Cherokee County, SC Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Article I of chapter 6 of the Cherokee County Code adopts the technical codes by reference, and § 6-1 sets the electrical standard in subsection (k): the 2020 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) with SC modifications. The adoption took force in the county on January 1, 2023, and § 6-9 applies the article and every code in § 6-1 to the entire unincorporated area of Cherokee County. The county's building codes are not enforced inside its municipalities.

The permit trigger is in § 6-2(a). Any owner, authorized agent, contractor or other party who wants to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or repair any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system regulated by the technical codes must first apply to the building official and obtain an appropriate building permit. Under § 6-2(b), the permit requirement does not apply when the total cost in value of the work is less than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or to matters exempt under South Carolina or federal law.

The rest of the process follows the article. Section 6-3 requires the permit to be kept where the work is done and produced on demand, and it is unlawful to continue work after a demand until the permit is produced. The permit card must be posted in front of the premises, visible from the adjacent public right-of-way, until the work is completed and approved. Section 6-5 lets the county charge permit and inspection fees under a schedule adopted by resolution of council, and no activity takes place until related fees are paid. Under § 6-4 the county administrator appoints the building official, who must be certified as a qualified building inspector under South Carolina law.

For a relocated mobile home or building, § 6-13 makes it unlawful for any electric utility supplier or electric cooperative to make a new connection of electrical energy or re-establish discontinued service unless proof of paid taxes can be furnished. A permit holder or property owner can appeal a building official decision to the county administrator within ten (10) days under § 6-7.