Lancaster County, South Carolina Roofing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Lancaster County, South Carolina Roofing Permit Requirements
In Lancaster County, South Carolina, a building permit is required for any major roofing repairs or the complete replacement or installation of roofing materials. Work performed without a permit can result in fines of up to $500 per day.
Jurisdiction and Unincorporated Areas
Lancaster County's Building Services is responsible for issuing building permits for both residential and commercial projects, including renovations. This includes properties in unincorporated areas of the county.
Contractor and Material Requirements
- All roofing work must be conducted by a contractor licensed by the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission (SCLLR) in one of the following categories: SC General Contractor, SC Residential Builder, or Specialty Roofing Contractor.
- Compliance with the current adopted 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) and the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) is required.
- Specific sections of the IRC, such as R803.1 for lumber sheathing, R803.2 for wood structural panels, R905.1.1 for underlayment, and R905.2 for asphalt shingle installation, must be followed.
- Drip edges are required at eaves and rake edges of asphalt shingle roofs if specified by the shingle manufacturer, as per SCLLR Residential Code Modification Number IRC 2021-40.
Permit Application and Submittal
- A permit application, typically under the "Remodel" category, is required.
- Submittal requirements may include the manufacturer's product warranty certification report and installation instructions for the shingles.
- If significant structural members like roofing or structural sheathing panels are being replaced, identification of the damage repair is necessary for inspection.
- For new construction or additions, scaled drawings showing footing and foundation details, framing details, dimensioned floor plans, and elevation drawings are required. A square footage breakdown and an electrical layout are also necessary.
- If a septic permit is required for a new home, a copy must be submitted.
- Contractors must be licensed by the state of South Carolina. Owners may act as their own contractor for owner-occupied homes, but not for rental properties, by completing an owner-contractor affidavit.
Inspections
- Photos are required during the process, including the roof decking before underlayment and before shingles are applied.
- Final inspections are conducted to verify code compliance.
- Inspections can be scheduled online or by calling the Building Services office at (803) 285-1969.