Retaining wall construction in South Carolina is governed by the statewide-adopted International Residential Code and International Building Code under SC Code Title 6, Chapter 9, requiring permits and engineering for walls above specified heights.
Under SC Code Section 6-9-50, the IRC and IBC apply uniformly statewide. The IRC generally exempts retaining walls under 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall and not supporting surcharge loads from permitting. Walls exceeding this threshold or supporting structures, slopes, or driveways require building permits and signed engineering drawings. Local jurisdictions enforce state minimums and cannot adopt weaker standards. Geotechnical considerations, drainage, and frost-depth footings must conform to adopted code provisions. Soil conditions in coastal counties may require additional site-specific engineering.
Building without a required permit may result in stop-work orders, demolition orders, and civil penalties imposed by the local building official enforcing the state-adopted code.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. SC Code §16-17-530 applies.
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston addresses barking dogs under its animal control ordinances. Persistent barking that disturbs neighbors constitutes a nuisance. North Charles...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston permits construction during standard daytime hours. Construction activity is generally allowed from 7 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 6 P...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston regulates noise under Chapter 15, Article II of the City Code. Excessive noise that disturbs the peace is prohibited, with stricter enforcem...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston regulates on-street parking through posted signs and general ordinances. Vehicles may not be parked for more than 72 hours in the same locat...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston requires driveways to meet certain standards. Parking is only allowed on paved or approved surfaces, and vehicles may not block sidewalks or...
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