South Carolina, Horry County Roofing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Horry County Building and Safety Division
In Horry County, the Code Enforcement Department is responsible for issuing building permits and conducting inspections for new construction, renovations, and improvements to structures. This jurisdiction covers the unincorporated areas of the county. The department ensures that all work complies with adopted building codes, safety standards, zoning regulations, and flood-related requirements.
Roofing Permit Requirements for Unincorporated Areas
According to the Horry County Code of Ordinances, a building permit is generally required for construction, alterations, or repairs to any building or structure. Specifically regarding roofing, a permit is required for a full roof replacement, particularly if the project involves removing existing materials or decking. However, the county provides an exemption for replacing shingles or finished flooring, provided that the structural sheathing is not being replaced.
Property owners or their authorized agents must apply for the necessary permits through the Code Enforcement Office before beginning work. If a project is located within a designated floodplain, additional requirements and documentation may apply. It is recommended to contact the Code Enforcement office directly to confirm whether a specific project requires a permit, as zoning compliance may still be necessary even for work that is exempt from a building permit.
Resources to Learn More
Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within South Carolina, including Horry County.
South Carolina Roofing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
State Statutes and Adopted Building Codes
In South Carolina, building construction and safety standards are governed by statewide building codes adopted by the South Carolina Building Codes Council. These codes are based on the model codes published by the International Code Council (ICC), which the state adopts periodically with specific South Carolina amendments. As of the most recent major adoption cycle, the state utilizes the 2021 editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC). Roofing requirements are specifically addressed within these codes—Chapter 15 of the IBC for commercial structures and Chapter 9 of the IRC for residential structures. These regulations establish minimum standards for roof assemblies, including materials, underlayment, flashing, fastening patterns, and wind resistance requirements.
Primary State Agency
The primary state body responsible for setting these standards is the South Carolina Building Codes Council, which operates under the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR). The Council is a statutory body established under Title 6, Chapter 9 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. Its functions include adopting and modifying model building codes for statewide use, regulating the registration of building code enforcement officers, and overseeing the modular building program. While the Council sets the statewide minimum standards, local jurisdictions (counties and municipalities) are responsible for the enforcement, permitting, and inspection of roofing projects to ensure compliance with these codes.
Resources to Learn More