Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is my contractor licensed?

A. You can find out if the person you are contracting to do work is licensed in South Carolina by visiting http://www.llr.state.sc.us. Click on license lookup, contractors, then residential builders. You may also call the Building and Planning Department and we will check for you.

Q. What do I need to get a building permit to build a new house?

A. Following are the requirements for obtaining a building permit for a new house:

1. Obtain 911 address request form and Zoning compliance signature from the Building and Planning Department. Present this form to the E911 department to obtain your new 911 address.
2. Owner/Builders who are not licensed contractors must complete the Owner Builder Disclosure Statement and record it in the Register of Deeds.
3. If a septic system is to be used, an SCDHEC septic permit must be obtained before building permits can be issued. If using an existing septic system, then a letter from a licensed septic system contractor must be provided stating that the system is adequate for the proposed home.
4. Submit a set of plans to be reviewed by a Building Inspector. (Allow 1-2 days for plan review).
5. Once steps 1-4 have been completed and plans are approved, permits will be issued. Separate permits are required for Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical (HVAC).
6. All contractors must be licensed with SCLLR.

Q. What do I need to locate a mobile home in Abbeville County?

A. Following are the requirements for obtaining a permit to set-up a mobile home in Abbeville County:

1. Obtain 911 address request form and Zoning compliance signature from the Building and Planning Department. Present this form to the E911 department to obtain your new 911 address.
2. If a septic system is to be used, an SCDHEC septic permit must be obtained before a setup permit can be issued. If using an existing septic system, then a letter from a licensed septic system contractor must be provided stating that the system is adequate for the proposed home.
3. A purchase agreement and title application if buying from a dealer. Otherwise a South Carolina Title in the applicant’s name will be required along with a moving permit issued by the county the home was purchased in.

Q. Can I build my house myself?

A. Yes, you have the right as a homeowner to contract and/or build your house. However, all codes and regulations still apply to you. Here are some important points to note:

1. If you are using subcontractors, all must be licensed for the work they perform.
2. You must complete the Owner/Builder Disclosure Statement and record it in the Register of Deeds.
3. SC Law prevents you from renting or selling your house for 2 years following completion.

Q. Do I have to use licensed contractors?

A. Yes, it is illegal to hire unlicensed contractors to perform work. If you hire unlicensed contractors to perform work, you as well as the contractor are subject to a $500 fine by SCLLR.

Q. When do I need to call for inspections?

A. Please give us at least a 24-hour notice. We try to accommodate any special requests, but there are times that we are not able to do so because of high inspection volume. Please keep this in mind.

Q. How much do building permits cost?

A. See the fee schedule here.

Q. How do I get a septic tank permit?

A. Contact South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) at 864-366-2131 or 864-227-5915.

Q. Do I need a permit for portable storage buildings, pole buildings, or metal carport structures?

A. ANY structure larger than 200 square feet requires a permit.

Q. Can I live in a “tiny home?”

A. Yes, the building code allows for small homes and Abbeville County ordinances do not require any particular minimum square footage, however, even the smallest of homes must meet the same code requirements as any other new home. Many “As Seen on TV” tiny homes do not meet these standards.

Q. Can I purchase a portable storage building and convert it to a cabin or a “tiny home”?

A. Generally speaking — No. Although many portable storage buildings have the outward appearance of a small cabin or tiny house, nearly all of them are lacking in critical areas of the building code for dwellings. This means they are fine for use as storage or a workshop, etc., but they cannot easily be converted for use as a home or cabin without major demolition and reconstruction.