.
  • NOTE: See Section P312 of the Standard Plumbing Code for required tests.

Mechanical

  • Underground inspection: To be made after trenches or ditches are excavated, underground duct and fuel piping installed, and before any backfill is put in place.
  • Rough-In inspection: To be made after the roof, framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place and all ducting, and other concealed components are complete, and prior to the installation of wall or ceiling membranes.
  • Final inspection: To be made after the building is complete, the mechanical system is in place and properly connected, and the structure is ready for occupancy.

Gas

  • Rough piping inspection: To be made after all new piping authorized by the permit has been installed, and before any such piping has been covered or concealed or any fixtures or gas appliances have been connected.
  • Final piping inspection: To be made after all piping authorized by the permit has been installed and after all portions which are to be concealed by plastering or otherwise have been so concealed, and before any fixtures or gas appliances have been connected. This inspection shall include a pressure test.
  • Final inspection: To be made on all new gas work authorized by the permit and such portions of existing systems as may be affected by new work or any changes, to insure compliance with all the requirements of this code and to assure that the installation and construction of the gas system is in accordance with reviewed plans.

Other Helpful Information

  • The Planning/Zoning Division can assist you in determining if the intended use of the structure is permitted within the requested zoning area. Call (843)676-8600 for assistance.
  • The size and intended use of the proposed structure will determine the requirement for extensive drawings.
  • Allow 14 days for commercial projects and 2 days for residential projects for initial plan review after submission to the Planning Department. Preliminary drawings are encouraged.
  • The building permit fee is based on total cost and is paid prior to the issuance of the building permit. The plan review fee is one-half the cost of the permit fee.
  • It is important that contractors understand that it is their responsibility to call and request required inspections.
  • The contractor should call (843)676-8600, at specified intervals, for required inspections. Requested inspections will be conducted within 48 hours of the request.
  • The Building Inspection Division has a fax machine available for the convenience of forwarding permit applications. The fax number is (843) 676-8667.