Ultimate How to Guide – Building Permits Horry County

If you’re planning a construction or renovation project in Horry County, South Carolina, understanding the building permit process is crucial. Permits pulled in Horry County, SC will be done so at:

1301 Second Avenue Ste. 1D09 Conway, SC 29526 – Open: Monday–Friday 8am–5pm

Securing the right permits not only ensures compliance with local regulations but also helps guarantee the safety and quality of your project. At Stroudswood Construction, we’ve worked with many homeowners and businesses in the area, and we’re here to guide you through this essential process.

What is a Building Permit?

A building permit is an official approval issued by the local government that allows you to proceed with construction, remodeling, or renovation of a property. It ensures that your project meets the necessary building codes and safety standards. In Horry County, this process is overseen by the Horry County Building Code Enforcement.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Building Permit in Horry County

1. Determine if You Need a Permit

Not all construction projects require a building permit. Generally, any structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, or major renovations will necessitate a permit. It’s a good idea to check the specific requirements for your project. The Horry County Building Code Enforcement website provides a comprehensive list of projects that typically require a permit. South Carolina law allows homeowners who plan on building their own home are allowed to do so without the proper Building licensees as long as they plan to live in the home for more than 2 years, and not do so as a business, meaning they can act as their own builder and subcontract work to trades or perform it themselves.

NOTE: COA not needed on for existing home that has previously been issued COA for Renovation/ new addition less than 200 sqft.

https://www.horrycountysc.gov/departments/code-enforcement

2. Prepare Your Application

Once you’ve confirmed that your project requires a permit, the next step is to prepare your application. This includes:

• A completed building permit application form
• Detailed plans or drawings of the project
• Site plans showing property lines and the proposed construction
• Any additional documentation required for your specific project

Click online portal and find best fit for your Project/Build:

https://egweb.horrycounty.org/EnerGov_prod/selfservice#/home

3. Submit Your Application

You can submit your application online through the Horry County Building Code Enforcement website or in person at the local office. Ensure that all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays. Delivering all documents and payments in person will speed up the process.

4. Pay the Fees

Along with your application, you’ll need to pay the required permit fees. These fees vary based on the type and size of the project. It’s important to review the fee schedule available on the county’s website.

5. Review Process

After submission, your application will be reviewed by the building code officials. This process can take anywhere from instantly to several weeks, depending on the complexity of your project. During this time, officials may request additional information or modifications to your plans. You may need to provide additional information or documentation backing up your plan, ie. Architectural plans, soil tests, land survey, engineer approval, detailed plans of materials and timeline, etc.

6. Permit Issuance

Once your application is approved, you will receive your building permit. This document must be prominently displayed at the construction site. At this point, you can begin your project, but remember to schedule inspections at various stages of construction to ensure compliance with local codes.

7. Final Inspection

Upon completion of your project, a final inspection will be conducted to verify that everything meets the required standards. If your project passes this inspection, you will receive a Certificate of Occupancy (if applicable), which signifies that your building is safe for use.

Helpful Resources

For more detailed information about the building permit process in Horry County, visit the Horry County Building Code Enforcement website. This resource provides all the necessary forms, guidelines, and contact information for assistance.

843-915-5090 – Building Permit Office number

Conclusion

Navigating the building permit process may seem daunting, but with the right preparation and understanding, you can streamline the journey. At Stroudswood Construction, we’re here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring that your project runs smoothly and complies with all local regulations. We have extensive experience working with the county to get new builds/projects up to code/regulations and are well versed in what is expected when constructing in Horry County. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing space, let us help turn your vision into reality.

Feel free to reach out to us for more information or to schedule a consultation!