Orangeburg County, SC Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2024 International Plumbing Code, Sec. 6-14(a)
- Permit required
- Sec. 6-15 before starting plumbing work
- Base permit fee
- $50.00 for work valued $1,000 or less
- Late-permit penalty
- Fee doubled under Sec. 6-18
- Violation penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $500 fine, 30 days
- Appeals body
- Buildings Regulations Board of Appeals, Sec. 6-19
Summary
Orangeburg County enforces the 2024 International Plumbing Code with South Carolina modifications, and anyone installing, altering or repairing a plumbing system in the unincorporated county must first obtain a permit from the building official. Local amendments insert county-specific enforcement text and set a misdemeanor penalty for violations, with the fee doubled if work starts first.
(a)In compliance with S.C. Code Ann. § 6-9-10 (1976, as amended), the County of Orangeburg shall enforce the following codes with South Carolina modifications: ... 2024 Edition of the International ... Plumbing Code; ... (g)Plumbing Code—2024 Edition of the International Plumbing Code. Section 101.1 of said code is amended by inserting "County of Orangeburg." Section 103.1 of said code is amended by inserting "County of Orangeburg." Section 114.4 of said code is amended by inserting "misdemeanor," "$500.00," and "30 days."
Full Breakdown
The county adopted the 2024 Edition of the International Plumbing Code under Sec. C. § 6-9-10, and applies it with South Carolina modifications throughout the unincorporated area. Sec. 1 are amended to insert a 6-inch clearance figure. Under Sec. 6-15, any owner, agent or contractor who wants to install, alter, repair, remove or convert a plumbing system regulated by the adopted code must first apply to the building official and obtain a permit before starting work, except that emergency repairs may begin immediately if a permit is obtained afterward.
Sec. 6-16 requires the permit fee to be paid before a permit issues, with the schedule set by county council resolution; Sec. 00, with a 25% plan review surcharge on residential permits. Sec. 6-18 doubles the required fee if work begins before a permit is obtained. A permit holder or owner aggrieved by the building official's decision may appeal to the Buildings Regulations Board of Appeals under Sec. 6-19, following International Building Code appeal procedures.
Violations & Fines
Starting plumbing work without a permit doubles the required permit fee under Sec. 6-16 and Sec. 6-18, in addition to any other penalty in the code. Sec. 6-14.1(g) amends IPC Section 114.4 so that a plumbing code violation is a misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $500.00 and up to 30 days in jail, enforced by the county building official through the notice and order powers in Sec. 6-9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for plumbing work in unincorporated Orangeburg County?
What happens if I start plumbing work without a permit?
Which plumbing code applies in the unincorporated county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orangeburg County
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