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

Sumter County Building & Safety Divisions

Sumter County, South Carolina, requires building permits for various types of work, including plumbing, in unincorporated areas. The Sumter City-County Building Department handles permit processing and inspections. They have adopted the 2021 International Building Code and 2021 International Residential Code, along with South Carolina statewide amendments. The 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) and ICC A117.1-2017 are also in effect.

For residential permit information, you can contact Debbie Rauch at 803-774-1617. For commercial permits, contact Josh Reeser at 803-774-1627.

The Building Department is located at 12 West Liberty Street, Sumter, SC 29150. Their hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas

In unincorporated Sumter County, building permits are required for construction, structural work, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and gas work.

Homeowners may perform work on their primary residence if they meet certain criteria: the home must be listed as their primary residence in Sumter County Tax Records, and they must have lived there for at least two years. An Owner/Builder Affidavit must be recorded with the Sumter County Register of Deeds before obtaining a permit.

All plumbing work not performed by a qualifying homeowner must be completed by a contractor licensed by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Contractors must also possess a Sumter County Business License.

Permit applications require a signed contract between the property owner and contractor, detailing labor and material costs.

Specific plumbing work that typically requires a permit includes adding new fixtures, replacing a water heater, or rerouting pipes.

Inspection requests for plumbing work, especially time-critical ones like plumbing under the slab, may be prioritized due to weather.

The Sumter County Engineering Department is responsible for reviewing and approving development plans within unincorporated areas to ensure compliance with county ordinances and South Carolina law.

Resources to Learn More

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