Berkeley County, SC Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Berkeley County, SC, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Residential pool permit fee
- $50.00 flat fee
- Permit trigger
- In-ground, or aboveground 4ft+
- Commercial pool requirement
- DHEC approval letter required
- Electrical
- Separate permit for pumps/lights
- Max fine
- $200.00 under Sec. 1-8(c)
Summary
Berkeley County requires a building permit for any in-ground pool and for aboveground pools four feet or taller under Sec. 11-90 of the county code. Residential permits cost a flat $50.00 with a plot plan showing setbacks; commercial pools need a DHEC approval letter and cost-based fees plus civil drainage plans.
Residential. A permit is required for aboveground swimming pools where the height of the pool is four feet or greater and all in-ground pools. The permit fees for both pool permits will be $50.00. A plot plan will be required at the time of submission for plans review, indicating all set backs are met. Commercial. An approval letter from DHEC is required when submitting for a commercial pool permit. The fees will be based on the cost of construction stated on the signed contract or proposal. Civil plans indicating drainage and impervious surface will be required to be submitted at the time of application for permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 11-90 of the Berkeley County Code of Ordinances splits swimming pool permitting into two tracks. 00, and the applicant must submit a plot plan at the time of plans review showing that all setbacks are met. For commercial pools, an approval letter from DHEC is required before the county will accept the permit application, the fee is based on the cost of construction stated in the signed contract or proposal, and civil plans showing drainage and impervious surface must be submitted with the application, in addition to a plot plan confirming setback compliance.
The height trigger for aboveground pools tracks the exception the county wrote into its adopted International Residential Code in Sec. 2(7) to read 'Prefab pools that are 4' or greater in height,' meaning smaller kiddie and inflatable pools under four feet fall outside the permit requirement. A separate electrical permit is always required for pool pumps, lights, and receptacles regardless of pool type, and final inspection cannot be scheduled until the pool's safety barrier is in place, per the same section.
Violations & Fines
Building or filling a pool without the required Sec. 11-90 permit is a building-code violation subject to the Sec. 1-8(c) penalty for adopted technical codes: a fine of up to $200.00, imprisonment up to 30 days, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. The chief building official may also refuse a certificate of occupancy and, under Sec. 11-100, order disconnection of electrical service to an unpermitted pool installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for an aboveground pool in Berkeley County?
What does a commercial pool need that a residential pool does not?
Is an electrical permit included with my pool permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berkeley County
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