South Carolina, Marion County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Marion County Building & Safety Division
Marion County's Building Inspections Office is responsible for enforcing county ordinances and state laws related to building permits and safety. This office handles plan reviews for new construction, additions, and remodeling projects, as well as onsite inspections during construction. They also enforce the National Flood Insurance Program and the 2009 IECC (Energy Code). Payments for services are accepted in cash or check only, payable to Marion County.
Permit Requirements for Unincorporated Areas
For projects in unincorporated areas of Marion County, a building permit is generally required for any commercial or residential building project valued over $1,000 or exceeding 200 square feet. To obtain a construction permit, you will need to:
- Obtain a zoning compliance permit.
- Submit proof of water/sewer tap payment, if applicable.
- Submit two sets of plans (if required).
- Complete a Building permit application.
- If the homeowner is completing the work themselves, an affidavit must be signed and recorded with the Clerk of Court Office.
- Contractors must present their State of South Carolina Contractor's License & Identification Card and obtain a Marion County business license.
- A signed Contract Agreement between the contractor and the homeowner is mandatory.
Specific plumbing permit requirements include:
- Underground inspection: Required after trenches are excavated and piping is installed, before backfill.
- Rough-in inspection: Required after framing and bracing are in place, and all soil, waste, and vent piping is complete, prior to wall or ceiling covering.
- Final inspection: Required after the building is complete, fixtures are installed and connected, and the structure is ready for occupancy.
For certain complex plumbing systems or commercial projects, additional plan reviews and permits may be necessary. For instance, standalone systems (13-R) require a separate building permit, and a plumbing permit for a backflow prevention device is also needed. Projects involving medical gas and vacuum systems, chemical drainage waste and vent systems, sewer wastewater pretreatment, vacuum drainage waste and vent systems, or commercial potable water pressure booster pump systems may require additional review. Water service lines with an interior diameter of two inches or larger also require special consideration, unless designed and stamped by a licensed engineer.