Building Division and Permits

Location: 120 Broad Street
Phone: (843)-545- 3116
Fax: (843)-545-3296
Inspection Request Line: (843)-545-3261
Email:
Directions: Office is located between Front and Prince Streets.
Point of Contact: Robert Cox, Building Official

Department Functions:

To assure compliance with the (IRC) International Residential Code 2003ed. for all one and two family dwellings and with the (IBC) International Building Code 2003ed. for all other structures. (Commercial, Multi-Family, etc.) Related codes i.e., fire, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, gas, and flood zone and other regulations apply as adopted.
For projects located in the unincorporated areas of Georgetown County, the Division;

• Issues Building Permits;
• Provides pre-construction plan review services;
• Inspects construction projects for compliance with all adopted building codes; regulations, ordinances and National Flood Insurance requirements,
• Interprets Building Codes;
• Issues Change of Tenant Permits;
• Issues Mobile Home Permits; and,
• Issues of demolition, fire protection, sprinkler and other permits as required.

Department News:

COUNTY ADOPTS THE INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE

Georgetown County Council adopted the International Residential Code 2003 edition, effective July 1, 2002. This Building Code applies to the construction of all new one and two family homes as well as townhomes permitted after July 1, 2002. The International Residential Code (IRC) is now coupled with the International Building Code (IBC) 2003 edition which became effective July 1, 2001. The International Building Code applies to all commercial, multi-family, and other construction not covered by the IRC. For more details, contact the Building Division at (843) 545-3116.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How do I obtain a Building Permit application?
A: You may obtain a Building permit application from our office at 120 Broad Street.

Q: How do I obtain a residential building permit?
A: You must submit two complete sets of site, foundation, floor, elevations, typical wall section and electrical plans; one copy of the paid water and sewer receipts; and one copy of the proper flood zone documentation. A four-page brochure is available at our office or by fax upon request.

Q: How do I obtain a commercial project, building permit?
A: A brochure is available at our office (120 Broad Street) or you may fax your request to 545-3296.

Q: How much does a building permit cost?
A: The Building Division bases the cost of a building permit upon the value of construction and type of construction. Types of fees include building permit, plan review, fire impact and construction sign fees. You may request a copy of the fee schedule by fax or see "Additional Information" within this website.

Q: How do I obtain a Mobile Home Permit?
A: You must complete an application available at our office (120 Broad Street) or by fax (545-3296). With the application, you must submit the paid water and sewer receipts and/or a septic tank permit. Fees for Mobile Home permits are $100, plus a fire impact fee based on the value of the home. Homeowners must register with and obtain a registration sticker costing $5.00 from the Assessor’s Office.

Q: How do I obtain a Change of Tenant Permit?
A: In the Zoning Department, (120 Broad Street), you must complete an application and pay a $25.00 fee. Additionally, the proposed tenant must contact the local Fire Department Inspector to schedule an inspection. Once approved by the Zoning Department and Fire Department, Georgetown County then issues a Certificate of Occupancy.

Q: Is there a list of inspections completed during construction?
A: The building permit brochure lists all inspections available through our office at 120 Broad Street.

Links:

Office of Coastal and Resource Management (OCRM):
(Information concerning storm water drainage and coastal construction issues.)

Southern Building Code Congress:
(Search the latest building code information, class schedules and purchase building code books.)

England Enterprises:
(Classes offered, purchase code books and gain access to other related construction sites.)