ADU rules in Dorchester County, SC — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
South Carolina has no statewide ADU mandate; whether an accessory dwelling is allowed depends on the Dorchester County zoning district. Where permitted, it needs a building permit, zoning approval, and, off public sewer, a SCDES septic permit.
Dorchester County decides accessory dwelling units through its zoning ordinance, not a state mandate, so the district and lot control whether one is allowed and how big it can be. Where permitted, Building Services issues a building permit under South Carolina's adopted 2021 Residential Code, and zoning staff check setbacks and use. Much of the Lowcountry county is on septic, so off public sewer a SCDES onsite wastewater permit under Regulation 61-56 is required and the tank is sized by bedroom count. In a special flood hazard area, the finished floor must be elevated above the base flood elevation.
Building an ADU without the county permit is illegal construction. Occupying one on septic without an approved SCDES onsite wastewater permit violates Regulation 61-56 and can force disconnection.
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