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Existing Structures

Permit Application

Please attach the following information below with the application for review

  • Building application must be submitted online. Please fill out completely.
  • Plot (site)plan that reflects the proposed building, driveways, a/c units, steps, porches, patios, drainage easements and building setbacks (including roof overhangs) along with protected trees 8” diameter at breast height (dbh) or greater  is required.accurate setbacks on site where the property and house corners are located. Provide a tree summary that indicates the total number of trees protected on the site, the total number of trees under the footprint of buildings and driveways, and of the remaining trees, the total number of trees you are proposing to cut.  Please note that the actual tree canopy is required to be shown on the drawing and that inch for inch replacement is required for the removal of grand trees.  Place and “X” mark to indicate tree removal and circle to reflect removal.
  • Drawings each page must be signed and sealed by a SC licensed or registered professional designer as required by state law in compliance  with 2015 IBC and all applicable codes. Plans shall be complete and consist of Architectural, Structural, Electrical, Plumbing, Life Safety, Mechanical Drawings (where any of these elements occur in proposed structure) and supportive data.
  • 2009 International Energy Conservation Code information (comcheck report for building envelope, mechanical, exterior and interior electrical lighting systems).
  • Elevation Drawings and Certificate if applicable
  • Special inspection statement and schedule including the qualified inspection agency.

Required Documents to Obtain Permits

  • Building Application ID# and/or address
  • Photo ID
  • Landlord Consent
  • Letter of Authorization to pull permits if you are not the contractor listed on Contractor Card or Owner of Property
  • Contractor’s License ( state and local card)
  • Signed contract indicating scope of work, cost of materials and labor
  • Master permit number is applicable

Inspections

For inspections contact appropriate inspectors located on Building Department Staff Directory.

  • Monday – Friday 8:00 am -9:00 am for the same day inspections
  • Monday – Thursday 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm for the next day inspections

Types of Inspections

  • Footing– Inspected by Building Department prior to any concrete pour.
  • Slab– After any plumbing and electrical slab inspections
  • Floor Framing- Prior to sheathing
  • Rough– After sub trades have had their rough inspection
  • Sheathing– After rough inspection and prior to insulation inspection
  • Insulation– After insulation is put in place
  • Final Inspection

Posting of Permit

Work requiring a permit shall not commence until the permit holder or his agents posts the permit card inside a permit box in a conspicuous place on the premise.  The permit shall be protected from weather and located in such position as to permit the Building Official or representative to conveniently make the required entries thereon.  No work can be done until a permit is issued.  The permit cards shall be maintained in position by permit holder until the certificate of Occupancy or Completion is issued by the Building Official.  Inspection(s) will not be done by an inspector if the job site is missing permit drawings and a permit box.

The permit holder must call in his/her own inspections unless an authorization letter has been sent prior to the Building Department from the sub-contractors/ owner giving general contactor the okay to call in their work.

Certificate of Occupancy/ Completion will be issued after:

  • All final inspections are completed.
  • All Re-inspection fees are paid.
  • A list of all sub-contractors is submitted.
  • Landscaping inspection completed by Zoning Department.
  • Fire Inspections Completed by Fire Department
  • Submit report of special inspections completion schedule (7) provided on disc.

Documents Required for Existing Certificate of Completion

Certificate of Completion

  • Final Building/ Zoning Inspection
  • Re inspection Fees ( if builder or sub-contractors acquire any re inspection fees doing the project)

Certificate of Occupancy (New Construction)

New Construction/ Addition 50% or more work that is being done

  • Sub- Contractor List
  • Finished Floor Elevation Certificate
  • Gypsum Board Letter
  • Revision Letter
  • Roofing Letter
  • Dorchester County Impact Fee( if applicable)
  • Elevation Certificate ( if property is Located in a Flood Zone)
  • PDF- (drawings /plans)(mandatory for the Building Dept. retention)
  • Truss Drawings (if trusses was used)
  • Final Building/Zoning Inspection
  • All Re Inspection fees  paid (if the builder or the sub -contractors have acquired any re- inspection fees during the project)