Building permits in Charleston, South Carolina
Of the 9 common home projects we have verified in Charleston, 5 need a permit outright and 4 depend on size or scope. Click any project for the full rule, fee, and how to apply.
By Mario Bailey Last checked · 2 official sources
Verified against official sources- Project types verified
- 10
- in Charleston
City of Charleston Permit Center, Development and Construction Services (Building Inspections Division)
- 2 George Street, Ground Floor, Charleston, SC 29401
- Phone: 843-577-5550
- Email: permits@charleston-sc.gov
- Official permit page
- Permit portal
- Official fee schedule
Look up a permit in Charleston
Charleston runs an online permit portal. Many local portals let you check application status, search permit records, and view inspection results without calling the office.
What needs a permit in Charleston
Of the 9 common home projects we have verified in Charleston, 5 need a permit outright and 4 depend on size or scope. Click any project for the full rule, fee, and how to apply.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Permit | Permit required | Not specified | A $40.00 non-refundable application fee plus a valuation-based building permit fee... |
| Electrical Permit | It depends | Not specified | A $40.00 non-refundable application fee, which the schedule says "is in addition to the... |
| Fence Permit | Permit required | Not specified | No fence line item exists. |
| HVAC Permit | It depends | Not specified | A $40.00 non-refundable application fee, which the schedule states "is in addition to... |
| Patio Permit | Not confirmed | Not specified | Not published |
| Plumbing Permit | It depends | Not specified | A $40.00 non-refundable application fee, which the schedule says "is in addition to the... |
| Pool Permit | It depends | prefabricated swimming pools | The pool guideline says the Application Fee, Plan Review Fee and Building Permit Fee all... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | Permit required | Not specified | The roofing guideline sends all three fees to page 4 of the Building and Trade Permit... |
| Shed Permit | Permit required | Not specified | A $40.00 non-refundable application fee plus a valuation-based building permit fee... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Two permits, two fees. |
Planning a project in Charleston?
Hire it out
Before you sign, ask the contractor:
- Who pulls the permit, you or me, and is the permit fee included in the bid?
- Which inspections will this job need, and who meets the inspector on site?
- Is your contractor license active in this locality, and under which business name?
Planning several things at once? Check your whole project