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Horry County Building and Trade Permit Guide
Francis Thumpasery
Last updated:
Jul 21, 2025
Whether you're managing a commercial build, replacing a roof, or building a pool in Horry County, South Carolina, you’ll need to navigate the building permit process to stay compliant and avoid costly delays.
This guide breaks down the key Horry County building permit requirements, application steps, and trade-specific details — so you can spend less time chasing paperwork and more time building.
Simplify permitting in Horry County with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Horry County?
According to Horry County Code of Ordinances § 6‑3, you must obtain a permit before you:
- Construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of any building or structure
- Erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system
- Exclude: Detached accessory residential buildings 200 sq ft or less (non-commercial); replacing shingles or interior flooring unless structural sheathing is replaced
What does not require a building permit?
Below are commonly exempted items per IRC R105.2 and 2021 IBC A105.2:
- Detached accessory structures ≤ 200 sq ft (excluding commercial)—zoning compliance may still apply
- Fences ≤ 7 ft tall
- Retaining walls ≤ 4 ft high (unless supporting surcharge)
- Water tanks ≤ 5,000 gal and height-to-diameter ratio ≤ 2:1
- Sidewalks, driveways, painting, tiling, cabinetry, countertops, etc.
- Prefabricated pools < 24″ deep
- Swings/play equipment
- Window awnings (non-structural)
- Decks ≤ 200 sq ft, ≤ 30″ above grade, not attached to dwelling
To get more information, refer to the county’s “How to know if you need a building permit” page.
Horry County building permit fees
Permit fees in Horry County are based on project valuation and scope of work.
Common Horry County building permit requirements include:
- Base permit fee: Scales with job cost
- Trade permits: Flat-rate fees for plumbing, electrical, mechanical
- Plan review fees: May apply for larger or commercial projects
- Inspection fees: Included in some permits, extra for re-inspections
Permit fees for new residential buildings (one- and two-family buildings)
| Item |
Fee |
| Plan review fee |
$0.20/sq ft |
| New residential building permit fee |
$0.50/sq ft, minimum of $50 |
| Plan revisions |
$25 |
Permit fees for new commercial buildings
| Item |
Fee |
| Plan review fee |
$0.20/sq ft |
| New commercial building permit fee |
$0.35/sq ft, minimum of $50 |
| Plan revisions |
$25 minimum |
Other fees
| Item |
Fee |
| Open sheds/shelters |
$0.10/sq ft |
| Swimming pool construction |
$100 |
| All alterations, renovations or repairs |
Minimum $50 |
| Demolition |
$50 |
How long do building permits last in Horry County?
A Horry County building permit remains valid if work begins within 180 days of permit issuance. The building official can grant extensions of up to 90 days each, if requested in writing with justifiable cause.
Horry County trade permits
Trade permits in Horry County are priced based on the value of the work:
| Total Valuation |
Fee |
Minimum Permit Fee |
| $1,000 & less |
No fee, unless inspection is required. In that case, a $15.00 fee per inspection will be charged. |
— |
| $1,000 – $50,000 |
$15.00 for the first $1,000 plus $5.00 for each additional thousand (or fraction thereof), up to $50,000. |
$50.00 |
| $50,000 – $100,000 |
$260.00 for the first $50,000 plus $4.00 for each additional thousand (or fraction thereof), up to $100,000. |
$50.00 |
| $100,000 – $500,000 |
$460.00 for the first $100,000 plus $3.00 for each additional thousand (or fraction thereof), up to $500,000. |
$50.00 |
| $500,000 & up |
$1,660.00 for the first $500,000 plus $2.00 for each additional thousand (or fraction thereof), up to and including $50,000 over the base amount. |
$50.00 |
Plumbing permits
A plumbing permit is required for any new plumbing installations, fixture replacements, gas line runs, or water/sewer connections. Licensed plumbers must submit permit applications.
Electrical permits
All electrical work including new service panels, rewiring, or generator hookups require a licensed electrician and proper permitting.
Roofing permits
You’ll need a permit to replace a roof—especially if removing existing materials or decking. Overlay work may still require approval depending on layers.
HVAC permits
HVAC replacements, new ductwork, and mini-split systems require permitting and inspection. Licensed mechanical contractors must pull permits.
Fence permits
Fences above a certain height or located near rights-of-way require a permit. Local zoning rules may also restrict materials and locations.
Skip the paperwork — let PermitFlow handle permitting for you.
We make permitting faster and easier for contractors and tradespeople. Learn how.
