South Carolina, Cherokee County Remodeler Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Cherokee County Building & Safety Division

The Cherokee County Building Safety Department is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for building permits and code enforcement within the county. They adopt and enforce the 2021 South Carolina editions of the ICC Residential, Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire, and Fuel Gas Code, along with the 2020 National Electrical Code and other relevant codes.

Permitting hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas

For properties located in unincorporated areas of Cherokee County, the County Building Safety Department is the permitting authority.

Permit Triggers for Demolition Work During a Remodel

A demolition permit is required for demolition work. Specific requirements for demolition permits include:

If the structure is a manufactured home, a Manufactured Home Moving Permit and a copy of the SC Title in the owner's name are needed.
If the structure is or has ever been commercial, a copy of the Asbestos Survey and an Asbestos Permit are required.
The applicant is responsible for contacting 811 to locate utilities and notifying all utility companies prior to demolition.
Once demolition is complete, the area must be cleaned, seeded, and strawed.

Permit Requirements for Altering Non-Living Spaces

A building permit is required to convert attics, basements, or garages into habitable living spaces. Depending on the scope of work, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits may also be necessary.

It is recommended to meet with Development Services Center (DSC) staff early in the planning process to discuss zoning and building issues.

Existing features in unfinished spaces, such as ceiling heights, windows, stairs, and insulation, may not meet current building code requirements for finished spaces.

Garage Conversions: If converting a garage to living space, you may need to demonstrate how a required on-site parking space will be provided. Detached garages may need to meet setback requirements and could have structural deficiencies that need to meet building code standards. If the exterior wall is less than three feet to a property line, a fire wall with no openings will be required.
Attic/Basement Conversions: Living space must have at least 70 square feet of floor area. Sloped ceilings in living space are permissible if no more than half the required floor area has a ceiling less than 6'8" in height, with no part of the required floor area less than five feet in height. Basements used for living space must have a ceiling height of at least 6'8".
Egress Requirements: Basements with living space and all sleeping rooms must have at least one egress window or exterior door for emergency escape or rescue. Egress windows must have a sill height of 44 inches or less. Doors leading into converted attics, basements, or garages, as well as exterior doors used for emergency escape, must be at least 6'2” high and 30 inches wide.

Resources to Learn More

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

South Carolina Remodeler Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

South Carolina Building Codes and Renovation Regulations

In South Carolina, the regulation of building codes and residential renovations is overseen by the South Carolina Building Codes Council. This council is responsible for adopting and modifying model building codes for the state, ensuring that construction and renovation projects meet minimum safety and quality standards. The state mandates the use of codes developed by the International Code Council (ICC), with specific South Carolina modifications. The most current adopted codes are the 2021 International Codes, which became effective on January 1, 2023.

1. Adopted State Statutes and Codes

South Carolina has adopted the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), along with their respective South Carolina modifications. The state also adopts other International Codes, including the Fire Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Fuel Gas Code, and Energy Conservation Code. While the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) is mentioned as a "permissive code" that local governments may adopt, it is not explicitly listed as a mandatory statewide adoption for all renovations in the same way as the IBC and IRC.

2. Primary State Board or Agencies

The South Carolina Building Codes Council is the primary state agency responsible for setting and adopting building standards. This council is composed of public and private building industry officials appointed by the governor. The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCLLR) also plays a role, particularly through the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission, which oversees licensing and registration for remodelers and contractors.

3. Classification of Remodels and Demolition Guidelines

South Carolina law requires building permits for any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, or demolition of a building, as well as for the installation or alteration of electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems.

Cosmetic Remodels vs. Structural Alterations: Generally, cosmetic updates such as painting, replacing countertops in the same location, refinishing floors, or swapping like-for-like appliances typically do not require a permit. However, alterations that involve moving walls, rerouting gas lines, adding new electrical circuits, or relocating pipes are considered structural changes and necessitate a permit. Finishing basements, enclosing porches, building decks, adding air conditioning or new gas lines, or converting attics also significantly affect the home's structure and require permits.
Demolition Guidelines: Demolition projects in South Carolina are subject to specific notification and permit requirements. Before demolition, an asbestos inspection by a certified inspector is generally mandatory. A minimum advance notification period (often 10 working days) is typically required before demolition or renovation work that could disturb asbestos. Written notification must be submitted to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (DES), formerly part of DHEC. Specific demolition permits may also be required from state and local authorities. Residential demolitions of single-family homes or duplexes may be exempt under certain conditions, unless they are part of a larger commercial project or involve multiple units under a single owner.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Cherokee 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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