Darlington County, SC Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Article Nine of the Development Standards Ordinance, Appendix A, requires any individual, corporation, firm, contractor or agent installing utility lines, services, or appurtenances in a county right-of-way, or pursuing any construction operation there, to obtain a written permit under Section 9. If a state permit already covers the work, a separate county permit is not required except for the portion of work solely on county right-of-way. Agricultural encroachment is not exempt and remains subject to enforcement if unpermitted, per the note appended to Section 9.

Section 9.1 requires applicants to submit a drawing of the proposed work at least two weeks before the desired permit date, though simple service connections receive priority handling and are returned within seven days. Section 9.2 sets construction standards: road cuts in paved surfaces are barred except by permission of the roads and bridges supervisor for specific reasons such as impractical boring or safety hazards, and any authorized cut must be restored to the roadway specifications in Article Five. Section 9.6 fixes the permit term at six months from issuance, with one six-month extension available on written request; further work requires a new application.

Section 9.7 sets the fee at $25 to cover the county's inspection cost, though that fee section is currently marked suspended pending a one-year evaluation. Section 9.3 exempts routine overhead connections, minor underground service taps on the ditch back-slope, and normal maintenance replacing under 300 feet of line from the permit requirement.