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South Carolina, Charleston County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Charleston County Plumbing Permit Requirements

Charleston County's Building Inspection Services Department is responsible for enforcing building codes, including those for plumbing, in unincorporated areas of the county.

For properties located in unincorporated areas of Charleston County, plumbing work generally requires a permit. This applies to various types of work, including renovations, remodels, additions, and plumbing upgrades.

It is important to note that any construction done without the necessary permits, known as unpermitted work, can lead to unsafe structures, legal complications, fines, and the potential requirement for demolition or retroactive permits to bring the structure into compliance. The current homeowner is liable for any issues arising from unpermitted work.

The fee structure for permits in Charleston County is based on the total valuation of the construction. For projects valued at $1,000 or less, there is no fee unless an inspection is required, in which case a $50 permit fee applies. For projects valued between $1,000.00 and $2,000.00, the fee is $50.00. For valuations between $2,001 to $50,000, the fee is $50.00 for the first $2,000, plus $4.00 per $1,000 for the remainder.

Trade permits, such as those for plumbing, have specific fee structures. If a contractor is working as a subcontractor, the trade permit fee is $25.00. However, if the contractor is the prime contractor, the fees are based on the appropriate type of work performed according to the valuation schedule.

Re-inspections incur an additional fee of $75.00.

For specific guidance on plumbing permit requirements and application processes, it is recommended to contact the Charleston County Building Inspection Services Department directly.

City of Charleston Plumbing Permit Requirements

The City of Charleston's Building Inspections Division handles permits for work within the city limits.

A plumbing work permit is generally required in the City of Charleston for projects such as adding new plumbing fixtures, replacing a water heater, or re-piping a house.

Minor repairs, like replacing a faucet or toilet in the same location, may be exempt from permit requirements.

Permit fees in the City of Charleston typically range from $50 to $600, often based on the estimated project value. For example, a kitchen remodel with a $35,000 valuation could have a total permit cost of $317.50, which includes application, permit, and plan review fees.

The application process for a plumbing permit in the City of Charleston may involve submitting a completed application form, site plans, construction drawings, and potentially a plumber's license number and a plumbing diagram for complex projects.

Permits can often be submitted online through the city's Customer Self Service (CSS) Portal, or via email to [email protected].

Resources to Learn More

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

South Carolina Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

State-Level Plumbing Codes in South Carolina

The state of South Carolina mandates the use of the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as the foundation for its statewide plumbing standards. This code is implemented with specific South Carolina modifications approved by the state. These standards are mandatory for all municipalities and counties across the state, effective as of January 1, 2023.

Primary Regulatory Agency

The South Carolina Building Codes Council is the primary state body responsible for the adoption and modification of building codes, including plumbing standards. The Council is composed of public and private building industry officials appointed by the governor. Its functions include reviewing model codes published by the International Code Council (ICC), voting on their adoption for use in South Carolina, and determining necessary state-level modifications. Local jurisdictions are responsible for the enforcement of these state-mandated codes through their respective building departments and certified building officials.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Charleston 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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