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

Dorchester County Building & Safety Divisions

Dorchester County's Building Services Department is responsible for issuing residential and commercial building permits for new construction and renovations. They also conduct field inspections to ensure code compliance throughout the construction process. The department operates under the leadership of the Chief Building Official.

The county utilizes the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Fire Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2020 National Electric Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2009 International Energy Conservation Code, and the 2021 International Existing Building Code.

Permit applications can be submitted online through the county's Evolve portal or via a paper application. Inspections can be scheduled by contacting the Building Services office via email at [email protected] or by phone at (843) 832-0011. For next-day inspections, requests must be made by 3:00 PM the business day prior.

Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas

For properties located in unincorporated areas of Dorchester County, the Building Services Department is the primary point of contact for obtaining building permits. It is crucial to confirm that a property is indeed in an unincorporated area and not within a municipality before applying for a permit.

The Zoning and Land Development Standards ordinance (Ordinance 04-13) specifically governs the location and use of buildings, structures, and land in the unincorporated portions of Dorchester County. This ordinance covers various aspects, including building sizes, yard sizes, population density, and the establishment of district boundaries.

The application process for unincorporated areas involves confirming the property's location, submitting plans and project materials through the county's online portal or application, and completing any necessary floodplain or land-disturbance reviews. County staff will then review the submittal for code compliance.

Resources to Learn More

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