5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in York County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
York County allows an accessory dwelling unit subordinate to the main home on the same lot. It needs a building permit under the 2021 SC Residential Code, zoning review, and, off public sewer, a SCDHEC septic permit.
York County, S.C., Residential Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit Checklist
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is defined by the York County Code of Ordinances as a secondary dwelling established in conjunction with, and clearly subordinate to, a primary dwelling unit on the same lot, whether a part of the same building as the primary dwelling unit or in a detached building.
A detached shed over 200 square feet in unincorporated York County needs a building permit; a shed of 200 square feet or less needs only a zoning compliance application. Setbacks apply either way, and metal buildings need engineer-sealed plans.
York County, S.C., Residential Detached Accessory Structure Permit Checklist
Structures 200 square feet or less require a different application. Please request a Zoning Compliance Application & Checklist. ... Metal buildings will require plans sealed by an Engineer registered in South Carolina.
Converting a garage to living space in York County is a change of occupancy needing a building permit under the 2021 SC Residential Code. Adding a bathroom or bedroom on septic triggers SCDHEC approval under Regulation 61-56.
S.C. Code Regs. 61-56.104 (Onsite Wastewater Systems)
It shall be unlawful to construct, upgrade, expand, or operate an onsite wastewater system ... unless the Department has issued a permit to construct and approval to operate.
A carport in unincorporated York County is a roofed accessory structure. Over 200 square feet it needs a building permit under the 2021 SC Residential Code; at 200 square feet or less it needs a zoning compliance application. Setbacks apply.
York County, S.C., Residential Detached Accessory Structure Permit Checklist
Metal buildings will require plans sealed by an Engineer registered in South Carolina.
A tiny house in York County is a legal dwelling 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 dwelling.
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.
1 cities in York County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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