Building permits in Columbia, South Carolina
Of the 10 common home projects we have verified in Columbia, 6 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 Columbia
City of Columbia Planning and Development Services, Building Inspections Division and Development Center
- 1401 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Columbia, SC 29201
- Phone: (803) 545-3420
- Email: DevelopmentCenter@columbiasc.gov
- Official permit page
- Permit portal
- Official fee schedule
Look up a permit in Columbia
Columbia 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 Columbia
Of the 10 common home projects we have verified in Columbia, 6 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 | Residential building permit under Code of Ordinances Sec. |
| Electrical Permit | It depends | Not specified | Electrical work at a one or two family dwelling is priced under Code of Ordinances Sec. |
| Fence Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Unified Development Ordinance Fee Schedule (Rev. |
| HVAC Permit | It depends | Not specified | Mechanical work at a one or two family dwelling is priced under Code of Ordinances Sec. |
| Patio Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Residential building permit under Code of Ordinances Sec. |
| Plumbing Permit | It depends | Not specified | Plumbing work at a one or two family dwelling is priced under Code of Ordinances Sec. |
| Pool Permit | It depends | pools that are in ground or permanent above ground | Residential building permit under Code of Ordinances Sec. |
| Roof Replacement Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Residential building permit under Code of Ordinances Sec. |
| Shed Permit | Permit required | Not specified | A detached accessory structure of 200 sq ft or less is a zoning permit: Unified... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Both a building permit and an electrical permit are priced under Code of Ordinances Sec. |
Planning a project in Columbia?
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