Lexington County, SC Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 14-261, Lexington County Code
- Issued by
- County building official
- Shed exemption
- One-story, 200 sq ft or less
- Deck exemption
- Under 200 sq ft, under 30 in.
- Starting early
- Extra fee under Sec. 14-337
Summary
Lexington County requires a building permit before anyone constructs, alters, repairs, moves, or demolishes a building, or installs electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, per Code of Ordinances Sec. 14-261.
Any owner, contractor, or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 14-261, any owner, contractor, or authorized agent must file an application with the building official and obtain a permit before starting covered work. The county carves out narrow exemptions in Sec. 14-262: one-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet, fences, sidewalks, driveways, decks under 200 square feet that sit under 30 inches off grade and aren't attached to a dwelling, and similar minor items. Everything else, from home additions to system replacements, needs a permit reviewed and issued by the division of building inspections and safety before work begins.
Violations & Fines
Starting permit-required work before the permit is issued triggers an additional fee set by Lexington County Council, on top of the standard permit fees, under Sec. 14-337.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a storage shed in Lexington County?
What if I start construction before getting my permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lexington County
Compare Lexington County to another location·View the South Carolina building safety overview
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