South Carolina, Lexington County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Lexington County Plumbing Permit Requirements
In Lexington County, South Carolina, a permit is required for any work that involves the construction, enlargement, renovation, conversion, or replacement of any plumbing system, as regulated by the Building Codes Ordinance. This applies to both residential and commercial projects. Minor repairs, such as fixing leaks, may be exempt from requiring a permit.
The Lexington County Community Development Department, specifically the Building/Safety Inspection Division, handles building and safety inspections, permitting, and development services. For general questions regarding building permits, you can contact them at (803) 785-8130 or via email at [email protected].
Properties in Unincorporated Areas
The Lexington County Zoning Ordinance and building codes primarily apply to unincorporated areas of the county. For properties within municipal town or city limits, you should check with the respective City/Town Hall for their specific zoning and building permit requirements, as municipalities have jurisdiction within their own boundaries.
For residential development in unincorporated areas, plans are initially submitted to the Community Development Department and then forwarded to Public Works for review. This process includes ensuring compliance with zoning requirements and potentially flood plain issues. If construction is in an unincorporated area, applicants must meet zoning requirements before a permit can be issued. The Zoning Office can be reached at 785-8121 for more information.
When applying for a building permit, homeowners who are not licensed builders can apply for their own permit under specific conditions: they must own the property, agree to live in the home for at least 24 months after the final inspection, and file a disclosure statement with the Register of Deeds Office. If hiring a contractor, it is recommended to require the contractor to obtain the building permit, as the homeowner will be held responsible for any deficient work if they obtain the permit in their name.
Permit fees are calculated based on building valuation data. Applications for building permits are available on the county website and at the Building Inspections Office.