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

Greenville County Plumbing Permit Requirements

In Greenville County, South Carolina, plumbing permits are required for any new plumbing fixtures or for the relocation of existing plumbing fixtures. Any work involving the installation, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, conversion, or replacement of a plumbing system that is regulated by the International Codes requires a permit. This applies to both residential and commercial structures.

The Greenville County Planning and Codes Compliance Division handles all types of plumbing permits. Permits must be submitted through their eTrakit system. If a contractor is performing the work, they must submit, sign, and pick up the permit. If the property owner is doing the work, they must submit, sign, and pick up the permit themselves.

Properties in unincorporated areas of Greenville County fall under the jurisdiction of the County's Building & Safety Divisions. The requirements for permits, including those for plumbing, are consistent across the county, whether the property is within city limits or in an unincorporated area.

Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas

For properties located in unincorporated areas of Greenville County, the County's Planning and Codes Compliance Department is the governing body for building and plumbing permits. The regulations and permit requirements are the same as those for properties within city limits. This means that any work requiring a plumbing permit, such as installing new fixtures or relocating existing ones, will necessitate obtaining a permit from the county.

Resources to Learn More

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