South Carolina Statewide Rule

South Carolina Stormwater Management Act Requirements

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across South Carolina (2026)

Key Facts

Governing statute: SC Code Title 48-14
Permit threshold: 1 acre disturbance
Maximum civil penalty: $1,000 per day
Plan required: Before land disturbance
Regulator: SCDES Bureau of Water

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: South Carolina Legislature

Summary

South Carolina's Stormwater Management and Sediment Reduction Act sets statewide minimum standards for land-disturbing activities. SCDES (formerly DHEC) implements the program, with delegated authority to qualifying local governments meeting state criteria.

(A) Unless exempted, no person may engage in a land disturbing activity without first submitting a stormwater management and sediment control plan to the appropriate implementing agency and obtaining a permit to proceed. (B) Each person responsible for the land disturbing activity shall certify, on the stormwater management and sediment control plan submitted, that all land disturbing activities will be done according to the approved plan. (C) All approved land disturbing activities must have associated therein at least one individual who functions as responsible personnel.

Source: South Carolina LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under SC Code Title 48, Chapter 14, any land-disturbing activity disturbing one acre or more requires a stormwater management plan and NPDES Construction General Permit coverage. Plans must include erosion and sediment control measures, post-construction stormwater controls, and inspection schedules. SCDES delegates implementation to local governments that adopt qualifying programs, but minimum technical standards are set statewide. Discharges to impaired waters or coastal areas may trigger additional requirements. Permit holders must self-inspect, maintain records, and submit a Notice of Termination upon stabilization.

Violations & Penalties

SCDES enforcement includes administrative orders, civil penalties up to $1,000 per day per violation under SC Code 48-14-150, and stop-work orders. Willful violations may be criminally prosecuted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply to my home addition project?

Only if the disturbance reaches one acre or is part of a common plan of development totaling one acre. Smaller residential projects are typically exempt from state permitting.

Who issues the stormwater permit, the state or my city?

SCDES issues permits unless your local government has been delegated as a Qualifying Local Program. Either way, state minimum standards apply.

What happens if I disturb land without a permit?

SCDES can issue stop-work orders and civil penalties up to $1,000 per day per violation. You may also be required to restore the site.

Sources

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