How to apply for a building permit in Horry County
Step 1: Prepare your documents
First, you need to determine if your project requires a permit (Permit Requirements Guide). Then, you have to gather the following documents:
- Filled out the Horry County building permit application
- Site plan or building layout
- Scope of work description
- Property parcel number
- Contractor license and insurance documentation
- Subcontractor details (if applicable)
- Septic/sewer approval (if required)
- Zoning clearance (especially for new structures)
Permit applications vary depending on the type of work and location (e.g., within city limits, coastal zones, flood zones).
Step 2: Submit your application
Apply in person at the Horry County Code Enforcement Office, or submit online if eligible through the Horry County building permit online portal. Include all forms and required documents (missing info delays review).
Step 3: Wait for review
County officials will review your submission for:
- Code compliance (building, electrical, plumbing, etc.)
- Zoning compliance (setbacks, use, fencing height, etc.)
- Flood zone regulations if applicable
Timeframe varies based on project size; minor residential permits may take a few business days, while commercial or complex projects may take longer.
Step 4: Pay permit fees
Once approved, you’ll receive an invoice detailing:
- Building permit fee
- Plan review fee (if applicable)
- Zoning fee
Pay online or in person to receive your official permit card.
Step 5: Begin construction and schedule inspections
Post your permit card on-site and visible before starting work. Additionally, schedule required inspections (e.g., footing, framing, electrical, final) through the Code Enforcement Office:
- Call 843-915-1150 or visit horrycountysc.gov
- Provide permit number, job address, and trade type when scheduling
Do not cover work (like wiring or framing) before it passes inspection.
Horry County permitting resources
Simplify permitting in Horry County with PermitFlow
Expanding into Horry County? Navigating local regulations, assembling paperwork, and coordinating with county offices can drain your time and resources. Don’t let permitting slow you down — PermitFlow takes it off your plate.
Our user-friendly permit management software handles permit application preparation, filing, and tracking — so your team can stay focused on building, not bureaucracy.
Construction professionals rely on PermitFlow for our:
- Deep local expertise: Our specialists understand Horry County's specific permitting standards thoroughly, ensuring your applications are complete and processed efficiently
- Unified permit oversight: Monitor and control all your permits through a single, integrated platform
- Accelerated processing: We ensure your initial submission meets all requirements, reducing delays and getting you permitted faster
Stop letting permitting bottlenecks impact your timeline. Reach out today to learn how PermitFlow can help.
Whether you're managing a commercial build, replacing a roof, or building a pool in Horry County, South Carolina, you’ll need to navigate the building permit process to stay compliant and avoid costly delays.
This guide breaks down the key Horry County building permit requirements, application steps, and trade-specific details — so you can spend less time chasing paperwork and more time building.
Simplify permitting in Horry County with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Horry County?
According to Horry County Code of Ordinances § 6‑3, you must obtain a permit before you:
- Construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of any building or structure
- Erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system
- Exclude: Detached accessory residential buildings 200 sq ft or less (non-commercial); replacing shingles or interior flooring unless structural sheathing is replaced
What does not require a building permit?
Below are commonly exempted items per IRC R105.2 and 2021 IBC A105.2:
- Detached accessory structures ≤ 200 sq ft (excluding commercial)—zoning compliance may still apply
- Fences ≤ 7 ft tall
- Retaining walls ≤ 4 ft high (unless supporting surcharge)
- Water tanks ≤ 5,000 gal and height-to-diameter ratio ≤ 2:1
- Sidewalks, driveways, painting, tiling, cabinetry, countertops, etc.
- Prefabricated pools < 24″ deep
- Swings/play equipment
- Window awnings (non-structural)
- Decks ≤ 200 sq ft, ≤ 30″ above grade, not attached to dwelling
To get more information, refer to the county’s “How to know if you need a building permit” page.
Horry County building permit fees
Permit fees in Horry County are based on project valuation and scope of work.
Common Horry County building permit requirements include:
- Base permit fee: Scales with job cost
- Trade permits: Flat-rate fees for plumbing, electrical, mechanical
- Plan review fees: May apply for larger or commercial projects
- Inspection fees: Included in some permits, extra for re-inspections
Permit fees for new residential buildings (one- and two-family buildings)
| Item |
Fee |
| Plan review fee |
$0.20/sq ft |
| New residential building permit fee |
$0.50/sq ft, minimum of $50 |
| Plan revisions |
$25 |
Permit fees for new commercial buildings
| Item |
Fee |
| Plan review fee |
$0.20/sq ft |
| New commercial building permit fee |
$0.35/sq ft, minimum of $50 |
| Plan revisions |
$25 minimum |
Other fees
| Item |
Fee |
| Open sheds/shelters |
$0.10/sq ft |
| Swimming pool construction |
$100 |
| All alterations, renovations or repairs |
Minimum $50 |
| Demolition |
$50 |
How long do building permits last in Horry County?
