Aiken County, SC Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Section 5-76(a) makes clear that any property owner or contractor who wants to construct, enlarge, change the utility service or meter of, or alter a building or structure "shall make an application to the building official and obtain the required permit," with a copy forwarded to the county tax assessor. Moving a building triggers the same application requirement, and all county taxes on the structure must be paid before it can leave the county. Section 5-79 bars the building official from issuing any permit until council-set fees are paid, and bars approval of a permit amendment until added fees from a cost increase are paid.

Once filed, Section 5-80 requires the building official to examine the application and drawings against the applicable codes: a conforming application gets a permit, while a non-conforming one is refused in writing with reasons stated, and the applicant may appeal to the board of appeals. C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation and a record the official considers less than satisfactory, with that denial sent in writing to both the builder and LLR. Section 5-76(b) exempts specific minor work from the permit requirement outside flood hazard areas, including one-story detached residential accessory structures under 200 square feet, fences no taller than six feet, retaining walls under four feet, water tanks up to 5,000 gallons, sidewalks and driveways no more than 30 inches above grade, finish work such as painting and flooring, prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep, playground equipment, and wall-supported window awnings. Section 5-83 requires the permit card to be posted conspicuously on the front of the premises until the certificate of occupancy issues.