A Building Trade Permit includes work such as electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and gas that typically does not require the review of Zoning, the Plans Examiner, Engineering or other agency outside of Permitting including minor commercial up-fits that do not require plan review. To obtain a Building Trade Permit, submit a completed Commercial Building Trade Permit application and any required plans to the Development Center for processing. For more information call us at 803-545-3420.
The Building Permit requires the review of Permitting and Zoning, and typically at least one other City division (i.e. Engineering, Plans Examiner). Please note that the permitting process may require land development reviews such as Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and/or Design/Development Review Commission. The Development Center will take in plans and coordinate the review of such projects. To obtain a Building Permit, first refer to the handout titled Before You Start and the appropriate development checklist to determine the plans required for your project type. Submit all materials and a completed commercial permit application (No plan review fees are due upon 1st submission) to the Development Center. If you have questions concerning the submittal requirements or the process of a Building Permit, please call the Development Center at 803-545-3483.
For Land Disturbance (clearing, grading, trenching, etc) requirements and permitting, see: Land Disturbance
NOTE: Painting, flooring, and other cosmetic work does not require a building permit; see the International Building Code Section 105.2 for exceptions. However, exterior work considered cosmetic in nature may require a Certificate of Design Approval if the property is in a historic or design district – please contact the Planning Division at 803-545-3222 for additional information.