A Horry County building permit remains valid if work begins within 180 days of permit issuance. The building official can grant extensions of up to 90 days each, if requested in writing with justifiable cause.
Horry County trade permits
Trade permits in Horry County are priced based on the value of the work:
| Total Valuation |
Fee |
Minimum Permit Fee |
| $1,000 & less |
No fee, unless inspection is required. In that case, a $15.00 fee per inspection will be charged. |
— |
| $1,000 – $50,000 |
$15.00 for the first $1,000 plus $5.00 for each additional thousand (or fraction thereof), up to $50,000. |
$50.00 |
| $50,000 – $100,000 |
$260.00 for the first $50,000 plus $4.00 for each additional thousand (or fraction thereof), up to $100,000. |
$50.00 |
| $100,000 – $500,000 |
$460.00 for the first $100,000 plus $3.00 for each additional thousand (or fraction thereof), up to $500,000. |
$50.00 |
| $500,000 & up |
$1,660.00 for the first $500,000 plus $2.00 for each additional thousand (or fraction thereof), up to and including $50,000 over the base amount. |
$50.00 |
Plumbing permits
A plumbing permit is required for any new plumbing installations, fixture replacements, gas line runs, or water/sewer connections. Licensed plumbers must submit permit applications.
Electrical permits
All electrical work including new service panels, rewiring, or generator hookups require a licensed electrician and proper permitting.
Roofing permits
You’ll need a permit to replace a roof—especially if removing existing materials or decking. Overlay work may still require approval depending on layers.
HVAC permits
HVAC replacements, new ductwork, and mini-split systems require permitting and inspection. Licensed mechanical contractors must pull permits.
Fence permits
Fences above a certain height or located near rights-of-way require a permit. Local zoning rules may also restrict materials and locations.
Skip the paperwork — let PermitFlow handle permitting for you.
We make permitting faster and easier for contractors and tradespeople. Learn how.
How to apply for a building permit in Horry County
Step 1: Prepare your documents
First, you need to determine if your project requires a permit (Permit Requirements Guide). Then, you have to gather the following documents:
- Filled out the Horry County building permit application
- Site plan or building layout
- Scope of work description
- Property parcel number
- Contractor license and insurance documentation
- Subcontractor details (if applicable)
- Septic/sewer approval (if required)
- Zoning clearance (especially for new structures)
Permit applications vary depending on the type of work and location (e.g., within city limits, coastal zones, flood zones).
Step 2: Submit your application
Apply in person at the Horry County Code Enforcement Office, or submit online if eligible through the Horry County building permit online portal. Include all forms and required documents (missing info delays review).
Step 3: Wait for review
County officials will review your submission for:
- Code compliance (building, electrical, plumbing, etc.)
- Zoning compliance (setbacks, use, fencing height, etc.)
- Flood zone regulations if applicable
Timeframe varies based on project size; minor residential permits may take a few business days, while commercial or complex projects may take longer.
Step 4: Pay permit fees
Once approved, you’ll receive an invoice detailing:
- Building permit fee
- Plan review fee (if applicable)
- Zoning fee
Pay online or in person to receive your official permit card.
Step 5: Begin construction and schedule inspections
Post your permit card on-site and visible before starting work. Additionally, schedule required inspections (e.g., footing, framing, electrical, final) through the Code Enforcement Office:
- Call 843-915-1150 or visit horrycountysc.gov
- Provide permit number, job address, and trade type when scheduling
Do not cover work (like wiring or framing) before it passes inspection.
Horry County permitting resources
Simplify permitting in Horry County with PermitFlow
Expanding into Horry County? Navigating local regulations, assembling paperwork, and coordinating with county offices can drain your time and resources. Don’t let permitting slow you down — PermitFlow takes it off your plate.
Our user-friendly permit management software handles permit application preparation, filing, and tracking — so your team can stay focused on building, not bureaucracy.
Construction professionals rely on PermitFlow for our:
- Deep local expertise: Our specialists understand Horry County's specific permitting standards thoroughly, ensuring your applications are complete and processed efficiently
- Unified permit oversight: Monitor and control all your permits through a single, integrated platform
- Accelerated processing: We ensure your initial submission meets all requirements, reducing delays and getting you permitted faster
Stop letting permitting bottlenecks impact your timeline. Reach out today to learn how PermitFlow can help.
