South Carolina, Kershaw County HVAC Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Kershaw County HVAC Permit Requirements

In Kershaw County, South Carolina, permits are required for the installation, change, or replacement of HVAC systems. The county's Building and Zoning Department handles permit applications and enforcement. For properties in unincorporated areas of Kershaw County, the county's Building and Zoning Department is the relevant authority for permit requirements.

A building permit is generally required for any new construction, demolition, repair, enlargement, or alteration of a building or structure. This includes the installation, change, or replacement of electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, or roofing systems.
Kershaw County utilizes an online portal called Evolve for permit applications and inspections.
Specialty permits, which would include mechanical permits for HVAC, are available through the Evolve portal.
Permits are typically all-inclusive, meaning separate sub-contractor permits are not issued; subcontractors are noted on the main permit.
Properties must be clearly marked with the proper 9-1-1 address upon permit issuance.
The South Carolina Building Code, specifically the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) and 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with South Carolina amendments, is enforced.
HVAC contractors working in South Carolina must be licensed by the state. Residential HVAC contractors are overseen by the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission, while commercial projects over $10,000 fall under the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board.

Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas

For properties located in unincorporated areas of Kershaw County, the county's Building and Zoning Department is responsible for issuing building permits and enforcing building codes. This means that the general permit requirements and procedures outlined above apply to these areas as well.

Resources to Learn More

Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within South Carolina, including Kershaw County.

South Carolina Hvac Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

State Statutes and Adopted HVAC Codes

In South Carolina, building codes are mandated by the state legislature and enforced at the local level. The state utilizes the International Code Council (ICC) family of codes as the foundation for its statewide standards. As of the most recent major update effective January 1, 2023, South Carolina has adopted the 2021 editions of the International Codes, including the International Mechanical Code (IMC) and the International Residential Code (IRC), with specific South Carolina-approved modifications. These codes establish the minimum requirements for the design, installation, maintenance, and inspection of HVAC systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Primary State Agency

The South Carolina Building Codes Council is the primary state body responsible for adopting, modifying, and overseeing the implementation of these building codes. The Council, which operates under the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR), reviews ICC code editions and determines necessary state-specific amendments to address local environmental and construction conditions. While the Council sets the standards, the actual enforcement of these codes is carried out by local jurisdictions (cities and counties), which are required to employ certified building officials to conduct plan reviews and field inspections.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Kershaw County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

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