5 rules for unincorporated Dorchester County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
South Carolina has no statewide ADU mandate; whether an accessory dwelling is allowed depends on the Dorchester County zoning district. Where permitted, it needs a building permit, zoning approval, and, off public sewer, a SCDES septic permit.
S.C. Code Regs. 61-56.104(2) (Onsite Wastewater Systems)
It shall be unlawful to construct, upgrade, expand, or operate an onsite wastewater system, nonwater-carried sewage treatment system, wastewater combustion system, or gray water subsurface reuse system unless the Department has issued a permit to construct and approval to operate for the specific construction and operation proposed.
A small shed in unincorporated Dorchester County, commonly under about 200 square feet, usually needs no building permit, but it must still meet the zoning district's setbacks. Larger or wired outbuildings need permits.
Converting a garage to living space in Dorchester County is a change of occupancy needing a building permit under the 2021 SC Residential Code. Adding a bathroom or bedroom on septic triggers SCDES review under Regulation 61-56.
S.C. Code Regs. 61-56.104(2) (Onsite Wastewater Systems)
It shall be unlawful to construct, upgrade, expand, or operate an onsite wastewater system, nonwater-carried sewage treatment system, wastewater combustion system, or gray water subsurface reuse system unless the Department has issued a permit to construct and approval to operate for the specific construction and operation proposed.
A carport in unincorporated Dorchester County is a roofed accessory structure that needs a building permit and must meet the zoning district's setbacks. In the Lowcountry it is built to resist the region's wind loads.
A tiny house is a legal dwelling in Dorchester County only if built to the 2021 SC Residential Code, which adopts Appendix AQ for homes 400 square feet or less. A tiny house on wheels is treated as an RV, not a permanent home.
2021 South Carolina Residential Code, Appendix AQ (Tiny Houses) §§ AQ101.1, AQ102.1
This appendix shall be applicable to tiny houses used as single dwelling units. ... TINY HOUSE. A dwelling that is 400 square feet (37 m2) or less in floor area excluding lofts.
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