A Building Permit is required for any new construction, demolition, moving, repair or enlargement of a house or commercial building within city limits. Drawings are required to be approved prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. Some types of painting, flooring, and finish work may be exempt from a building permit. Building Permits are usually issued to a contractor properly licensed by the state; however, the building permit may be issued to the owner of a house if the owner signs an affidavit and complies with other requirements of state law.

 

  • No grading or excavation shall begin until the required permits have been obtained.
  • No building, structure, or land shall be used or occupied until an Occupancy Permit has been obtained.
  • Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work require separate additional permits and must be obtained by a craftsman with a minimum of a journeyman license and other licenses as required by state law.
  • Developments within the Floodplain are required to comply with the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Chapter 152 prior to issuance of a building permit.
  • Properties located within the Historic Overlay District must meet the requirements of Historic Landmarks Chapter 158 prior to issuance of a building permit. Properties located within the Historic Overlay District must meet the requirements of Historic Landmarks Chapter 158 prior to issuance of a building permit.  A Certificate of Appropriateness (From Here) may first be required before any demolition, new construction, alteration, modification, or addition to a historic property can occur.
  • New construction permit fees are based on the ICC Code/BVD Table. Other permits may be based on the cost of the work involved. Review our fee schedule (revised 10/25/23).
  • All contractors and subcontractors are required to obtain a City Business License.
  • The prime contractor who obtains the permit is responsible for scheduling inspections. A minimum of twenty-four (24) hour notice is required. Inspections include, but are not limited to the following:
    • Footings and Setbacks
    • Slab
    • Foundation wall and floor joists before subfloor
    • Framing
    • Rough – In electrical, plumbing and mechanical before insulation
    • Insulation
    • Contractor Permanent Power
    • Others as necessary
    • Final
  • A Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained from the Building Department prior to occupying the building.

For additional information, please contact City Clerk/Permit Tech Brenda Davis at 803-432-2421 x1165 or at cityclerk@camdensc.org.