Shed Permit in Columbia, South Carolina

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a shed permit in Columbia?

A permit is always required for a shed in Columbia, and 200 square feet is the point where the type of permit changes rather than the point where the requirement begins. The city lists 'Accessory Structure (200 sqft. or less, detached, uninhabited)' among the zoning permits for which a building permit is not required, and Zoning issues that permit from a one page application and site plan. Anything larger, habitable, or attached goes through the Development Center as a residential building permit with plans, and the Accessory Structure application warns that Zoning staff may still route a structure under 200 sq ft to a building permit after review. Setback rules apply either way. Always confirm with the City of Columbia Planning and Development Services, Building Inspections Division and Development Center before starting.

How much does a shed permit cost in Columbia?

A detached accessory structure of 200 sq ft or less is a zoning permit: Unified Development Ordinance Fee Schedule (Rev. Sept. 25) charges 'SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (UNDER $10,000) $5.00' or 'SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (OVER $10,000) $10.00'. A larger or habitable accessory building takes a residential building permit under Code of Ordinances Sec. 5-204(a)(2): $20.00 for total value of $1.00 to $5,000.00, then $4.00 per $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, plus the $25.00 plan review fee due at application. Demolition of a residential storage building or garage is $25.00 under Sec. 5-204(a)(6)a. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.

Where do you apply for a shed permit in Columbia?

You can apply through the Columbia permit portal or contact the City of Columbia Planning and Development Services, Building Inspections Division and Development Center directly. The links are listed on this page.

Can a homeowner pull a shed permit themselves in Columbia?

Under South Carolina law (S.C. Code Ann. 40-59-260(A), (B), (C), (E), (F); 40-59-265; 40-59-280; 40-59-20(6), (7); 40-59-30(A)): South Carolina licenses residential builders and residential specialty contractors under S.C. Code Title 40 Chapter 59, and 40-59-260 exempts the owner of record who builds for himself. The exemption applies only if the owner does the work himself, with his own employees, or with licensed contractors or registered entities, if the structure is intended for the owner's sole occupancy or occupancy by the owner's family and is not intended for sale or rent, and if the general public does not have access to it. The owner must personally appear and sign the building permit application, and the local permitting agency must hand over a disclosure statement whose statutory text reads in part: You must supervise the construction yourself. You may build or improve a one-family or two-family residence. The building must be for your own use and occupancy. It may not be built for sale or rent. The sale restriction is two years and is a presumption rather than a flat bar: 40-59-260(B) makes proof of sale or rent, or of offering for sale or rent, within two years after completion or issuance of a certificate of occupancy prima facie evidence that the project was undertaken for sale or rent, which forfeits the exemption and exposes the owner to the chapter's penalties. South Carolina then adds a step no other state in this wave has: 40-59-260(E) requires the owner to promptly record a notice with the register of deeds, indexed under the owner's name in the grantor index, stating that the building was constructed by the owner as an unlicensed builder, and failure to record revokes the statutory exemption. The exemption is from the licensing chapter, not from the permit, and 40-59-280 requires the building official to refuse a permit unless the applicant furnishes evidence of licensure, registration, or exemption. Confirm how Columbia applies this before you apply.