Building Safety in Charleston County, SC (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Charleston County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Building Permits
Unincorporated Charleston County requires a permit from the Building Official before anyone constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, demolishes or changes the occupancy of a building or structure. Sec. 4-20 (§105.1) sets that baseline rule, with narrow exemptions for small accessory structures, fences and similar minor work under §105.2.
Building Permit Requirements in Charleston County
Some RestrictionsCharleston County Code § 4-20 (Bldg. Code § 105.1)
105.1 Required Permits. Any owner 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 f...
Electrical Permits
Unincorporated Charleston County adopts the National Electrical Code under Sec. 4-16 (§101.4.2) for every wiring installation, alteration, repair and appliance connection, and Sec. 4-20 (§105.1) requires the owner or contractor to apply to the Building Official and obtain a permit before starting that work.
Electrical Permits in Charleston County SC
Some RestrictionsCharleston County Code §§ 4-16, 4-20 (Bldg. Code §§ 101.4.2, 105.1)
101.4.2 Electrical. The provisions of the National Electrical Code as adopted by the S.C. Building Codes Council shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto. ... 105.1 Required Permits. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, d...
Plumbing Permits
Unincorporated Charleston County adopts the International Plumbing Code under Sec. 4-16 (§101.4.5) for every plumbing installation, alteration and repair, and Sec. 4-20 (§105.1) requires the owner or contractor to apply to the Building Official and obtain a permit before that work begins.
Plumbing Permits in Charleston County SC
Some RestrictionsCharleston County Code §§ 4-16, 4-20 (Bldg. Code §§ 101.4.5, 105.1)
101.4.5 Plumbing. The provisions of the International Plumbing Code as adopted by the S.C. Building Codes Council shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, and where connected to a water or sewage system and all aspects of a medical gas system. ... 105.1 Required Permits. Any ow...
Building Safety by City in Charleston County
2 cities in Charleston County have their own building safety rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Charleston County ordinances
See every category we cover for Charleston County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Charleston County Ordinance Hub →