Charleston does not impose broad municipal impact fees on ADUs, but new connections to Charleston Water System (CWS) trigger water and sewer tap fees and capacity charges. Any local impact fee in South Carolina must comply with the strict procedural rules of the SC Development Impact Fee Act (SC Code Title 6, Chapter 1, Article 9, Β§6-1-2010 et seq.), which requires a capital improvements plan, public hearings, and a rational nexus between the fee and the service. Standard zoning and building permit fees from the Charleston fee schedule apply.
Under the South Carolina Development Impact Fee Act (SC Code Β§6-1-910 to Β§6-1-2010), a municipality may impose impact fees only after adopting a capital improvements plan, holding public hearings, and demonstrating a rational nexus between the fee and the cost of new public facilities. Charleston has not adopted a general transportation, parks, or school impact fee on residential ADUs. Charleston Water System charges water and sewer tap (impact) fees and capacity charges for new service connections; an ADU that uses the primary residence's existing water and sewer service may avoid a new tap fee, while an ADU requiring its own meter or upsized service will incur charges. Stormwater utility billing under Charleston's Stormwater Management Program may also apply. Standard zoning permit, building permit, and trade permit fees from the Charleston fee schedule apply at the time of building permit issuance. Fees are payable to the Charleston Permit Center. For properties in the Old & Historic District, additional BAR review fees apply.
Failure to pay required water/sewer tap fees or building permit fees blocks permit issuance and final inspection. Unpaid CWS connection charges may become a lien on the property. Disputes over impact fees imposed under Β§6-1-2010 follow the statutory appeal process. Confirm current fee amounts with Charleston Permit Center and Charleston Water System.
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